On 1/5/2005 14:21, tscottme wrote:

"John Doe" wrote in message
...
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?


There is one school of thought on flight instruction where the student's
first lesson is precisely to takeoff and fly very close to the runway at
very near the landing airspeed. It's uncommon, and in some ways it demands
far more control right from the start.

More typically, the student flies the first takeoff, with the instructor
following on the controls or being prepared to take control, and the
airplane promptly leaves the airport pattern for gentle maneuvers at a
higher altitude where there is more cushion for safety.

In a sense, some would see your suggestion as similar to teaching driving to
a new driver by putting them on the interstate very near to other cars or
driving down a very narrow road, just inches from serious danger. Most
people's first driving experience is confined to a large and empty parking
lot where very precise vehicle control is not demanded at every instant.

There are benefits to your suggestion, but it's not common.

Actually, this is how it is done in ultralight training when you
don't have an instructor. Although I don't remember the name of the
book right now, it is a staple in Ultralight flying. It suggested that
your initial flights be short "crow-hops" where you get used to the
feeling of the vehicle in ground effect and flaring for landing.

This, of course, comes after some prerequisites, like a thorough
understanding of the principles of flight, taxiing at different
speeds, etc.

However, as others have said, it's not practical for normal flight
training, as you have an instructor ready and able to help in the
event there are any problems. You don't even have to know how to
land until later in your training career.





--
Mark Hansen
PP-ASEL, C-172M/G