Yesterday was a first for me as an instructor. As fate would have it, two of my students had check rides on the same day - one for private pilot and one for an instrument rating. Both worked hard, faced their share of adversity and hassles, and .... drum roll please ...
Both passed without a hitch!
Congrats guys!
7 comments:
Congratulations John. Other then the first solo, is there anything more satisfying as a professional then to have your students pass their check ride? Good Job! Questions:(1) for the private pilot; do you have them go through any spin training? What are your thoughts about having your students actually do spin recovery? (2) for the instrument pilot; do you have them fly EFIS as well as 'steam gages'? Shooting an approach with each would seem to be advisable these days, any thoughts?
Congrats!
At the 141 school where I taught long long ago, the end of the semester would signal the beginnings of checkride hell. There was a day when I had four go up for rides. Two private pilots, an instrument, and a CFI.
Stressful day for me, to say the least.
They all passed. But they didn't say goodbye to me as they loaded up their vehicles to travel home for Summer Break! :(
Dave,
The only feeling better than a candidate passing is when I get paid!
;-)
I give private pilot candidates the option of doing spin training, but I don't require it because the PTS doesn't require it. Also, statistically speaking, pilots who undergo spin training are no less likely to be involved in a stall/spin accident that those who do not do spin training.
I also give instrument rating candidates the option of flying a glass panel, but everyone I train starts with steam gauges. I do it this way for the simple reason that going from glass to steam is a real mind bender, while transitioning the other way is less so. Even in a glass aircraft, I make sure we simulate failures that result is pretty minimal instrumentation.
Thanks, GC. Wow, four check rides in one day would be a lot. That same day I did teach an instrument proficiency flight in the morning and then did a flight review with another pilot in the afternoon. And when I had a spare moment to think, I kept wondering how my two guys were doing ...
Hearty Congrats to both you and the students, John. It takes both to make a success.
The first Dave asked two very good questions, I'd love to hear your answers.
Congratulations John! I bet it is satisfying. You're obviously a great instructor and will continue to see your students through successful check rides on the first attempt.
Mike
Spin training is a great idea. Not because the student is likely to get into a spin, but because unless they've experienced them and know they can institute a recover, they will be afraid of the unknown. That means they'll be afraid of stalls. I believe a lot of landing accidents are due to landing at higher than normal speeds. After talking with a lot of pilots, they seem to be afraid of stalls. I think it all comes back to lack of practical spin training and quality ground instruction on spins.
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