One Small Step, One Giant Leap Skyward

Tom Benenson

Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Andrew Rich

Key Takeaways:

Flight training is a progressive journey built on "building block" skills, emphasizing consistent weekly lessons for assimilation, self-correction, and active practice of fundamental maneuvers like stable approaches and go-arounds.
Students are encouraged to take an active role in their learning by preparing for lessons, asking questions, and practicing specific exercises (e.g., Dutch rolls, Vertical S, stalls) to develop a feel for the aircraft.
As a paying customer, students should demand quality service, be thoroughly prepared for all stages of training and the final flight test, and not hesitate to address dissatisfaction or switch instructors/schools if necessary.

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Every long journey begins with a single step. Once you’ve decided to go ahead and learn to fly-something you may have been dreaming about for years-and selected a flight school and an instructor, you’ve set out on the first leg of a satisfying lifelong journey.

You’ve committed your time and money to achieve your goal, so throughout the process, remember that you’re the customer. If you’re not satisfied with the service you’re being provided, demand your due.