I'm getting ready to drop him because I can see that it's going to be like this all down the line, and it's wearing me out. It's as though he gets angry when I ask him to come into the classroom so that I can give him an idea of what to expect for our flight. My other students are extremely motivated and are a joy to work with, so I know it can't be entirely me. What do you suggest?
Yours,
Anne
Greetings Anne,
You're right. Your student can't afford to avoid ground instruction. It will cost him in the long run. First, let's assume that his unwillingness to study isn't based on a personal limitation that prevents him from reading, such as dyslexia. (If he does have trouble reading or has any sort of learning disability, he may avoid the classroom for fear of embarrassing himself.)
I suggest being direct and asking him nicely about any problems. Try saying something like, "I notice that you are having more trouble than most people enjoying the nonflying part of learning aviation. Is that because of any specific learning problems you have experienced?"
This should give you a clue as to how to proceed. He might be better off studying with videos instead of books. I suspect, however, that this isn't the problem.
It's more likely that he's just plain lazy. Yes, people can be lazy. If you suspect that this is the problem, try letting him know that all future flights will be conditional, based on his having completed the assigned homework. (Be specific about what you want him to study.) Inform him that you'll review the homework before each flight. If it's apparent that he hasn't done this work, then the flight is cancelled.
Next, make sure that he understands that he's obligated to pay you for the time you set aside for the cancelled lesson. And always make sure that he keeps sufficient funds on account. If this doesn't turn him around, then furlough him. The last thing you want is your name in the logbook of someone who doesn't take flight training seriously.
Rescheduling A Ride
Dear Rod,
I have a few questions regarding the scheduling of checkrides. Earlier this week, I flew with a student the day before her checkride, and she just wasn't ready. During the previous two flights she was fine, but it was obvious that she needed a little more time with me despite my best efforts. I called the examiner and rescheduled, and he was completely understanding. But it got me to thinking.
In your experience, what is the proper thing to do? Should I wait until the student is completely ready and then schedule the ride, knowing that in most cases the ride is then going to be three to four weeks away? Or, is it OK to assume that the student is just about ready, maybe a flight or two away from being perfect, and then schedule the ride, knowing that I may have to cancel again?
Sincerely,
John
Greetings John,
My personal preference is that students not wait more than seven to 10 days after receiving a recommendation to take the checkride. If it takes three to four weeks to schedule a ride with an examiner, then schedule it in advance, even if there is a remote possibility that you may have to cancel again. But let's not forget that examiners have to eat, too. We don't want to cancel if it's not absolutely necessary.
In your case, you certainly don't want to delay your student's checkride for an entire month. Ask the examiner to put you on his or her wait list for the time when you suspect that your student will be ready. That way, if another instructor cancels, you get dibs on the slot.
Let's suppose that your student isn't ready and you cancel the ride, rescheduling it in four weeks' time. If you suspect that the student will be ready sooner, then find instructors with students who have checkrides scheduled at about the time you expect your student to be ready. (The examiners I know will gladly share this information with you.) Offer to switch checkrides if their students need to cancel. This gives your student an earlier checkride date and gives the other student a ride at a more convenient time.
Recovering From A Mistake
Dear Rod,
Last year I did something very stupid. I'll skip the details. I'll just say that I entered IFR conditions shortly after takeoff, when I was at about 500 feet above ground level, and was unprepared for it. I was mad at myself for making such a dumb mistake but figured it was something I could learn from. I'm instrument-rated with 1,500 hours total time. As I entered the clouds, I went on the gauges. No problem, right? Wrong.
The turn coordinator seemed to show a left turn and the attitude indicator showed a right turn. Within seconds I was in a developing graveyard spiral. I survived but only by a few hundred feet. I did everything wrong. Had it been night, I wouldn't be here today. It's nine months later, and I'm still scared of flying - both VFR and on the instruments. Any suggestions on how I can regain my confidence?
Sincerely,
Bill
Greetings Bill,
I once had a student who managed to spin an airplane while performing basic maneuvers in the practice area. He returned to the flight school scared to death. I knew that if he left the airport in that condition, he'd never return. So I dragged him back out to the airplane where we discussed the problem. Then we flew to the practice area for some stall and spin practice. Getting him back in the air liberated him from his fears. You need to do something similar. Unfortunately, you've waited nine months, which has given your fears time to multiply.
Find an instructor you trust and get back in the air. Do it on your terms. VFR, IFR, day, or night - it doesn't matter. Just fly. When you're feeling more comfortable, have the instructor put you through a strenuous partial-panel exercise. I suspect that your unusual attitude was caused by misreading the attitude indicator's sky pointer or horizon line - not an uncommon problem. I caught one of my students doing something similar once. He interpreted the attitude indicator properly only when I asked him, "Which wing is pointing toward the ground?" That's a question you might ask yourself if you ever have a similar problem. Don't let fear rob you of a very important part of your life. Fly now.
Please e-mail your questions to "Since You Asked" at [email protected]. Only questions selected for publication will be answered.
