Know Where to Put the Airplane
One mantra I routinely use while teaching is: know where to put the airplane to get what you want out of it. If the goal is to maintain heading, don’t bank. If the goal is to maintain altitude, hold the pitch attitude that results in level flight for the conditions.
For the airplane to behave as you intend, you must consciously put the airplane where you want it. If you’re off altitude, it’s because you haven’t put the airplane in the right place. If your heading is drifting, your bank isn’t precise. When airspeed is off, look to your pitch and power combination.
I teach this from the beginning of flight training, taking advantage of the law of primacy. For example, this is how I teach a student where to “put the airplane” during takeoff:
- WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF IT: A straight takeoff roll down the center of the runway while accelerating to takeoff speed.
WHERE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE: With full power, steer the nosewheel aiming for the “end of the centerline.” (Wording here is specific and deliberate.) If your student aims for the end of the centerline, they are less likely to make overcorrections and will not be positioned to depart the side of the runway.
- WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF IT: When the airspeed reaches rotation speed: Best rate of climb tracking the extended runway centerline.
WHERE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE: Put the nose (top of the engine cowl) on the horizon and keep the wings level. (Don’t tell them to “rotate” because the student will pull the nose up to the moon.)
- WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF IT: Continuing climb, turn to a new heading or specific landmark.
WHERE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE: Keeping the top of the cowling on the horizon, put the airplane in a bank (demonstrate the appropriate angle) and hold that bank angle. Don’t instruct students to “turn the wheel,” as this often leads to overbanking. Instead, demonstrate the desired angle and have them use minor adjustments to maintain it.
- WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF IT: Straight and level flight.
WHERE TO PUT THE AIRPLANE: Level the wings and position the top of the cowling “four fingers” below the horizon (using the student’s outstretched arm as a reference). Once the airplane is trimmed hands-off, set the proper power setting.
This technique is equally effective for new instrument students. The difference is that they will reference the flight instruments instead of the windows.
Trying to maintain it? Don’t stare at it! Don’t stare at the altimeter to maintain altitude. Learn the pitch attitude that will work and then maintain that pitch attitude. Glance periodically at the altimeter to see how you are doing, then modify the target pitch, if necessary. Staring at the performance will only distract a pilot from knowing what the position is.
Understanding and consistently applying this “know where to put it” rule enables pilots to quickly notice abnormal situations, such as an engine not delivering full power. With experience, corrections become smaller and more precise, allowing for safer, more confident flying.
Ultimately, mastery comes from intentionally setting exact attitudes, corroborating them with aircraft performance, and making minor adjustments. Consistent practice of this approach is the key to flying skillfully and safely. A good pilot is always aware of where to put the aircraft to get what they want out of it.
