In a time where accusations of harassment can be prevalent, here we are in an environment of risk. By that I mean it's acceptable to have a student in a classroom with the door slightly open, because everyone can see and hear the conversation. When you get into the aeroplane you both enter a very private area, where any complaint from either person about harrassment (eg, touching) can be difficult to verify or disprove.
Given that scenario, the instructor is at risk of being exposed to such accusations. When you feel the need to help someone by, for example, having your hand on theirs to move the throttle together to reassure them in their movements, you should advise/ask them first. "I will help you with the throttle to show you what i mean, ok?" If the student objects to it, ask them to remove their hands and to watch what goes on.
Touching a student should be done with caution. Occasionally you might nudge a student lightly if you want them to look up or as a gesture of humour together with an appropriate comment, but the difference between this and actually groping the student are two different things. In the same vain, be careful not to show any signs of aggression that may be misconstrued as an act of assault. Its a tricky world where the actions of a careless few have made life for the rest of us very tricky.
In summary, keep your hands to yourself unless it is absolutely necessary, and whenever possible in an enclosed area, have witnesses present or nearby. Use common sense.
Kermie
