My airplane, no, my airplane!
So you’re flying along and the instructor asks to fly for a second. Do you just let go of the yoke and say, “Go for it?” Not if you’re a safe pilot. The positive exchange of controls is a simple call and response system created to ensure clarity on who’s actually flying the airplane. It’s simple:
Instructor: “I have the controls.”
Student: “You have the controls.”
Instructor: “I have the controls.”
Do this every time and there will be no confusion over who’s in control.
AOPA Flight Training staff
AOPA Flight Training Staff editors are experienced pilots and flight instructors dedicated to supporting student pilots, pilots, and flight instructors in lifelong learning.
Related Articles
