PilotFighter,


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I am not certain how you could interpid that to mean that I can recover from anything , anywhere, at any time. As an experienced Air Force pilot I am certain that you are familiar with the phrase, ''being ahead of the airplane''. Aviation is not about quick reactions as many laymen tend to think. It is about anticipation, knowledge, and understanding. Good instruction should involve graduated tasks with increasing difficulty.

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I agree with you to a certain extent.

However, regardless of how far ahead of the airplane you are your student is most likely not, and he/she is flying the airplane. This is much different than sitting in the back cockpit of a military trainer with your hand on the stick and throttle following the movements at critical phases should the student make a mistake. One has to remember in the beginning the student is flying mechanically having to think about every movement to coordinate each control input. Corrections are not automatic at that point much less recognizing a problem, or how to correct it.

Just think about what it was like when you were first learning to drive an automobile much less fly an airplane. Very mechanical at first until adequate experience was gained, and even then more time behind the wheel was required.

There always remains that unpredictable variable for the instructor which is what the student will really do when stressed. One has to remember their experience level is very limited up to the point of solo and well beyond. Even though a student is doing well is certainly not a guarantee that they will not make a mistake at any given phase especially as the complexity of training increases. In R/C with a buddy cord there will always be that built-in greater delay factor in reaction time for the instructor to recover.

It should be without saying that the instructor should not set the student up for failure.

If the winds are not suitable for good training graded upon a students proficiency level then its a down day. Where we fly if you don't fly in the wind you just don't fly much. Therefore we fly and train in the wind most days. You are correct some judgement is needed on the instructors part that is where their experience comes into play and why they are there.

The grace we have in R/C flying is that it allows for late bloomers. Whatever training time it takes for a student to be successful in their goal of being a proficient R/C pilot. Once my students are soloed and signed off they remain my students as they continue to explore the hobby. I'm there to help build upon their experience and answer questions as they arise.

Blue skies and good flying!