We often see statements that 40 sized trainers are flown in a more dangerous manner during the training of new pilots, than other types of flying. I started to wonder, with the use of buddy boxes being the norm, why this appears to be true. Back in the days when we had only 7 channels to use, when a pilot got clearance to use the frequency, it was normally for some maximum amount of time. 15 to 20 minutes seemed the norm. The newbie pilot would use every minute of his allotted time before landing and having to relinquish the frequency, since it might be an hour or more before he would get the frequency back. Today, with the 50 channels we have, we typically do not have to wait long to get the frequency again, yet, the .40 sized trainers are still equipped with large fuel tanks that allow flights approaching 30 minutes at half throttle. Instructors, and students alike, seem to embrace the long training flights.

In watching several new pilots recently, it occurred to me that part of the problem may be that the new pilot appears to lose concentration substantially before he starts to run low on fuel. How many of you, as either instructors or trainees have suggested or had it suggested to you that you land when you start to lose concentration instead of waiting for the fuel to run low? What are your observations about the “normal” time period a new student can maintain concentration? Are extended flights a major part of the reason mishaps occur more frequently to student pilots? Would a student pilot be better off to take more frequent, shorter duration flights than a few long duration flights?