Your Flight School is STEALING YOUR $$$

Oct 05, 2024

Kenny Keller, the creator of Helicopter Online Ground School, shares valuable insights into why a one-hour flight lesson is crucial for efficient and cost-effective helicopter training. In today's article, we will delve deeper into these concepts, exploring the time frame's effectiveness, its benefits, and how it aligns with the physiological and psychological aspects of learning to fly a helicopter.

 

 

The One-Hour Flight Lesson Philosophy

In the world of helicopter training, Kenny Keller, an experienced instructor, has emphasized the significance of the one-hour flight lesson. This concept is grounded in the idea that the human body and mind have optimal periods for absorbing new information and skills. According to Kenny, the first 20 minutes of a lesson are spent warming up, the second 20 minutes are when a student is most receptive to learning, and the final 20 minutes typically see a decline in performance due to fatigue.

As Kenny articulated, "The 1 hour flight lesson works really well because the first 20 minutes you're warming up, 2nd 20 minutes you're really learning, in that 3rd 20 minutes you start to go downhill."

The Cycles of Learning: 20-20-20 Rule

In the initial stage of the lesson, the student becomes acclimated to the helicopter and the controls. This period is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the lesson. It's a time to review previous knowledge, get comfortable, and prepare mentally and physically for the learning ahead.

Peak Learning (Second 20 Minutes)

The second phase is where the magic happens. The student is now fully engaged and primed to learn new skills. This is the period when the brain is most active and receptive, making it the perfect time to introduce new concepts or practice complex maneuvers.

Fatigue Sets In (Final 20 Minutes)

The last segment of the hour sees a decline in the student's ability to absorb information and perform tasks. Kenny observes, "toward the end of that hour you start to drop off... If you go past that hour, it seems like each approach you try to do or whatever you're working on will just continually get worse." This is a natural response to mental and physical fatigue, underscoring the need for a structured and time-conscious approach to training.

 

 

Financial and Practical Benefits

Sticking to a one-hour flight lesson can be more economical for students. Overextending flight hours beyond this point not only leads to diminishing returns in learning but also unnecessary expenses. As Kenny points out, "If you're at a flight school and they're flying you 1.5, 1.6, .7 they're stealing your money." Schools that push for longer sessions might be more interested in covering operational costs rather than the student's progress.

Better Retention and Readiness

A focused one-hour lesson ensures that the student retains more information and skills from each session. This structured approach means that students can progress more consistently and competently. Kenny shared a practical example, "Member here right now is flying with Chris today and she's doing a flight in the morning and a flight in the afternoon." She was able to recognize her limits and made an informed decision to conclude her lesson early, ensuring quality learning over quantity.

Practical Case Studies

Kenny’s real-world application of this philosophy is evident from his student’s experiences. For example, a current student took a one-hour flight in the morning and then another session was planned for the afternoon. However, the student recognized her fatigue after just 40 minutes and decided to call it a day, highlighting her self-awareness and the practical application of the one-hour rule. Kenny encouraged this by prioritizing the student’s wellbeing over financial gain.

 

The one-hour flight lesson is more than just a training strategy; it’s a holistic approach to learning that takes into account the natural cycles of human performance and cognition. By respecting these limits, instructors ensure that students get the most out of each lesson — both in terms of knowledge and financial investment. This structured approach not only yields better pilots but also fosters an educational environment where quality is placed above quantity. Remember, it’s about maximizing each minute in the air to build a foundation for a lifetime of safe and proficient flying. Read more about it from free PDF downloads of Kenny Keller's number one Amazon best sellers: "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint" and "Top Ten Check-Ride Tips".

Have you had any experiences with extended flight lessons? Share your thoughts in the comments below!