11 Mistakes that Student Pilots Make

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Expect to make some as you learn to fly, or when you pursue additional certificates and/or ratings.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, December 01, 2023 at 07:36 AM ET

Verified

All pilots can learn from the pitfalls encountered by students. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

Prioritize fundamental operational procedures and safety: Avoid common errors like steering with the yoke on the ground, neglecting checklists, or incorrectly using elevator control for climbs or glides; always obtain a comprehensive weather briefing.
Adopt a structured and informed approach to training: Utilize a syllabus, fully understand course requirements, avoid rote memorization for knowledge tests, and recognize that proficiency, not just hours, leads to certification.
Exercise financial caution with flight school payments: Never pay the entire cost of training upfront without thoroughly reviewing refund policies and contract terms to prevent potential financial loss.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Expect to make some as you learn to fly, or when you pursue additional certificates and/or ratings. Be careful where you get your information from—when you are beginning the journey, you don’t know what you don’t know. And sometimes myths and rumors abound from fellow learners. But we’re here to help: We’ve put together a list of some of the most common mistakes that fledgling pilots make.

1. Trying to steer with the yoke on the ground

With the exception of the two-axis Ercoupe, you steer an airplane on the ground with rudder pedals and differential braking. If you know how to drive, you may try to steer with the yoke on the ground, using it like a steering wheel. Break this habit by folding your arms on your chest and steering with your feet while the CFI controls the power.