How can you make your next flight lesson great? Here’s some thoughts to encourage you:
1.) Be Early. Get to the airport early and have the plane pre-flighted by the “start” time of your lesson. This makes the most of the time you have scheduled with your instructor (I mean, I guess your instructor can stand there and watch you preflight…but I think there are better ways to spend your time!). Also, this puts you in a better mental place. You won’t be as stressed or as hurried.
2.) Be Prepared. You should know what you’re doing that day (your instructor should tell you and give you work to do between lessons). So be sure you have read and reviewed the work you will be doing in the air. You’ll be more comfortable and won’t be trying to digest concepts in the air while you are also trying to fly the maneuvers.
3.) Be Attentive. Stay with me. Don’t zone out. Be fully present. Leave everything else you have going on in your life on the ramp. That’s actually one of the beautiful things about flying. All of that will be waiting for you when you taxi up. So enjoy your flight training while you’re doing it and be focused on it alone –you’ll maximize your experience.
These simple suggestions can help you make your next (and subsequent) lesson more productive and enjoyable! Fly On!
By Todd M September 26, 2012 - 8:12 pm
Chris,
I totally agree! I remember early in my training when my instructor told me to have the plane ready at the beginning of our lessons. Not only did it keep me from feeling rushed or watched over, I felt a sense of progress and trust being placed in my actions.
By Chris Findley September 26, 2012 - 9:15 pm
Thanks Todd! Great points…
By Pat Flannigan October 5, 2012 - 3:47 pm
Great advice Chris. I found I became a better student after I became a CFI because of learning these basic to tips.
This goes hand in hand with a piece I wrote at AOPA: “Are You Ready to Learn”
By Chris Findley October 5, 2012 - 5:52 pm
Thanks Pat! Sometimes it’s just setting the bar at the right place that makes all the difference.
By Todd October 6, 2012 - 4:16 am
Too few student realize the onus is on them to make their flight training dollars stretch. As you noted one easy way is to not waste valuable time with the instructor on tasks that aren’t providing the student greater learning opportunities like watching a pre-flight. Great tips!