Hey Doc,
I am a new CFI and have a quick question for you. When I first started flying as a pre-private I was very nervous the first 5-10 flights. I felt an overwhelming sense of fright being so high in the air and not being able to get back down instantly. I know, probably a stupid feeling but the fear of the unknown is what I think it was. I dealt with this by trying to keep my mind occupied and focusing on the task. I eventually got over it fine and didn't have the same feelings until I started my training in a C172RG for my CFI.
There were a few times during takeoff where I felt really uncomfortable and scarred. But I wasn't sure if it was the fact that we had a great amount exhaust/fuel fumes in the cabin due to the fact that it was an old aircraft. I felt short of breath and really nervous. I usually (this sounds funny) but pinch myself to distract my body from the feelings and it goes away quickly.
Well now I am a CFI and I took my first student up the other day. I haven't had these feelings for a few months now. And in the middle of the flight the feeling of panic/fright returned briefly. Almost nausea this time and real sweaty palms. Probably lasted 20 secs. Most likely because I was just sitting back, monitoring my student and letting my mind drift (I am the one is in responsible for both of us).
Sorry for the long-winded story, but do you think that I am a hazard to my students feeling this way on a rare occasion? Do you think it is just nervousness or something more? I notice it is somewhat correlated with caffeine. Anything I can do to alleviate these symptoms, I have tried to avoid coffee? Other than this I am very healthy with no medical problems.
Thanks Doc
I am a new CFI and have a quick question for you. When I first started flying as a pre-private I was very nervous the first 5-10 flights. I felt an overwhelming sense of fright being so high in the air and not being able to get back down instantly. I know, probably a stupid feeling but the fear of the unknown is what I think it was. I dealt with this by trying to keep my mind occupied and focusing on the task. I eventually got over it fine and didn't have the same feelings until I started my training in a C172RG for my CFI.
There were a few times during takeoff where I felt really uncomfortable and scarred. But I wasn't sure if it was the fact that we had a great amount exhaust/fuel fumes in the cabin due to the fact that it was an old aircraft. I felt short of breath and really nervous. I usually (this sounds funny) but pinch myself to distract my body from the feelings and it goes away quickly.
Well now I am a CFI and I took my first student up the other day. I haven't had these feelings for a few months now. And in the middle of the flight the feeling of panic/fright returned briefly. Almost nausea this time and real sweaty palms. Probably lasted 20 secs. Most likely because I was just sitting back, monitoring my student and letting my mind drift (I am the one is in responsible for both of us).
Sorry for the long-winded story, but do you think that I am a hazard to my students feeling this way on a rare occasion? Do you think it is just nervousness or something more? I notice it is somewhat correlated with caffeine. Anything I can do to alleviate these symptoms, I have tried to avoid coffee? Other than this I am very healthy with no medical problems.
Thanks Doc
