Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Changing You You begin flying with an attitude that may or may not be compatible to the reality required. Attitude is a basic human factor that sets performance, competence, and professionalism. A pilot's mind-set takes many forms and adapts to every specific task and situation. Mind set reveals itself in our willingness and ability to conform to the rules of the FAA, the POH, and physics. Every flight is a challenge to be met by thorough planning and close performance parameters. We are going to change you into a pilot. A person's psychological makeup has a lot to do with the way he or she learns about and flies an aircraft. Tremendous personality changes take place whenever you acquire competence as a pilot. You will become more talkative, especially about flying. To the extent you exhibit one of the personality types (anti-authority, impulsive, invulnerable, macho, resignation) we will see them appear in different phases of your training. Self-confidence will increase. On the other hand, where confidence is lacking, tension will exist inversely. The student must exercise caution until competence is attained. Anticipation and planning will replace reaction. Both you and your friends will see psychological changes. To become something new you must learn something new. For many, the personal changes that occur from flying are enough. Each flying hurdle that is overcome shapes the quality of the pilot. Pilots don't give up when the situation becomes uncomfortable. Flying teaches discipline. You will develop and expand personal qualities you never realized were there. You will learn to control yourself, be more assertive, make considered judgments, and replace reaction with anticipation. You will grow 'older' as reaction becomes anticipation. Wanting to fly is an attitude. Learning to fly right is more than a unique acquisition; it is also an attitude. With the right attitude you will prioritize your time to make learning to fly a lifetime adventure. Any momentary failure will be just a learning experience. Don't allow a focus on detail to obscure the dramatic achievement of becoming a pilot. Don't be complacent with an acquired skill; there is always another way. Understand the rules of physics and the FAA; together they will make flying safe and rewarding. Safety is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wisest choice of many alternatives. Every nuance of my instruction is designed to chose the safest procedure available. The regulations and aircraft design have safety as a priority. Above that comes personal judgment. As an instructor I try to expose the student to situations where good judgment makes a difference. A student can never learn to use good judgment unless exposed to the situations that require its use. We will fly in marginal conditions, complex airspace, and high winds. The student must learn his limitations. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM