Just some suggestions to newbies reading this that would like to get help at a local club.

First, SPEAK UP!!!! Ask people standing around if there is an instructor or club member around. When you find either a member or instructor ask if there is a training schedule the local club offers. If so, be at the field at that time, ready to fly early if possible , especially if the club supplies a plane and buddy box for you. If you have your own, plane, first ask to make sure it's setup correctly. When you do find an instructor, don't be shy, ASK for help, sometimes more than once, as in the case where they're busy with another student or have one already in line. In other words, you should expect help, yes, but you shouldn't expect it to come find you always, you have to ask for help, and it really is your responsibility sometimes to remind a busy instructor that you're waiting for help. This is the biggest tip I can suggest. We usually have someone at our field that is willing to help, and I've seen people standing waiting for someone to ask them if they need help. I'm vp of membership for our club so on training nights I often ask if I see someone just standing around if they are interested in flying a club trainer and you'd be surprised how often they say yes, that's what they came for, but never they never speak up.

Second, listen to what an instructor says. They're trying to help but it's frustrating if a student doesn't seem to be paying attention or doesn't show interest or appreciation to what's being said. If you haven't got a plane of your own yet, ask for suggestions on a good training plane and on what equipment to buy and where you might get it.

Also, it goes along way to have a positive attitude. I've seen new students who comment about how long they have to wait for help (again, often after not asking for help). Remember that an instructor is volunteering their time and that they are doing so because they WANT to help others, but sometimes have a desire to fly themselves or have other students waiting in the wings, so a pleasant, positive attitude, with expressions of gratitude can go a long way to remind the instructor that you are there, waiting for help. You don't have to KA but put the shoe on the other foot, wouldn't you be more eager to help someone who showed signs of appreciation and gratitude, and who reminded you in case your mind was on something else at the time?

For training day, be at the field early enough to help set up. When I was training, I would help unload the trainer planes and equipment and fuel and help setup. Now that I train others, I really appreciate when students try to help out and not just stand there waiting for you to hand them the controls. Help setup, fuel the plane, help start it, carry it to the runway, etc. These things go along way towards a good training session.