Flight Training Pitfalls
It’s a fact that sometime in your flight training you’ll fall victim to one or more of these pitfalls. Knowing them ahead of time is a surefire way to help you be on the look out and be ready to overcome them.
The Flying Pitfall
You may have the perfect flight instructor. Easy going, kind-hearted, and a great teacher. Although less likely with this type of instructor there are times when it seems as nothing can go right and your instructor let’s you know it. Maybe you’re agitated after a long day of work or just got off the receiving end of a bad telephone call. Either way you’re just not flying your best and your instructor let’s you know that. After all it’s his or her job to make you the best and safest pilot around.
Situations like these need to be avoided. Every time before flying you should conduct the IM SAFE checklist which is an acronym for.
I – Illness, how are you feeling today? Are you 100%?
M – Medication, are you taking any medication that may make flying hazardous?
S – Stress, are you under job or family pressures?
A – Alcohol, have you been drinking within 8 hours? 24 hours?
F – Fatigue, have you rested enough?
E – Eaten, have you eating lately? Are you adequately nourished?
Asking yourself this question each time before you fly is an easy way to avoid the flying pitfall.
The Instructor Pitfall
I was lucky, I had one instructor throughout my private and instrument pilot training. Yet when it came time to start my commercial pilot training I lost count with how many instructors I had.
95% of instructors became instructors to build time and move on to other jobs. It’s unfortunate but very true. If you find an instructor in the 5% bracket hang on and don’t let go. Nothing is worse than always changing instructors. A good instructor learns where you’re strong and where you lack. You build a relationship with the instructor. When you change you can feel like you’re starting over.
The Financial Pitfall
The number one killer of flight training dreams. Finances. However it doesn’t have to be. Getting an accurate quote and flying modestly within your means will help not only keep you on track but help you save a ton of money.
My first day at the flight school the instructor took me out on the ramp to show me their fleet of aircraft. They tried hard to sell me on their factory fresh Cessna 172’s although beautiful I settled for the faded (pre-loved) 1967 Cherokee 140. I was trying to fly within my means. Yes, the 172’s were beautiful but it wasn’t in the budget.
Plan, budget, and stick to it.
If you’re curious about how to really save some money I recommend my other article “How to Save Money on Your Flight Training”
