Common Bad Habits Every Private Pilot Should Unlearn

Many private pilots pick up bad habits during their training that can be hard to break. 

Watch the video below or read the summary to learn how to break these bad habits.

Frequent Training Mistakes

Too Much Focus Inside the Cockpit

It’s common for pilots in training to focus too much on the instruments inside the cockpit. 

Especially with modern glass cockpits, there’s a lot to see, and it can be tempting to keep your eyes inside. 

Remember, you need to look outside to understand your environment and maintain awareness.

Relying on Instruments for Maneuvers

Pilots often depend heavily on their instruments for maneuvers. 

While instruments are important, you also need to visually judge the plane’s position. For example, in steep turns, looking outside can sometimes give you a better sense of how the plane aligns with the horizon.

Skipping Clearing Turns Properly

Clearing turns are essential for safety, but many pilots develop bad habits here too. 

Some focus too much on the instruments even while performing clearing turns. Ensuring you look outside and check for other aircraft during these moves can prevent collisions.

Cockpit Etiquette and Focus

Eating Manners

When you’re in the cockpit, keep eating to a minimum and always chew with your mouth closed. The noise of chewing can be very distracting to others. If you need to eat, choose foods that’s quiet and neat. 

Staying Visually Alert

Maintaining a constant visual lookout is crucial. We’ve said it already but it’s easy to get absorbed by the instruments inside the plane, especially with advanced glass cockpits. 

Your focus should remain outside to keep track of other aircraft and maintain situational awareness. If you struggle with this, try covering the screens temporarily to refocus your attention outside.

• Use Visual Flight Rules (VFR): Always prioritize looking outside over inside readings.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Train your eyes to constantly scan the horizon and sky.
• Anticipate Movements: Predict the need for maneuvers and adjustments with your visual cues.

Advanced Training Challenges

Techniques for Handling Crosswinds

Dealing with crosswinds during landings can be tough. As private pilots progress in their training, it’s essential to build strong, practical skills for crosswind corrections early on. 

Instructors often notice that pilots who have not practiced crosswind techniques regularly struggle more when facing these conditions. 

The skill of crosswind landing can fade if it’s not frequently practiced, making it a crucial part of advanced training.

Lack of Active Rudder Use

Instructors often observe that students develop what’s termed as “lazy rudder syndrome.” 

This happens when pilots rely too much on the autopilot and forget to correct the aircraft’s coordination using the rudder. This bad habit can show up during simple ground maneuvers or extended flights. 

It’s vital for pilots to get accustomed to using the rudder actively, whether they’re performing maneuvers or during straight and level flight.

Many new pilots tend to correct rudder usage only after the aircraft starts to drift, rather than anticipating the need for correction. 

This reactive approach can lead to inefficiencies and potential safety issues. Building the skill to anticipate and apply rudder inputs proactively is a key focus area for instructors at this training stage.

Using the Rudder Correctly During Takeoff

When you start your takeoff, you might notice the plane veers to one side. It’s important to anticipate that you’ll need to use the rudder to keep straight. 

Many beginners react after the plane moves, which isn’t the best approach. Knowing in advance that you’ll need right rudder can save time and keep you on track. It’s your job to expect the need for small corrections as soon as you add power for takeoff.

Maintaining Checklist Discipline

Ignoring Checklists: The Risks

Not using checklists can lead to serious consequences. 

Imagine doing a perfect takeoff but noticing the aircraft isn’t climbing as expected. You complete another circuit around the pattern, and when preparing for landing, you realize the flaps were down the whole time. 

This issue highlights the importance of following checklists.

Reinforcing Effective Checklist Practices

To avoid these situations, it’s vital to integrate checklist discipline from the very beginning. 

Regularly use checklists to verify your takeoff and landing procedures. 

For more advanced aircraft, checklists are even more critical. Over time, this habit helps ensure you never miss important steps, such as checking the landing gear. Developing this discipline early on creates a strong foundation for safe flying.

Safe Taxi Speed

Following Correct Taxiing Speeds

Moving too fast while taxiing is a common bad habit. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about keeping everyone safe.

A good rule of thumb is to taxi no faster than you can jog. This means keeping your speed slow enough to react quickly if needed.

In fleet training, it’s essential to teach and practice proper taxi speeds regularly. You’d want to reinforce this habit from the beginning of your training, so it sticks with you throughout your flying career.