PHXAvi8tor
Pre-takeoff checklist
Boo me out.
I deserve it.
In my first 500 hours of dual-given, I was so zealous and eager about teaching people how to fly, that I posted a lot of stupid comments on various boards -- as if I knew it all.
I don't know it all. And, I'm just barely learning.
I've survive multiple (no, change that to many) attempts by students who inadvertently tried to kill me.
I have recovered from at least 5 inadvertent spin entries that I allowed students to progress into so that they'd learn from them.
I have managed to avoid breaking landing gear, in spite of my zeal for teaching the importance of making your spot on a short-field landing.
And, I've not once been unable to re-use the airplane for another training flight. (Thank God.)
So, I decided tonight to have Dispatch print out my flight report for the last 45 day in order to catch up with "paperwork," including my logbook (since there are various 90-day currency requirements). I discovered I hit one of those milestones -- the 500-hour "dual-given" entry in my logbook. It was a while ago. I just lost track of it due to being busy teaching.
The milestone is only important for this reason: It gave me a chance to reflect on whether I am teaching to a level that turns out high-quality pilots.
I certainly hope that I am. But, only their track record will tell.
I am grateful that 100 percent of them passed on the first try.
At least, they have a good running start at success.
My students are learning, in spite of me.
I deserve it.
In my first 500 hours of dual-given, I was so zealous and eager about teaching people how to fly, that I posted a lot of stupid comments on various boards -- as if I knew it all.
I don't know it all. And, I'm just barely learning.
I've survive multiple (no, change that to many) attempts by students who inadvertently tried to kill me.
I have recovered from at least 5 inadvertent spin entries that I allowed students to progress into so that they'd learn from them.
I have managed to avoid breaking landing gear, in spite of my zeal for teaching the importance of making your spot on a short-field landing.
And, I've not once been unable to re-use the airplane for another training flight. (Thank God.)
So, I decided tonight to have Dispatch print out my flight report for the last 45 day in order to catch up with "paperwork," including my logbook (since there are various 90-day currency requirements). I discovered I hit one of those milestones -- the 500-hour "dual-given" entry in my logbook. It was a while ago. I just lost track of it due to being busy teaching.
The milestone is only important for this reason: It gave me a chance to reflect on whether I am teaching to a level that turns out high-quality pilots.
I certainly hope that I am. But, only their track record will tell.
I am grateful that 100 percent of them passed on the first try.
At least, they have a good running start at success.
My students are learning, in spite of me.
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