CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 12 Issue 2 - 18

CFI TIPS
A FLIGHT REVIEW, FOR SOME, IS VIEWED AS A 'CHECK THE BOX'
ITEM-SOMETHING THAT CAN BE COMPLETED AT THE BARE
MINIMUM LEVEL SIMPLY TO FULFILL A REQUIREMENT. That's
unfortunate, as there is always something to learn, regardless of a
pilot's experience level. And likewise, every CFI-from the newest
to the most seasoned-has much to offer.
With the nicer weather upon us in most of the country, you may
be hired to conduct more flight reviews. Each student deserves a
review that's tailored to meet her needs, rather than a one-sizefits-all
approach. For example, what if the student is transitioning
to a new airplane, environment, avionics, or airport and will need
more than the usual one-hour flight and ground? Speaking from a
rusty pilot's point of view, I can tell you that my flight review last
month prepared me for transitions in all four of the categories
noted above, and it took eight hours over a series of four flights.
Of course, not having flown in a few years will do that to a pilot.
What I've found is that, as with so many situations in life, the
most important part of the flight review is communication. Before
flying together, my CFI (Doug) called me to find out more about
my aircraft, my background, and what type of flying I planned to
do. I made it clear that I expected this would take several flights. I
wanted to do it right, not fast/cheap. What followed were several
emails from Doug, which consisted of homework assignments such
as links to safety videos to watch, reading the POH cover to cover,
reviewing FAR 61 and 91, weight and balance assignments, crosscountry
flight plans, and aircraft systems. Doug sent me a syllabus
so I would know what to expect for this " rust removal " adventure,
and I sent photos of the aircraft panel so he would know what
instrumentation was installed in my Piper Cherokee. With all the
prep work done, the April showers abated and it was time to fly.
Our first flight was a tour of the state, and when the state is as
small as New Hampshire you can see most of it in three hours. It
was an absolutely beautiful day-clear skies, light wind-to get
comfortable with the handling characteristics of the airplane,
practice touch and goes as well as full stop landings, discuss
weather phenomenon related to mountain flying, and become
familiar with the instrumentation such as the G5 that I had
not previously used in other aircraft. Doug did a masterful job
of reminding me to smell the roses (or, in this case, relax and
enjoy the view), while also mixing in some practical items such
as pilotage, landing at a towered airport, and contacting Boston
Approach to request flight following. Overall, while my landings
that day wouldn't win a beauty contest, it was a good start.
Our second flight was all about maneuvers and emergencies. This
was the perfect building block. After the lengthy flight around
the state, I was comfortable with the general handling of the
aircraft, so doing maneuvers provided a further comfort level
under conditions that included slow flight, steep turns, and turns
around a point. This was as much a procedural exercise as it was
getting my mind back into the game, especially when emergency
procedures such as fire in flight and engine failure were thrown
at me. This is a takeaway for all CFIs-it's important to prepare
students mentally for times when they may feel overwhelmed and
reinforce that first and foremost they must fly the airplane.
MY REVIEW WAS EXTREMELY THOROUGH AND EACH
LESSON HAD A SPECIFIC PLAN, LEADING UP TO THE
FINAL REVIEW...THIS WAS NO 'CHECK THE BOX'
FLIGHT REVIEW.
ASI's Focused
Flight Review
CFIs, have you and your clients
used the AOPA Air Safety Institute's
Focused Flight Review? Help your
clients select a flight profile, have
them review pre-flight materials, and
together fly a series of tailored lesson
plans. The eight profiles include:
Positive Aircraft Control; Weather and
CFIT; Fuel, Engine, and Other Systems;
Instrument Proficiency; Takeoffs,
Landings, and Go-Arounds; Mountain
and Backcountry Flying; Seaplanes;
and Helicopter.
https://elearning.aopa.org/client/app.html#/courses/70001
CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 12 Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 12 Issue 2
