Sorry, but I just have to waffle about my first lesson that I had last week. I don’t know if it will help you much, but I’m still on a high about it!
I had a trial lesson a couple of months ago, but last Monday I had my first "real" lesson. Lesson started when I met my instructor who seemed very nervous. He said it was his first day at the club. I believe that I was his first ever fee paying student!
Anyway, soon got underway. He had already done the pre flight e.t.c. which I was a little disappointed about, but at my next lesson I’ll ask that I start doing it as soon as possible. Soon after takeoff he let me take control. First off it was to keep the tomahawk pointing in the right general direction until we reached 2500 feet. Then he introduced me to flying straight and level, then gentle turns which I practised for a while (these were turns to particular headings, not turn a bit to the left now a bit to the right). Next up was climbing to a set altitude followed by descending to a set altitude.
After about 40 minutes, it was time for the instructor to figure out where the airfield was (this was a bit of work for him as he said he was not familiar with the area!) and to get me turning the right way to head back. Finally we had visual on the airfield and he let me descend down to circuit height on the dead side of the circuit. Then he had me join the circuit on the cross wind. He was doing all the radio work and getting the join instructions e.t.c. At this stage I was really excited, I mean, he was letting me join the circuit on the first lesson. This was something I was not expecting! We were told we were number 2 to land behind a Cessna. So, when my instructor told me to turn downwind, I just followed the Cessna (who was just about to turn onto base). I got to admit, the turns I made were not very clean and I felt the circuit I was flying was a bit sloppy, but hey, it was my first lesson. Next, my instructor told me to turn onto base, which I did (again, not very tidy) and to start descent. He needed to help a bit getting the engine power right for the descent. Halfway along base I saw the Cessna land and then I asked if he wanted me to turn onto final. He said to go ahead when I felt ready and then asked if I was alright and did I want him to take over. I was thinking, "You're letting me fly this all the way around the circuit! You're damn right I'm alright!". I said I was fine and then turned onto final, again a not very precise turn. The instructor was still helping a lot with the power settings. At this stage, there seemed to be quite a bit of wind and although I was heading in the right direction the aircraft seemed to be yawing all over the place. I was trying to use the rudder to clean this up, but to be quite honest, I was really learning about the rudder and how much to move it e.t.c. to be very effective with it. The instructor asked again if I was all right and did I want him to take over. Again, I said I was fine! And that was it. I flew the aircraft down to the end of the runway, still struggling with the rudder trying to figure it out, but finally I heard the instructor say to flare, so I pulled back a little on the yoke and we met the ground. As I still hadn't got the rudder right, the landing was, by most people standards, bloody awful, what with the aircraft not quite pointing in the right direction e.t.c. But it was near the centreline and the wheels were still attached to the aircraft! However, after landing I was doing a terrible job of keeping things straight so I asked the Instructor to take over, which he did. He taxied off the runway and back to the parking area.
I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and really appreciated the chance to do so much on my first lesson. Also, my Instructor being so nervous may have put some people off, but I felt that technically he was good and just needs to get over some of his nerves which I felt were more to do with dealing with people e.t.c.. So I'm happy to fly with him some more.
Big problem now is convincing my wife that the virtually impossible cost is somehow justified! And also to get lessons to fit in with money, work and worst of all, the weather.
In terms of what equipment is needed on your first lesson, the flying school/club should provided everything you need. I'm sure the Instructor will inform you what you need to get further into your lessons as and when you need them.
Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to have a egoistic, waffling post and have a safe and enjoyable first lesson.