Stage 1 - 1 Introduction and Familiarization

Objectives This is the initial introductory lesson, and is intended to introduce the new student to the club, practices and procedures at the club, and a basic familiarization flight. The goal is to get the student started off on the right footing, make them feel welcome/comfortable at the club, and to give that first initial taste of flight.

The initial flight will include an introduction to the process of checking weather, performing a weight and balance, check out out the airplane from the club, performing a preflight inspection, the flight itself (time permitting), and then the check in of the plane upon completion. The initial flight will introduce basic aircraft control to the student, both on the ground and in the air.

Along with basic aircraft operational skills, cockpit management during flight lessons will be emphasized as well. Particularly the concept of using a three-way exchange of control when giving control from one pilot to another. It is critical to know who is responsible for positive control of the aircraft at all times.

Session Details

The bulk of this lesson is geared around administration and familiarization.

Ensure that the student’s folder is created, and up to date (for most starting primary students this means there will be an application and a copy of the driver’s license, and little more).

Validate that all documentation formalities are taken care of such as having the students driver’s license copy, and TSA information on file. Take a copy of the TSA information for your own home records. Place the following endorsement into the student’s logbook.

I certify that [insert student's name] has presented me a [insert type of
document presented, such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, and the
relevant control or sequential number on the document, if any] establishing that
[he or she] is a U.S. citizen or national in accordance with 49 CFR 1552.3(h).
[Insert date and instructor's signature and CFI number.]

  1. Discuss the need for an FAA medical, and suggest they be confident about being able to obtain one prior to spending a lot of money.

  2. Show the student Club aircraft squawk book, and aircraft checkout procedures

  3. Have already obtained a pre-flight weather briefing and W&B completed in advance. Show the student (briefly!) these details and explain why they are important.

  4. Have performed a complete pre-flight of the aircraft before the student arrives, and then do a walk-around (briefly!) with the student explaining why this is important.

  5. Time permitting the initial flight, letting the student handle the controls as much as seems reasonable/comfortable for all concerned. Consider the following items as possible activities :

    1. Instructor coaches the student on starting the engine

    2. Allow the student to taxi (with assistance)

    3. Allow the student to perform the pre-flight checks

    4. Allow the student to perform the take off, with guidance/guarding by the instructor

    5. Demonstrate pitch/power relationship(s), with student flying

    6. Allow the student to perform some general maneuvers to get a feel for the plane

    7. Coach the student into the pattern, and allow them to fly as much of it as is comfortable

    8. Instructor lands

  6. Give the student a copy of the checklists, and a copy of the completed W&B.

  7. Finalize this session by filling in the logbook (if they have one), and making plans for a follow-on session.