taking off for the first time

"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.

--

Scott

Like the archers of Agincourt, John O'Neill and the 254 Swiftboat Veterans
took down their own haughty Frenchman. - Ann Coulter