John,

The technique you suggest was widely used prior to and during much of
World War I when the intention was to get persons to solo as quickly as
possible (and get them into combat as soon as possible; many of whom
flew in combat with under 20 hours of total time. They also tended to
be killed on their first or second mission, life expectancy was under
30 days for most WWI pilots in the middle portion of the war). Often
airplanes with clipped wings or very small engines were used, referred
to as penguins, because they would barely get into the air, and could
not climb out of ground effect.

The technique was dropped as it was learned that landing is only one
portion of the process of learning to fly.

All the best,
Rick


John Doe wrote:
I have never piloted an aircraft. I do flight simulation from time to

time. Currently I am messing with radio controlled aircraft. There
are
simulators for that also.

Having only simulation experience, but I'm wondering about how
piloting
is taught. Getting to the point, why not use a long runway and have
the
student take off just enough for the wheels to leave the ground and
then immediately touch down?

Again, inexperienced with the real thing, but isn't landing so
difficult/critical to warrant special treatment like that?

Trainer runways are not long enough?
The wear and tear would be too much?
That maneuver would be too difficult for a beginner to coordinate?

Genuinely curious. Thank you.