When training as a pilot, you will spend time with a flight instructor who will provide you with knowledge on all aspects of flying.
They are responsible for instilling in you the correct practices and procedures that you will implement and develop as your experience in aviation develops.
Attending flight school can be quite an expense, so applying your full efforts to your training will ensure that you get the most out of your experience.
There are also steps that you can follow to impress your flight instructor and show them that you are dedicated to learning.
Complete Your Checks
In preparation for landing, the majority of aircraft will require pilots to conduct several checks. Some students tend to become dependent on a checklist and fail to carry out these checks.
To impress your instructor and ensure that you are following the best practices, it is beneficial to physically conduct these checks rather than read them from your checklist. This will show that you are listening to what they are telling you and that you are not reliant on the checklist to inform you on what checks need to be done.
Prepare and Study
Attending flight lessons without dedicating your time to studying is likely to show in your lack of knowledge.
Although gaining experience of being inside an aircraft seems much more appealing than reading through your books, they can provide you with valuable knowledge and will show your instructor that you are committed to all aspects of learning, even the parts that aren’t as engaging.
It will also reduce the amount of time your instructor spends educating you on information that you could have learned through studying.
Ask Questions
Asking your flight instructor questions will show that you are eager to learn but will also allow them to clarify anything that you are uncertain about. You may have gathered some knowledge when studying which you need to be explained further.
Asking questions as they arise will allow your instructor to answer there and then rather than having to return to them at a later time.
Write Down Any Pieces of Important Information
When in the cockpit, you will receive some pieces of information that you should write down. This will help to ease any hesitations regarding these factors as they arise because you have the information on hand to refer to.
For example, it is beneficial to write down factors such as altimeter setting and clearances to altitudes.
Be Punctual
There may be occasions where you have a genuine reason for your late arrival to your class, and communicating the causes of such delays directly to your instructor is favorable.
Otherwise, you should always display excellent punctuality by arriving on time. This will show your instructor that you are focused on your learning and also that you respect them and the time that they are spending when teaching you.
Study Each Maneuver and Procedure
You will be taught many different maneuvers and procedures during your time at flight school, each of which should be ingrained in your memory but the time you complete your training.
It helps to study the theory behind each of these maneuvers as you learn them. Keep these notes to hand so that they are available for you to look at when required.
Spending time educating yourself on each maneuver is likely to see you advance faster in your training and is bound to impress your instructor as they can see that you have applied yourself to learning all of the important details.
Don’t Abandon Your Lookout Technique
A lookout technique is something that you will be taught during the initial stages of your training. It essentially refers to the process of visually scanning the surrounding area to pinpoint any other aircraft that are a potential hazard and need to be avoided.
It is common for students to forget to implement this technique as they progress through training, however, failing to ‘lookout’ increases the risk of a collision occurring.
Ensure that you regularly conduct your lookout checks as this will show your instructor that you are aware of the importance of this technique for the safety of those on your flight and others.
Ask for Feedback and Don’t Be Offended By Critique
Although it can be deflating to receive critique after applying your best efforts to the task, in the long run, it will prove to be hugely beneficial.
Throughout your time training, it is likely that your instructor will inform you on areas of improvement to ensure that you are applying the correct knowledge and practicing the correct technique. Accepting this criticism will show that you want to reach the best standard.
Alternatively, you may wish to ask your instructor for feedback to gain an understanding of the areas in which you are excelling and those that are not yet at the desired level.
