This might come out of left field BUT - I just finished teaching a teenager to fly this summer and it went like this:

1st - I used a few of my old trusty trainers and equipment (MY OWN). I think this does several things - it relaxes the student when it isn't his pride and joythat's going to get wrecked. I told him if we crash it I don't care ! Its old, doesn't owe me a cent and I've got alot of other better equipment. You're gonna crash so don't worry. Turns out I hit the tree first and we both laughed.

2nd - I tried to take him out when there was no one around. The key is practice! He got a ton of flying in in a short time and didn't have to worry about what all the other less understanding people were thinking. Also if we really screw up there's less around to damage. You really can't develop a new skill if you only get two flights a week. You have to be committed to the student.

3rd - I made sure when he was ready that he flew with other planes in the air. I think that's important . You have to get use to the noise and distraction and make sure that his field etiqette is up to snuf.

4th - BUDDY BOX - don't leave home with out one !!!! It relaxes the student when you say don't worry at first - if you get into trouble I'll pull it out - no sweat. RELAX!!!!!

I've seen alot of nasty near misses over the years that could have easily been avoided. I teach high school for a living and although people still say "what an easy job" I believe that there is a real skill involved in teaching anyone, not just the passing along of knowledge. The secret - put yourself in their shoes and keep it simple. One step at a time and make it fun.

Oh right. The very first thing you tell them is - NEVER take your eyes off of YOUR airplane. NEVER. Even for a split second and you'll lose orientation and good by plane. SAFETY of others first.