Is this normal for CFI's?

[niallcooney]

Hi guys,

Most (or some) of you are flight instructors, so this would be the perfect place to ask... I'm starting my PPL(A) and have no previous flying experince except loads of sim time, I design planes in X-Plane and I've read huge amounts about aerodynmic theory and practice, including the Trevor Thom books. I took a 1/2 hour lesson today and was given control to experiment with steep turns, straight and level, descents, climbs etc. That's normal I know. Coming to the end of the flight the instructor gave me instructions to get back to the airfield and started configuring the aircraft (a Socata TB9) I still had control. I turned base, then final. Still had control. Flared and touched down. Still under my control with the instructor's hands on his lap. Taxied back under my control and the instructor shut the aircraft down. Is that normal? This is a reputable flying club in Dublin. I'd welcome any comments.

[indianpilot]

I guess it was good first day for u. There are two extremes. One where you don't fly the aircraft at all and the instructor has a great time practising his stuff and one where you have no idea what you were doing because you were too busy TRYING to fly an aircraft. You have to ask yourself 'Did I learn something from it?' If you did, great! If you didn't, then there is your answer. It is supposed to be flight INSTRUCTION after all. Was that flight possibly in a yellow little plane from a runway with lots of grass around it and trees at the end?

[niallcooney]

I suppose I learnt that the simulator doesn't compare to the real thing but it really does help... along with aerodynamics theory. I also learnt that it's very challenging to do a steep turn while looking out the window! And that landings are NOT hard. Yes the runway was 'surrounded' by grass, as are most runways I've ever seen, including international airports.

[foxmoth]

I quite often do a trial lesson where I get the student to land the aircraft, it depends on the student, and you would be surprised at how fast the instructors hands can move from his lap to the controls, but it is a good confidence booster for the person doing the T.L., who is often wondering if he/she can manage to do a flying licence. One point to remember though is, I have often foundthat this will probably be the BEST landing the student will do for a long time (probably because he is LISTENING to the instructor and doing as he is told)! <img src="tongue.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

over the years I've definately noticed a difference in time to get to standard between those who have spent time on simulators, and those who haven't. Often those who have done lots of sim time go through in minimum hours. That could be related to the fact that they are also more enthusiatic and dedicated than the average stude.

[John Farley]

ATPLwannabeboy

You ask if it is normal to be allowed to control an aircraft in the way that you did. My reply would be yes – assuming you were flying with a competent instructor. After all his/her job is to tell you what to do and then continuously assess whether you are executing those instructions well enough to be allowed to continue. You were, so no sweat.

Is your story a typical one? Probably not. A lot of people on their first go would fail to perform well enough at some point and the instructor would need to operate the controls.

No big deal. You may be a natural, you may have been lucky, or maybe both - only time will tell. My guess is that your background was invaluable and gave you a very good appreciation of what was going on in the air and, most importantly, the confidence not to be frightened by the task and so able to perform.

Flying is not particularly difficult, but it becomes impossible the moment you doubt you can do it. Like a lot of things.

Good start. Good luck.

[niallcooney]

Thanks for the confidence booster John, I really appreciate it. I'll just assume it was luck... can't get cocky, can we? Could have been a combination of weather factors etc as well. Whatever it was, I'm hooked and I'm not going to stop learning, even if my medical status forces me to fly in the US. I just want to say that I have the highest respect for instructors out there and while I know they might be hour building for their ATPL etc, it amazes me that they can put in the time, effort and trust (especially in light of my experience yesterday), and I commend you all. Long may your standards stay this high.

[CaptAirProx]

John Farley is totally right. On a trial lesson I assess the student, the weather conditions and his/her character. If I think they have a fair chance of not cocking it up and frightning themselves in the process, I let them have a go. Some need to have the controls taken from them at 20 feet others not at all. If my gut feeling is not sure, then I do the approach and landing. Well done mate..........I say the lesson was a success. You are hooked! Thats what its all about. Learning and enjoying..........go for it.. .From an insructors point of view, this topic is a bit of a gamble, thats what we get trained to judge.