Re: rookie needs help

I have to disagree with Jonathan, although as an instructor since 1968 I
might be slightly biased. Every lesson should include pre- and post-flight
briefing, and the instructor should be compensated for that time just as
s/he is compensated while the Hobbs meter is running. I can do a heck of a
better job explaining something in the relative calm of a classroom/briefing
room with a whiteboard than I can in the cockpit while simultaneously
watching what my student is doing plus scanning for traffic. If I try to do
it all in the cockpit, you can be sure that the total time to convey a
lesson will be longer simply because the cockpit is a lousy classroom and
the student can't concentrate on what is being said and still fly the
airplane.

FAR 61.105 says that an applicant for a private pilot certificate must
receive and log ground training. This does not mean ground school for the
purpose of passing the knowledge exam...there is no regulatory requirement
that you attend a ground school. This refers to ground instruction on the
art of flying and all it entails, not on regurgitating the answers to
multiple choice questions.

If an instructor says that s/he will charge only while the meter is running,
find another instructor. Cheap flight instruction might be expensive in the
long run.

Bob Gardner

"Jonathan" <jonabramson@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:dPCdnSAVW4mjwDnenZ2dnUVZ_sOdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> First, there is no such thing as a "cheap flight schoool." I flew several
> intro flights before I found a school I liked.
>
> I wanted a school that met the following criteria:
> I could do some of the ground school on my own
> Price for rental and CFI was competitive with the area
> The school was more interested in teaching me to fly then making a buck
> off of me
> The location for the training area was not to far so I would not waste
> much time in the air flying back and forth to the training area.
> The planes I would be flying would be well maintained.
>
> One of the things I feel is fair about the cost and the willingness to
> teach was they only charge me flight time based on the the hobbs, not on
> the time I pre-flight and get ready to go. If I have a question, the clock
> is not on. I do pay for ground school when I am sitting down and we are
> going through the books.
>
> Some other tips:
> You don't have to look for the most professional looking school. Sometimes
> a small office in the FBO where the school is being run out of is more
> than enough.
> Make sure you feel comfortable asking the CFI questions
> Talk to them after the lesson to help determine what went wrong and what
> went right.
> If the CFI is grabbing the conrols when you make a minor mistake that is
> easily recoverable by the students abilities, then I don't believe they
> are a good instructor.
> When you are in your car, turn off the radio and practice what you would
> say when you are talking to ATC or area traffic.
> Practice and memorize the best you can the different things to do when
> going through the checklist
>
> Also, put lots of money aside first. Fly 2 -3 times per week at a minimum
> or the costs can get out of control trying to re-learn everything.
>
> MS Flight simulator is great to teach the very basics. After you start
> learning flight manuevers, put it back on the shelf because it will only
> confuse you.
>
> Sportys DVDs are good prep and so are Gliem audio cds. However nothing
> substitiutes for practice in the real thing.
>
> I am sure there are other opinions as well. I can't give all the opinions.
> I am only a post-solo student with a little over 20 hours in and these are
> my observations.
>
> One other thing. If you want information on schools, you should write back
> to the group what area you want to train in and/or what kind of weather.
>
> Good luck
>
> -Jonathan
>
> "Matthew Douglas" <matthew.douglas2@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:oEQof.47258$uR.532@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> Hi
>> my friend brought me a 1 hr flying lesson for my birthday and now i,m
>> hooked (its all i think about).So ive been out and purchased all the
>> books
>> to take the ground tests.
>> I was hoping someone can tell me a good flight school in the states which
>> is
>> cheap and friendly .
>>
>> thanks matt.
>>
>>
>
>


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