At 21:39 08 June 2008, Alan wrote:

Much the same was true when I got my power license -- flying is
flying.

Does it
really
take 15 to 20 flights of dual before solo? What is covered in those,
and
how
can one take control of the process to make it more efficient?

The not-very-useful answer is that it takes as long as it
takes. If you're good at it, and catch on fast, it won't
take that long (took me 12 flights, as I recall). If you're
a little slow, it will take longer. Your instructor will know
when you're ready.

Largely, I expect it will depend on how quickly you catch
on to flying on tow - that's the part that is the most different
from flying power. Here's an interesting question that I
was asked during the questioning from the examiner before
I got my rating: Suppose you're flying along in a stable
straight glide, and you pull back on the stick - what happens
to your airspeed? Now suppose you're flying in normal
tow position behind the towplane, and you pull back on
the stick - what happens to your airspeed?

Also, if you've been flying taildraggers, you'll come along
a lot quicker, since you already know why God gave you
feet.

Jim Beckman (NJ)