ORIGINAL: metabolicmaggot
I am just wondering because after countless hours on the sim I imagined doing more than "practicing left hand turns". Was I wrong to hope for more? What did you learn or what do you teach on the first flight?
This varies depending on how well the student is doing and how many flights are made.
Lessons start with examining the plane together for proper assembly and balance. Then safety items, preparation for flight including buddy box set-up and starting. Next
COULD be him taxiing to the runway depending on conditions at the field and field rules. A quick explaination of final run-up and control checks before I make the first takeoff while he observes. Once I have the plane at a safe altitude and trimmed I have an experienced pilot trim the buddy box the first time and finally hand it to him.
Finally he begins to fly steady (hopefully) left hand (or right) patterns around the field whild maintaining altitude and control during the turns and reasonably straight and level flight. Then the turn directions are reversed for a while. Once both turn directions are being done well figure eights are introduced.
Once he consistantly performs the above manuevers practice approaches are made. Takeoffs are introduced as soon as I feel he won't dive into the ground immediately after takeoff. This can begin on the second flight or take longer.