Having more than one instructor for PPL
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
Having more than one instructor for PPL
Hi guys just wondering how much of an effect this will have on my training , should I just stick with one. For those who have experienced both, maybe for different ratings which did you think was better? Thanks in advance
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Wickford
There are both good and bad points to this. When I first started, I had 2 instructors (and very occassionly had a third).
It was good in a sense as I got 2 different training methods and different tips from both of them with different perspectives.
The bad side is that I kept having to change the way I flew. The instructors expected slightly different way which were opinionated but 1 instructor did things a little differently than the other and each didn't really agree with how the other one did it. Neither were right or wrong and just preference.
It was good in a sense as I got 2 different training methods and different tips from both of them with different perspectives.
The bad side is that I kept having to change the way I flew. The instructors expected slightly different way which were opinionated but 1 instructor did things a little differently than the other and each didn't really agree with how the other one did it. Neither were right or wrong and just preference.
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Somerset, UK
From my own experience I had 4 or 5 instructors and learnt different things from each of them. In particular I had one instructor who was having great difficulty in getting me to land well and consistently, I of course blamed myself but I just couldn't "get it" with what he was telling me to do.
A change of instructor and I learnt a different approach to landings and quickly improved in both quality and consistency, if you seem to be getting hung up on a particular flying issue a change of instructor may be the answer.
A change of instructor and I learnt a different approach to landings and quickly improved in both quality and consistency, if you seem to be getting hung up on a particular flying issue a change of instructor may be the answer.
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 4
From: Mare Imbrium
Do you mean alternating between different instructors through your training, or do you mean changing at some point in your training from one to another?
Lots of folk do the latter due to force of circumstances and it can be a good thing. Swapping from one lesson to another, on the other hand, will slow your progress (although as others noted you will learn more overall).
If you have control over it I'd recommend sticking to just one instructor up to about Ex 11, after that the different teaching styles of others may well be a benefit.
(If for some reason you are not getting on with your instructor - personality clash or what ever - then change anyway, its your money, you are the customer)
Lots of folk do the latter due to force of circumstances and it can be a good thing. Swapping from one lesson to another, on the other hand, will slow your progress (although as others noted you will learn more overall).
If you have control over it I'd recommend sticking to just one instructor up to about Ex 11, after that the different teaching styles of others may well be a benefit.
(If for some reason you are not getting on with your instructor - personality clash or what ever - then change anyway, its your money, you are the customer)
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 1
From: Oop North, UK
Ideally stick to one or two instructors unless you are having a problem with that instructor in which case you might need to change. Flying with more very much depends on how good the club standardisation is, I did my instructors ticket at a club where all the instructors had been trained in house, so all taught pretty much the same thing, though differing instructors might teach in a slightly different way, other clubs can have all the instructors teaching a different method so little standardisation - not so good.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: London
I can't see the value in this. You will pay a LOT of money for your PPL training. Any lesson that doesn't go well is a significant investment possibly wasted.
In an ideal world, all instructors would want the same and teach the same. Reality is, it just isn't like that. Even things that should be identical, one will want 5 kt more on approach than the other, etc.
My advice would be to stick with just the one. If your school can't provide that, find a school that can.
In an ideal world, all instructors would want the same and teach the same. Reality is, it just isn't like that. Even things that should be identical, one will want 5 kt more on approach than the other, etc.
My advice would be to stick with just the one. If your school can't provide that, find a school that can.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: London
The problem with two instructors is that they will teach slightly different recipes. You have enough on your plate without having to get confused with two different methods. You will take more hours to complete your PPL in my opinion.
When my instructor has been on vacation I have used a couple of different instructors, and at one point I was wondering if this was wise. in retrospect I should've probably refrained and waited for my instructor to return as I don't think I gained a great deal other than some more hours in my logbook and learning that you can turn off the carb heat either on final or on the ground. Having the option though means that I tend to forget it at all if I'm not careful.
Cheers, Howard
When my instructor has been on vacation I have used a couple of different instructors, and at one point I was wondering if this was wise. in retrospect I should've probably refrained and waited for my instructor to return as I don't think I gained a great deal other than some more hours in my logbook and learning that you can turn off the carb heat either on final or on the ground. Having the option though means that I tend to forget it at all if I'm not careful.
Cheers, Howard
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 16
From: Moray,Scotland,U.K.
I had three instructors first time I did my PPL. The changes were deliberate by the school to sort out problems i had. (School had 6 full time instructors)
I let it lapse, and re-did most of it 20 years later. I had two instructors - change due to availability. I found it annoying - one would repeat the lesson so HE would know where I was. (School had 2 instructors only)
I let it lapse, and re-did most of it 20 years later. I had two instructors - change due to availability. I found it annoying - one would repeat the lesson so HE would know where I was. (School had 2 instructors only)
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
I know this is kind of a discriminating question but are young guys and girls usually just waiting to get into the airlines, where as perhaps slightly older instructors are there to stay? At my club there are some current and former airline pilots instructing? Would they be better in your opinion?
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 16
From: Moray,Scotland,U.K.
The last check-out I had was with a young guy trying to get an airline job. He was one of the best instructors I've ever flown with. Very experienced (at instructing)old guys are usually very good.
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Wales
I have had several instructors, and they each had a few things different.
One would want you to do a 'TTT' at each turn... Turn, Trim, Talk. Why I don't know.
Another would want you to do the BUMFFPITCHH check only on the downwind leg, some let you do that as you approach the Overhead.
One would want you to keep the carb heat on after the Pre-landing Checks
another wanted it on only when you reduce the throttle.
Some seem more sensitive to errors, and take over at the slightest indiscretion, others would let you bounce all the way down the runway, if you felt the need to.
Post PPL you have only the Bi-Annual flight to worry about.
One would want you to do a 'TTT' at each turn... Turn, Trim, Talk. Why I don't know.
Another would want you to do the BUMFFPITCHH check only on the downwind leg, some let you do that as you approach the Overhead.
One would want you to keep the carb heat on after the Pre-landing Checks
another wanted it on only when you reduce the throttle.
Some seem more sensitive to errors, and take over at the slightest indiscretion, others would let you bounce all the way down the runway, if you felt the need to.
Post PPL you have only the Bi-Annual flight to worry about.
Last edited by phiggsbroadband; 24th June 2013 at 21:07.
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow
Like most things there is a balance. My club operated a primary and a secondary instructor who kept each other up to date with where I was. Both are very experienced and although I know they have their own way of doing things, they are happy to support each other's techniques. They are quite different personality wise but both incredibly experienced. I've learnt alot from both.
Nearer my skills test I went up with the chief instructor, who is totally different again (a bit more combative) to be comfortable flying with others before the exam (and I think my instructor was being tested as to how good my training was!
So I'd say using more than one instructor is a good thing, but six is bad, and you need to work out some way to deal with different instructions from different instructors, otherwise you'll be just getting confused rather than learning!
Nearer my skills test I went up with the chief instructor, who is totally different again (a bit more combative) to be comfortable flying with others before the exam (and I think my instructor was being tested as to how good my training was!
So I'd say using more than one instructor is a good thing, but six is bad, and you need to work out some way to deal with different instructions from different instructors, otherwise you'll be just getting confused rather than learning!
Joined: Dec 2009
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
There are advantages to both, but I concur that a single instructor for your first few hours of training is vital while you adjust to learning in the flying environment.
For me, using different instructors later on in my training gave fresh perspectives on problems I was having. Sometimes something they would say would turn on a light bulb in my head and I'd understand instantly how to fix something I was repeatedly getting wrong. Those were good lesson days...
For me, using different instructors later on in my training gave fresh perspectives on problems I was having. Sometimes something they would say would turn on a light bulb in my head and I'd understand instantly how to fix something I was repeatedly getting wrong. Those were good lesson days...
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 16
From: Moray,Scotland,U.K.
If the school is run efficiently, I'd leave it up to them to select your instructor. A new instructor should have been briefed about you.
Otherwise think of going elsewhere
Only later did I realise how good Thruxton were in '64, under Morris Looker, CFI.
Otherwise think of going elsewhere
Only later did I realise how good Thruxton were in '64, under Morris Looker, CFI.
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
I had 3 instructors (a few others dipped in and out), all taught me different things and made my education very well rounded.
Instructor 1 (CFI) Taught me some bush flying skills and some very practical skills about what to do when faced with real issues, i remember one great lesson where we used clouds as mountains and tried to out climb them...i.e. part of my mountain flying training (which at the time i got my license was not officially part of the curriculum) ... a very sobering lesson. He taught me practical flying..ie. yes this is what the POH or book says says but if you're in the poo you should be doing this. basically allot of really good instruction on how to fly that's not in any manual or syllabus
Instructor 2 (The professional), fly at 1500ft not 1570ft, rate 1 turns are rate 1 turns, your RT is precise, good position reports. keep calm, manage the aircraft. he taught me how to fly well.
Instructor 3 (Newly Minted CPL and C Cat), had allot of local knowledge which helped immensely and with out his guidance i would not have got the exam marks i did, he really helped me with informal ground school tuition, he was the reason i even passed the Nav exam let alone got over 90%
I was lucky to learn with these guys. I think more than one instructor helps round a new pilot, ok if they have directly contradictory styles then that could be an issue.
FK
Instructor 1 (CFI) Taught me some bush flying skills and some very practical skills about what to do when faced with real issues, i remember one great lesson where we used clouds as mountains and tried to out climb them...i.e. part of my mountain flying training (which at the time i got my license was not officially part of the curriculum) ... a very sobering lesson. He taught me practical flying..ie. yes this is what the POH or book says says but if you're in the poo you should be doing this. basically allot of really good instruction on how to fly that's not in any manual or syllabus
Instructor 2 (The professional), fly at 1500ft not 1570ft, rate 1 turns are rate 1 turns, your RT is precise, good position reports. keep calm, manage the aircraft. he taught me how to fly well.
Instructor 3 (Newly Minted CPL and C Cat), had allot of local knowledge which helped immensely and with out his guidance i would not have got the exam marks i did, he really helped me with informal ground school tuition, he was the reason i even passed the Nav exam let alone got over 90%
I was lucky to learn with these guys. I think more than one instructor helps round a new pilot, ok if they have directly contradictory styles then that could be an issue.
FK