Common Mistakes Made by Student Pilots

Every student pilot will make mistakes. This is an inevitability. But here at Elevate Aviation, we believe that being aware of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them is an important part of your training. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes we see and how you can make sure to avoid these mistakes.

Common Mistakes Made by Student Pilots

• Ignoring the Checklist – Many student pilots underestimate the importance of using a checklist. Even if you think you’ve memorized the checklist, it’s still important to have an actual checklist just in case. New pilots are often surprised at how forgetful they are until an instructor reminds them of something simple they neglected to do.
• Failing to Find a Mentor – When you’re first starting out, flight training can be overwhelming. The best thing you can do is find someone who can help show you the ropes. Here at Elevate Aviation, we offer a friendly atmosphere where you can get to know other pilots and find a mentor to help you through the difficult times.
• Focusing Too Much on the Instruments – As a beginner, it can be difficult to become comfortable with all of the instruments inside the aircraft. Your instructor may be reminding you to check your altitude and watch your airspeed, but it’s just as important that you’re dividing your attention between the inside of the aircraft and the outside. Instead of focusing too intently on the instruments, make sure you’re looking outside as much as possible.
• Not Flying Often Enough – Instead of weekly flying lessons, try to bump it up to two or three times a week. Not only will this help you to become more comfortable and confident with your aircraft, but it will also help you earn your license more quickly. The more often you fly, the better you’ll retain your knowledge.

To learn more about becoming a pilot, please contact Elevate Aviation here in Salt Lake City, Utah. We believe that once you’re a student pilot, you’ll always be a student pilot! There’s never too much training and you’ll always find a new lesson to learn in the cockpit.