Flight Training - March 2011 - 39

STEP 9: GOOD NOTES ARE CONCISE REMINDERS OF IMPORTANT ISSUES COVERED IN DISCUSSION

Note-taking techniques are countless, with possibilities ranging from simple shorthand on a notepad to tape recordings. Some students develop a method of shorthand or abbreviations that simplify the task, and you should, too. But be sure that you remember how to decode them for future review. One thing is certain: You will never be able to write everything down. Don’t even try this, because the actual attempt will become a sizeable distraction. Instead, document the important highlights, the things the instructor emphasizes, and think in outline form. Anchor specific notes to textbook discussion by adding page references to your notes. Also, if you have formed a study group, you might find it helpful to share notetaking responsibilities if you’re in a group setting. Complete the note-taking process by retyping the notes into a legible format, changing abbreviations into whole words and making corrections when necessary. Do this within 24 hours, before you forget what the notations were all about.
STEP 10: PROCRASTINATION IS A PRIME SOURCE OF TORMENT

ALWAYS READ THE ASSIGNMENTS BEFORE THEY ARE TO BE DISCUSSED—THE SESSION WILL GO MUCH BETTER AND LEAD TO MORE COMPLETE COMPREHENSION.
doing a good job and you care about what happens. You are also raising flags for the instructor who will then be able to take special steps to address any problems you may be having. In addition, instructors have a way of indicating their priorities to students through personal meetings, a helpful bit of intelligence that may indicate what to expect from them on upcoming tests.
STEP 12: YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM ANY TEST

It seems easier to put things off for a while instead of just doing it now, but look back and remember how good it feels when you actually finish an assignment. By starting assignments early, we’re again using that most valuable resource—time. In fact, by starting early, we’re expanding our time, spreading it out, and enabling the work to be completed without the usual crush of an impossible deadline. We do this in the airplane by accomplishing routine tasks in cruise while workloads are lowest. Remember, to reduce stress, start early, budget your time, and enjoy the experience.
STEP 11: WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, CONSULT WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR

We know that people learn in a variety of ways. By making personal contact, you show that you have a vital interest in

Exams and flight tests produce nervous tension. Even when well prepared, students continuously fret when exams are getting close. This is understandable since there is so much at stake at a time when actual outcomes are uncertain—we all hate the feeling of uncertainty. The mechanics of taking the test can be an obstacle if you are haphazard in the manner with which you go about this. You could end up being disappointed with the result if you are impatient, careless, or inattentive. So as

you approach the final round of your flight training course, ensure you get all the credit you deserve by applying the following testing protocol: 1. Start preparing on the first day of lessons. 2. Ask the instructor for any advice on particular areas of study. 3. Begin study for the exam at least one week in advance. 4. Bring all necessary paraphernalia and reference materials. 5. Plan on taking the full, allotted time to complete the test—don’t rush. 6. Read and completely understand the question as written or asked. 7. If the question is unclear, ask for a clarification. 8. On knowledge tests, consider all answers before eliminating those that are incorrect—then select the correct one.
JJ O'Neill is a former corporate and airline pilot currently teaching aviation to students at a Minnesota college.
MARCH 2011 FLIGHT TRAINING / 39

Flight Training - March 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - March 2011