CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 14 Issue 1 - 19

CFI TIPS
aircraft ever fly in this particular neck of the woods. It was the first flight for my
passengers-and continuing on without being able to communicate with them
was not ideal-so I decided to turn back to my home airport. As I made my radio
calls to announce our intention to land, I realized the radio was indicating that
I was transmitting, but it was not consistent. I continued to make radio calls,
returned to the airport while being extra watchful for other aircraft, and landed
without incident. It all worked out just fine and safety was not compromised,
but if I had been in a region with more traffic or my destination was a towered
airport I would have decided to go elsewhere. This is where the variables come
into play when teaching your students. Real-world examples are helpful so the
student understands these things really happen and are not hypothetical.
TRAFFIC PATTERN
One more example of the need for exercising good judgment: when in the traffic
pattern with other aircraft. It is a dynamic environment with some pilots
executing longer downwinds, faster finals, and longer landing rolls than others.
When in the pattern with students, there are countless teachable moments.
For example, when on downwind while another aircraft is on final, should
your student turn base and final in front of that aircraft or extend downwind
to follow behind? What factors should they consider in that decision making?
Asking questions will force your students to think about and explain their
decision making and give you opportunities to reinforce their good judgment
or explain why they should make a different decision. Ensure they understand
that having options and exercising them when needed is the key to good
aeronautical decision making and risk management-two concepts that
will help address good judgment with students.
TAKE THE TIME TO DISCUSS THE ASPECTS OF MAKING
DECISIONS ON THE GROUND AND IN THE COCKPIT.
As flight instructors, we do the best we can to prepare students to one
day fly on their own with the confidence, expertise, and good judgment
required to be a safe pilot. Take the time to discuss the aspects of making
decisions on the ground and in the cockpit. Discuss and ascertain the
steps for good decision-making, including identifying personal attitudes
hazardous to safe flight, how to modify behavior, how to recognize and
cope with stress, practice risk assessment, use all resources available, and
try to evaluate.
Learn more:
* Chapter 2 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
* AOPA Air Safety Institute Aeronautical Decision Making
safety center
* AOPA Air Safety Institute Do The Right Thing: Decision Making
for Pilots safety spotlight
Kathleen Vasconcelos is an instrument-rated flight instructor, and a
commercial pilot with multiengine and instrument ratings. She lives in
New Hampshire.
Email: kvasconcelos.ofc@gmail.com

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/04_phak_ch2.pdf https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-centers/aeronautical-decision-making https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-centers/aeronautical-decision-making https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/do-the-right-thing https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/do-the-right-thing

CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 14 Issue 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 14 Issue 1