they'll be focusing on the AH to set the cruise attitude rather than looking out the window.
That is exactly how aircraft should be flown. It applies to all aircraft from Cessna to 747. In fact part of the lesson for an ab-initio student for the sequence straight and level flight includes scanning of the artificial horizon. Read the CASA Flight instructors manual DA 2342 (Rev 5/88) at page 17, Exercise No. 5 where the published aim is to teach how to fly the aeroplane accurately straight and level.
Quote: "During the flight stress the attitude of the aeroplane with reference to the natural horizon...instruct the student to keep a good lookout and point out prominent landmarks as an introduction to the process of orientation.
As the student becomes more proficient draw his attention to the flight instruments. show how their indications are directly related to the attitude of the aeroplane in relation to the horizon. Do all this in all exercises from now on - remembering the need for a good lookout. Do not let him get a `head in the cabin` complex. ...when the aeroplane is settled in straight and level flight point out the instrument indications and relate them directly to the attitude of the aeroplane
..
Straight and Level Flight at Various Power Settings; Instruments Point out that the indications of the instruments are now different from the normal cruising straight and level indications...Relate these readings directly to the aeroplane' different attitude, especially the lower nose position"
Climbing...during the climb point out the indications of the various flight instruments...Relate these indications directly to the attitude of the aeroplane in relation to the natural horizon"
And the CASA Flight Instructors Manual even gives advice to instructors on how to conduct a TIF or Air Experience. To those instructors keen to chance their arm and throw a TIF student into the deep end by giving them a take off the manual has this to say at page 1.
Quote "If possible the flight should be made in good weather, as many potential pilots have been frightened away by rough and unpleasant weather. very little instructions should be given at this stage though if he appears to be comfortable the student should be allowed to `follow the instructor through` on the controls and even manipulate them for a short while" Unquote
I can't remember who wrote it but someone mentioned letting the stude in a TIF have a go at steering etc to assess their ability, then giving them as much of the takeoff as they can safely handle. Agree 100%
Interesting the Flight Instructor's Manual doesn't mention this technique. Rather it recommends for a TIF "Very little instructions should be given at this stage..though if he appears to be comfortable the student should be allowed to
`follow the instructor through` and even manipulate them for a short while Clearly the intent is to do this at cruise altitude - not a take off and climb.