Gents
I have different 52 types in my logbook. 51 could be operated as I described the other one required the landing light to be kept off for multiple circuits as the generator would not keep up. Therefore
I still feel that in almost all aircraft training scenarios the internationally accepted SOP for lights should be used. I have over 1000 hours instructing in at least 20 different examples of C-150/C-152 and I have never met one that had any problem with insufficent electrical power on the ground or in the air.
I think my point remains valid. If I go out to my home field ( a regional airport with a 3 runways , a control tower , 3 flight schools and a fair amount of commuter/low cost airline operations ) I see a huge variation in how aircraft ground lighting is used with many examples of poor or incorrect usage. This leads me to believe that there is a systemic problem with how these pilots are being taught and that is a direct reflection on the knowledge /skill levels of their instructors.
On a different note. On my first flight with new ( licensed ) students I ask at the beginning of the flight if they regularly scan the engine guages in flight . They invariable say " of course ! ". At some point in the flight I then cover the engine guages with my hand and ask the student what they were reading. Every single time to date, I just get a blank stare in response to the question. I then explain If they don't know where the needles were sitting they have not really been scanning anything. I then explain the importance of scanning the engine guages and mentally noting their normal ranges, so that hopefully they will spot trouble in time to avert a problem. Again I have to ask myself why didn't their PPL instructor beat this point into them,
It could save their life one day .