The “secret sauce” of effective education is caring, compassion, and empathy on the part of the CFI. This builds the trust of your learner and creates a safe “learning zone” for optimal education. This safe learning zone is free of fear, judgment, and criticism and is where optimal learning can occur. Our educational challenge in … Continue reading “Fear Poisons Learning; Create a Safe “Learning Zone!””
Overcoming stress and fear is one of the first and most important steps in becoming a successful pilot. If the first couple lessons are not handled very carefully, a CFI can easily frighten an already scared learner. This leads directly to a loss of motivation -“I thought this was fun!”- and quitting (80% drop out … Continue reading ““Fear/Stress Inoculation” For Pilots”
We have seen some recent accidents where “student lock-up” is a strongly suggested causal factor. This fear reaction is common in flight training; 65% of SAFE CFIs surveyed reported forcibly taking the controls from their panicked learner . “Lock-up” is a result of “extreme fear” which puts the brain directly into the “fight or flight” … Continue reading “Managing “Extreme Fear” (Startle/Lock-Up)”
The amazing lack of understanding of slip/skid/spin aerodynamics demonstrated by many applicants on flight tests is almost criminal. A simple rote recitation of “P-A-R-E” with no real understanding or experience is not going to save a pilot in an upset situation. Yet Loss of Control-Inflight (LOC-I) is the #1 fatal accident causal factor in aviation. … Continue reading ““Comfort Zone” and “Pathetic” Spin Training!”
As pilots, we all will eventually have to face the incapacitating effects of fear. This will either come during new flight experiences while training (student lock-up) or when facing a shocking and unexpected emergency while flying (e.g. US Airways Flight 1549 or Neil Williams’ amazing inflight recovery). The startle response has received lots of recent … Continue reading “Managing Student Fear For Effective Learning”
Takeoff and initial climb are very simple operations in most GA planes. But surprisingly, this area of flight is statistically quite dangerous. The considerable risk here is under-appreciated due to the lack of challenge and obvious threat. That ILS to minimums or a gnarly crosswind more naturally grab your attention! Pilots are usually in their … Continue reading “Add Safety (Awareness) *Before* Flight!”
Most senior CFIs have at least one story of forcibly taking over control of an aircraft from a locked-up, panicked learner. A SAFE survey of CFIs revealed that 65% had at some point forcibly taken back aircraft control from an irrational student! One CFI/DPE revealed a crash where he struggled and lost this battle resulting … Continue reading “Struggle for Control; CFI (Or YOU!)”
The “Fundamentals of Instruction” (FOI), are required to be learned and then tested by the FAA for initial CFI certification. This teaching doctrine is a formidable challenge for many pilots transitioning into their new role as “educators.” Success for every aspiring CFI requires shifting from the world of “flying and physics” to their new primary … Continue reading “Reforming The (Ancient) “Laws of Learning!””
“Gut punch” is how more than one person hearing the news of Richard’s untimely death described their reaction – total incredulous shock and pain. There was lots of crying and disbelief to come to terms with this bitter news. This is a loss we all will have to process over time, but will never get … Continue reading “Richard McSpadden: “Last Lesson!””
“Beginner’s Mind” is an attitude of openness to new experiences enabling awareness and flexibility in the face of challenges. Since every person has a built-in balance between novelty (new experiences) vs security (stability/sameness), embracing “beginner’s mind” may be more of a challenge for some people (e.g. pilots). The practice of shoshin [the Japanese Zen term … Continue reading “Tune Up Your “Beginner’s Mind!””
