Pertinent Question to ask when on a TIF?

[3550Rebel]

I just booked in for a Recreational Pilot Certificate TIF this weekend and would like some advice on what question I should ask the instructor? Some questions that the novice might not think to ask?

 

Thanks

 

Simon

 

 

[Birdseye]

Am I insured?

 

 

[turboplanner]

Don't be sitting there with a list of questions. This is the time to absorb everything you are feeling, everything the instructor is saying, the reaction of the aircraft to your inputs, and the thrill of flying. You'll have so many questions afterwards, you won't need to ask us.

 

 

[MartyG]

Sit back & enjoy & try not to bust a jaw from grinning when he says the magic words" Your Aircraft", Work out if it is something you would like to pursue, If yes then ask Instructor whats involved next. Have fun M8.

 

 

[Downunder]

"If we have to eject, what do you want me to do?"

 

"Will we be carrying guns or rockets and where is the 'fire' button..."

 

 

[johnm]

how many hours flying experience have you got sonny ?

 

and ............... did you learn to fly in tiger moths ?

 

 

[kgwilson]

Will this plane fly OK on one engine? Then check the expression on the instructors face. Next. Will it fall out of the sky if the engine stops? Check again. Then. Just kidding, I know it flies best on one engine cause that's all it's got, unless there is a pop up spare.

 

By now he will either:-

 

Not be amused at all.

 

Think you are a complete wally.

 

Laugh and carry on

 

or

 

Ignore what you said and continue with the TIF as if nothing had happened

 

 

[phonetic]

ask what aircraft will you be flying in, download pilots operation manual, pilots check lists, watch youtubes on aircraft type you will be flying in

 

 

[Bernie Knight]

Mmm importantly how was it?

 

Are you hooked..

 

 

[3550Rebel]

Had the TIF

 

A great experience.

 

A good preflight briefing then a good hour flying. Apart from take off and landing I was learning to fly the plane. It was quite full on, definitely no "joy" flight.

 

One interesting issue I had was with the hand throttle. Many years ago I was plant operator and the machines I operated had hand throttles as well, but they worked in reverse. I had to think twice whenever I was asked to change the throttle setting.

 

The flight was followed up with a good post-flight debrief. I flew in a Tecnam Echo Super.

 

I will keep going for another couple hours before I decide If I will go on for the full certificate. The instructor offers a 10% discount on 10 hour blocks so I want to ensure I have the aptitude to successfully complete all the training before making that investment.

 

The instructor did reckon I had a good aptitude for flying, but he might say that to all potential students.

 

Having said that, I am keen as mustard to do my next lesson, only problem is the instructor, thus the school, is going away for a fortnight. I will be on the phone soon as he gets back.

 

Having the airport only 8 minutes from home and with my flexible work hours, I can have lesson during the week before work. Hopefully this will mean I can work around bad weather to keep up regular lessons. I know weather can be an issue if you limited to only weekends for training.

 

Anyway I will report back on my progress.

 

Simon

 

 

[old man emu]

Had the TIF. I want to ensure I have the aptitude to successfully complete all the training before making that investment. Simon

You had sufficient aptitude to get from home to the airfield, didn't you? That's all you need. The rest is just "show and do".

 

OME

 

 

[Ayecapt]

You have the enthusiasim. What you also need is patience and cash. If your impatient you will eventually get yourself in the air in a unprepared way . When your learning to fly it can take a bit of time for things to sort of click. We are all different of course. But for most people there will be somthing that just takes a little longer to learn. So patience is needed. The cash... dont bank on doing the minimum 20 hours Budget for more and you will be happy when you have some cash left over to start your xcountry training.

 

Welcome to flying you will enjoy it.

 

 

[Old Koreelah]

...When your learning to fly it can take a bit of time for things to sort of click. We are all different of course. But for most people there will be somthing that just takes a little longer to learn. So patience is needed. The cash... dont bank on doing the minimum 20 hours Budget for more and you will be happy when you have some cash left over to start your xcountry training.Welcome to flying you will enjoy it.

Good advice, Capt. My power training was spread over several years and several instructors. That was due to money and time considerations, but I'm glad I didn't get my ticket and go solo after a few days (which I did with gliders). I learned lots more, flew several different aeroplanes from different strips in a variety of weather and traffic environments.

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Had the TIF... I want to ensure I have the aptitude to successfully complete all the training before making that investment. ...

 

Simon

Flying is a mechanical skill like riding a bike or driving a car. It's more intense at first and there is more to look after and flying is less forgiving of making mistakes.

That said, IMHO anyone who can learn to drive a car can learn to fly a plane. Be patient and enjoy the process. A lot of students reach a point and think something like "I can't make this work ... I'm no good at this" and then they give up. DON'T GIVE UP because of that. It is quite a common experience and you WILL get through it if you persist. But having said that, if you find yourself thinking that the instructor is a jerk (and they ARE out there), go try another instructor. Don't let someone who's had a personality bypass ruin flying for you. An instructor should be your ally, not your adversary.

 

As you mentioned, your TIF was no "joy" flight. This is true also for a fair while after you solo. There is a great responsibility on the PIC to keep themself and their passenger(s) safe, and there is a lot to manage. For a while you might even question whether you really like flying after all. Stick with it. It gets better with experience ... MUCH better!

 

Spend as much time as you can manage flying, but especially socialising with other pilots. Listen to what they say, but don't take everything everyone says, unquestioningly.

 

If you can manage it, buy your own plane. This will open up a lot of activities that aren't so easy with rented planes; like flying away to weekend fly-ins etc. If you do buy a plane, try to find a group that does flying trips and join in if you can. You will learn HEAPS by doing these trips and you will have the support and safety of being with other aircraft.

 

All the best with your flying .. blue skies and tailwinds.

 

 

[cscotthendry]

I forgot to say, when you start flying around the countryside, take videos of your flights if and when you can. You'll be amazed at how much enjoyment you'll get from the captured memories.

 

 

[3550Rebel]

I forgot to say, when you start flying around the countryside, take videos of your flights if and when you can. You'll be amazed at how much enjoyment you'll get from the captured memories.

That's the plan.

 

 

[mnewbery]

The instructor did reckon I had a good aptitude for flying

Rough translation

 

Student did not actively try to kill both of us. Might be relaxed and comfortable if he darkens my door again with a fist full of cash.

*Joke*

 

Now go read "Propellor Head" by Antony Woodward

 

 

[Parkway]

I’d recommend recording all of your flying lessons (with audio from headsets) it’s anazing how much more information you can absorb by watching over your last lesson before you go up for the next. Helped me immensely

 

 

[danny_galaga]

Having the airport only 8 minutes from home and with my flexible work hours, I can have lesson during the week before work. Hopefully this will mean I can work around bad weather to keep up regular lessons. I know weather can be an issue if you limited to only weekends for training.

This. When I first learnt to fly it was in Darwin in the Wet season. I’d sometimes go three weeks between lessons! It was definitely two steps forward, one step back. You are in an enviable position. I am currently retraining so I can convert to RA aus licence. Even with 40 odd hours previous experience I bet you get there before me!

 

Good luck

 

 

[Butch]

]

 

The flight was followed up with a good post-flight debrief. I flew in a Tecnam Echo Super.

Sounds like your TIF was at YBDG, Bendigo Flying Club !

I did my training there, great instructors, 4 Tecnams for training and private hire, reasonable rates and all the cub members are very welcoming.

 

Go for it mate, you won't regret it.

 

Had the TIF

"The instructor did reckon I had a good aptitude for flying, but he might say that to all potential students."

 

!

The club runs as non profit.

I know all the instructors personally and it wouldn't be the case!

 

Good luck......Enjoy

 

 

[3550Rebel]

]Sounds like your TIF was at YBDG, Bendigo Flying Club !

 

I did my training there, great instructors, 4 Tecnams for training and private hire, reasonable rates and all the cub members are very welcoming.

 

Go for it mate, you won't regret it.

 

The club runs as non profit.

 

I know all the instructors personally and it wouldn't be the case!

 

Good luck......Enjoy

No not Bendigo Flying Club but with one of the other private RAA instructors at YBDG. In his own Tecnam.

 

Had about 7 lesson including the TIF. Hot windy weather has slowed progress a bit. Hopefully back out next week.

 

Simon

 

 

[GraemeK]

If it was Graeme, he's a great instructor. I did my first flights with him in a Jab quite a few years ago.

 

 

[3550Rebel]

If it was Graeme, he's a great instructor. I did my first flights with him in a Jab quite a few years ago.

Yes unless there is more than one Graeme instructing at Bendigo. He has tremendous amount experience and knowledge.

Simon

 

 

[Butch]

Had about 7 lesson including the TIF. Hot windy weather has slowed progress a bit. Hopefully back out next week.

Watch out for the yellow grass hoppers (foxbats) they have invaded us.

 

Don't worry you will learn an Asian language as well as learning to fly!

 

Great to see you're enjoying flying . Same air different instructor....it's all good in Bendigo.

 

 

[Jerry_Atrick]

I lived in Bendigo for the second half of 2003 - loved it.. the airfield is bloomin' fine... Though, there were no RAA clubs there that I recall at the time... Unf, the UK hailed SWMBO did not take to it like I did (she doesn't like flying, nor as it turned out, 4x4'ing)

 

Funny story I have about being at the Irish pub, of which the name I can't recall.. But he late (and great) Jim Steynes' brother and sister worked there.. and that is where I almost came a cropper...