I went through flight training last year so my recommendations are from the student's perspective.

I would have liked some structure:

1) A preflight checklist. Experienced flyers often forget just how confusing an RC can be to a newbie. And, NO SKIPPING steps! It took me weeks before I didn't have to step back and say "The ailerons go up when I move the stick left." Write that on a stupid checklist and make them use it.

2) Let the student turn the needle valve and try to start the engine. It took me two months to be able to start and adjust my own engine because all the kind hearted instructors wouldn't let me touch either (even though I asked). Don't spend hours letting them flail at it, but let them touch the stuff and they'll learn quicker.

3) Give the student some idea of what they should do. Just "Go fly around" doesn't cut it. I had three sessions before an instructor let me do figure 8s (I didn't realize that just flying ovals makes you dependent on the wind being from the same direction).

4) 3 or 12 mistakes high. If you're on the buddy box, with a trainer, and you (the instructor) are paying attention, does the plane really need to be so high up you can't see it and really have no idea what its doing?

5) Let them taxi the aircraft. I didn't get to taxi until my sixth takeoff. I would have had MUCH less trouble taking off if I'd been allowed to taxi.

6) Pay attention to the student. Make them explain things. To many instructors just abandon you after you make that first (bouncy, just barely stopped) solo landing. Its hard for a student to NOT stop using the instructor after they have "soloed" a good instructor would suggest they stick with the training for a few sessions even if they are flying solo.

All you experienced people may now prepare to scream at me.

I have taught computer classes and community college and done a lot of computer training. And, I think it is very clear that the problem with many instructors is that they aren't very good teachers.

They have the best of intentions and lots of flying skills, but doing and teaching are two different things.

Since most newbies are older guys (I'm 40), there is a definate tendency to want to solo as fast as possible and "cut the cords". Most instructor programs are geared toward making this happen. I can tell you that most of the 1 - 5 year pilots in my club still make each landing an adventure. Because (I think) basic skills are insufficient.

If I were teaching computer classes, I would use structure and teaching aids, and, when I'm good enough to instruct RCs (and I intend to) I will try it as well.

The hardest thing about teaching computers is remembering how confusing they were way back when you started. I think the same is true for RC.

GB