What turns a student the wrong direction can be the sudden
onset of a series of failures. The myriad of emotional reactions;
anxiety, panic, euphoria, relief, hope, despair, blame, self blame,
and anger leads far to many to give up without realizing that
these cycles in achievement are all a part of life, not just learning
to fly. Recognition of this may be your greatest return on investment
from flying.
Anger is a form of emotional blackmail, an adult temper tantrum.
Like a thunderstorm it can grow into yelling and violence. It
can be a blame-game where the responsibility for anger causing
situations is transferred. That's the invitation. Don't play the
game. Find a way to express your anger in a way that will not
do harm to yourself or others. Don't dig yourself into an emotional
hole. One of the greatest changes that occur in a person who becomes
a pilot is, of necessity, his willingness to accept those conditions
and situations that are beyond his control.
It is important that the student realize the extreme responsibility
that exists when an instructor takes on a student. The ultimate
responsibility is when the student is soloed. Any instructor who
begins with symptoms of stress will become much worse prior to
solo. Instructor stress will be mirrored by student stress. You
are looking for certain instructional qualities. Being a super
pilot is not one of them. You want to learn in a relaxed ground
and cockpit atmosphere where the instructor is willing and able
to take the time to explain without making you feel demeaned for
not knowing. The instructor should be just as willing to listen
to your reasoning for thinking as you do no matter how wrong.
One of the more difficult processes in learning is to unlearn
that which we 'knew' all along. Flying will change your personality.
A pilot has a positive personality, a positive 'can do' outlook
on life, and an awareness that some aspects of life, time, and
nature are beyond control.
Written by Gene Whitt
