Progress Tracking

At Rainier Flight Service, we’re committed to helping you succeed in your aviation journey. Staying on track in your training is crucial to achieving your goals efficiently and confidently. To assist you, we’ve created these Training Progress Tools to help you evaluate and address common training challenges.  For each area we hope to identify the root of the challenge so we can work together and keep you on track.

Lesson Preparation

Preparing for lessons is the single best thing you can do to stay on track.  Each lesson lists Study Assignments and Additional Resources relevant to lesson content.  Review this material in advance and prepare a list of questions to focus on your needs and use instructor time efficiently.

Not feeling prepared?  Try these tips to maximize learning opportunities:

  • Review syllabus and complete Study Assignments.
  • Review ground school modules to keep knowledge fresh and ready for real-world application.
  • 'Chair Fly' at home mentally executing maneuvers and procedures to normalize.
  • Use a home PC simulator to complete lesson tasks in advance and fine-tune in the airplane.
  • Discuss with your instructor additional ways to better prepare for flight lessons.

Lesson Records

Each lesson is graded by your instructor including a list of tasks accomplished with notes on what went well and areas of improvement.  Each lesson has clear objectives and completion standards so it should be clear what needs to be accomplished to move forward.  Remember - one lesson is not necessarily one flight.  It may take several appointments to cover all material and demonstrate to the completion standards.

Follow these steps to regularly review training progress:

  • Log into your NeedleNine profile and click Training tab.
  • Select Training Record to see lesson grades and instructor notes.
  • Discuss with your instructor weak areas to focus on improving and/or clear feedback on performance standards.
  • Record flights on Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to review flight telemetry and see exactly how you performed and improvements over time.  Discuss with your instructor how.

Instructor Relationship

You spend a lot of time with your instructor so it is important to ensure a good match.  Occasionally, personalities between instructor and student can hinder effective learning so it is best to address early.

If you feel communication is not as clear as it should be:

  • Explain to the instructor your perspective and provide them an opportunity to modify teaching style.  Usually this resolves any miscommunication.
  • If you still do not feel they are a good fit or you are uncomfortable in any way, share your concerns with Flight Supervisor for reassignment.

Learning Plateau

It is very common to hit a stage of training where it feels like you stagnate.  Things are not progressing as easily and you feel you are in a bit of a rut.  Your instructor should recognize this and suggest different strategies including review of past things done well or trying something new and different.  The syllabus is designed with flexibility for this purpose!

Should it take more than a few attempts to complete a lesson, here are some options to discuss with your instructor as a path forward:

  • Discuss with your instructor specifically what is not meeting standards.  Ensure you understand exactly what needs improvement so you can focus your preparation accordingly.
  • Considering reviewing a past lesson.  For example, if you struggle maintaining consistent stabilized approaches perhaps practicing slow flight that you nailed earlier will now translate better to traffic patterns and gives you the 'light bulb' moment.
  • Doing the same thing over and over is not only boring but can be counter productive.  Suggest taking a break from the challenging task and try something different.
  • Try flying with a different instructor.  It is best to stick with a primary instructor for consistency but sometimes a different technique or explanation from someone else is all you need to make that break through moment.

Need Additional Support?

Flight training is a journey that requires effort, commitment, and adaptability. If you find yourself unable to resolve any of the above items, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Rainier Flight Service is here to ensure you stay on course—whether it’s through guidance from your instructor, additional resources, or personalized coaching.