CFI Post #3

Expectations talk is very important. Letting the student know what is expected of them and what they can expect of the instructor is vital in opening the lines of communication between student and instructor.

I would start off by stating what the student can expect of me. This would be strategic so as to not offend or put off the student. The expectations would include that I have come prepared, ready to fly and patient. That I would do my best to answer any questions the student may have and if the answers are not known, find out. I would tell the student that nothing will be a surprize on the flight excluding a real emergency and in that case the flight will terminate and I will take control of the aircraft. I will do my best to make the flight enjoyable and informative.

I would then communicate to the student the expectations I would have as an instructor. Those expectations including positive change of flight controls, listening to what I say for safety of flight, asking questions if and when they arise, following all rules and or procedures layed out, and notifying me of any sickness that may arise or pre-existing medical conditions due to safety of flight.

I would stress that these expectations are there for safety of flight and in no way used to control the student. Stressing that as an instructor I am there to aid, and support the student in flying. I feel that these are very important points. The student is walking into what seems like a different world; speaking about these points will help the student assimilate and know what to expect.

FIA Question2

It is important to evaluate where a new student is at in training when a transfer in flight instruction occurs. The first place to look at Westminster College is the student's folder. It will have ground briefings, flights that have been conducted and notes about the students performance.

The next place to gain information on the student is the previous instructor. Asking questions such as how the student appears to prepare for a lesson? Do they struggle with any phase of flight? Are they nervous about any flight maneuvers? Are they confident in both ground knowledge and aircraft control?

Asking a new student questions should not be overlooked. Reviewing cross country procedures, aerodynamics, and weather to see the student's knowledge level can be invaluable in determining what areas the student may be weak.

The way to evaluate the student can come in many different forms. Merely asking questions orally can be one way of determining the students level of knowledge, but things such as a quizes or scenario based training (i.e. having the student plan a cross country) can yield a lot of information to the instructor as the transition happens.