Hold the throttle?

[Guest TConnor]

When I first started flying in a C152, my instructor insisted that my right hand remain on the throttle during all stages of flight, unless it was being used for something else ie: carb heat, flaps, radios etc.

 

My new instructor doesn't think it's all that important unless in climb or decent (especially on final).

 

Anyone have any experience of different views on this?

 

 

[sixtiesrelic]

Have to agree with the second bloke.

 

Taking the chance of offending people... This industry is a bit arse-about.. them with bugger all experience teaching them with none.

 

This has encouraged flying right in the middle of the safety envelope and many instructors contrary to their puffed up opinion of themselves don't know LOTS about flying and teach a heap of ceremonial junk.

 

There are a few really experienced blokes who instruct... most won't come at it ... pay's lousy and the big umbrella won't let them officially teach what they know. They have to toe the official line.

 

When in doubt ...ask many people who probably know.

 

It's a bit like your initial sex education ... the kids at school... most was sort of right, and some ?????

 

 

[Guest WillMikoyan]

Yeah.. It seems a bit pointless to have your hand on the throttle all the time, my instructor had told me its a good idea to have a hand on the throttle while taxiing. In flight you only really need to set the power and not fiddle with it too much or you'll overcontrol the plane.

 

 

[TAA Student Pilot]

He must have been an older instructor, they introduced throttle friction in about 1925. :)

 

Some do carry on a bit, it's like your not a pilot unless you wear a uniform and do a 62 part check pre start up check list for a 150 Cessna.

 

Some now have students fix position every 10 minutes and between the position fixes check everything from fluid level in the mag compas to the copper oxidation rate on the buzz bar.

 

Flying is great, is it really necessary to go on with all this ritual and bullshit? Simple check lists and enjoy your flying.

 

 

[djpacro]

For a student up to where you are, TConnor, I'd likely be saying the same as your first instructor, considering the exercises that are being undertaken in that phase of your training. I like to get some good habits at the start rather than having to remind people later in their flying career that they must keep their hand on the throttle during the take-off.

 

At later stages of training comes the situations where the emphasis changes and its right to make a decision otherwise. i.e. its a decision not a habit.

 

Like when I teach tail-wheel flying - keep the stick back at all times unless you've got a good reason to have it somewhere else. "What about when I'm flying straight and level?" That's a good reason ....

 

PS - the Decathlon doesn't have throttle friction either.

 

 

[TAA Student Pilot]

PS - the Decathlon doesn't have throttle friction either.

So after you go to full throttle and let go the throttle goes back to idle?

 

I don't think so, it might not have an "adjustable" throttle fiction but it has some "friction".

 

TC didn't say anything about not keeping his hand on the throttle for take off.

 

 

[Guest TConnor]

Some do carry on a bit, it's like your not a pilot unless you wear a uniform and do a 62 part check pre start up check list for a 150 Cessna.

Good point on the uniform. In my avatar picture I'm wearing one. It was a requirement at the time to be wearing a uniform. But now it's not, which is good. I'm a private pilot, not wanting to go into CPL. No real need to wear one.

 

Thanks for the comments on holding the throttle. Yes, takeoff, climb and descent are a must for holding/controlling the throttle. Any other time, no real need.