ORIGINAL: bkdavy
The simulators do not simulate reality.
I totally agree with you on that point. I know that I can condition thumb reflexes, try to insure that I won't have blank moments where I get left and right confused, and I can
roundly anticipate what some flight dynamics challenges might be. As I mentioned I've done this a little before but didn't continue. I know I can only truely "pick up where I left off" in reality, not in a sim.
My reason for asking this was not because I'm convinced I'll be a fluent right away when I get back out there. The reason for asking is that after a lot of time preparing in a sim, I may have certain habits (for better or worse) that may not be how a student should be flying right off (or at all). So I'd like to practice a instructor session in the sim (especially in leading up to the session).
ORIGINAL: bkdavy
Talk with your instructor before you fly. Let him know what you think you can do, and let him decide what he'll let you do. Your best bet is to think out loud while you're flying the plane. Say what you're going to do give it a second or two, and then do it. Your instructor will gain confidence in your ability to anticipate what the plane is doing.
Depending on what skills you exhibit, he may or may not let you land it the first flight.
For me, the most frustrating experience is the student that won't do what I tell them to do. If I want them to fly figure 8's, and they start throwing the sticks around, I'll take the plane, land it, and explain that if they don't want to follow instructions, they can find another instructor. I usually have a reason for telling them what to do, and I've explained our goals for the flight before we take off.
Again, listen to your instructor, and do what he wants you to do. You'll solo faster and be a better pilot for it.
Brad
Another reason for asking this is that (despite some possible over confidence on my part) I respect the various reasons that the instructor might want to do things in a certain way. I'll be in touch with a instructor
possibly some time in the next few weeks. The feedback I've gotten here gives me a better idea ahead of time about how this usually is. I was not sure how structured or freestyle these instructor sessions normally are.
I know also that at stake is not just my future flying skill, but also risk to person and property around the field, so they are right in having their way of doing things with any new comer.
Thanks, that was interesting to hear from an instructor.