Positive Control Hand-Off

What is the most unsafe seat configuration in a cockpit? 2 CFI’s at the controls. Two experienced pilots at the controls are thinking the other is flying. Generally, when a student is flying, it is evident because the controls are always being thrown around, but a smooth experienced pilot you might not notice at first.

 Don’t let go

In the first lesson with a new student, we talk about how we are going to know who is flying. First I reassure them that they are here to learn to fly so that they will be flying as much of the flight as possible. The other point to get across is to have them continue to fly, even if they are thinking they are doing poorly, don’t abandon flying and give me the controls.  I will take over if I think it is necessary.

My glider. Your Glider

It’s more than just saying it’s doing. It’s comforting to the student when you are taking over; they are not confused if you are ‘helping’ or if you are flying. When I do take over from the student, I want them to lighten their grip on the stick and follow my movements for the correction. I also want the student to know that I am fixing the problem. When I give the controls back, I want to make sure they understand they are flying again.

I have flown a few US Nationals in 2 seat gliders. And it was always essential to make sure we knew who was in charge of the stupid decisions. At the 2 WGC’s I have flown in a 2-seater. We also made it clear who was the PIC. The PIC made the final decision and the second pilot didn’t argue. This made it a lot easier in the cockpit.

The front seater would typically put their hands up when they were handing off the glider. If I were in the back I would say “My Glider” the front seater would say “Your Glider” and raise a hand. Part of that was probably trying to dry the sweaty palms in front of the air vent. I would do the same from the back, knowing the front seater could not see my hands.

This also builds the mindset with them that they are always flying or at least someone is flying.

Banner photo by Fifteen

 Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.