Language choices

"I have control" / "You have control" — three calls, every time.

"Looking out" — say it aloud when scanning, especially on downwind / base.

"Aiming point" — name where you're aiming on every approach.

"Stabilised" or "going around" — explicit call by ~500 ft AGL on every approach.

Session arc

_I = instructor · S = student · † = leave for a later session unless student demonstrates readiness _

Use this as a debrief checklist too — tick off tasks the student has consolidated.

Before starting the plane

• Confirm runway in use, circuit direction, circuit height.
• Confirm approximate number of circuits planned and break-off plan if conditions deteriorate.
• Brief the session arc above — student knows they start hands-off and tasks will grow each lap.
• Brief hand-over technique; practise the three calls on the ground before engine start.
• Brief the go-around: normalise it before the first circuit so it's never a surprise.

Circuit 1 — Full instructor demonstration

Instructor flies the whole circuit. Student observes; hands-on feel only if calm and comfortable.

Narrate every action as you do it:

• "Lining up — I'm placing the nose on the far end of the centreline."
• "Full power — feet alive on the rudder to keep straight."
• "Crosswind turn at 500 ft — tracking 90° to the runway."
• "Levelling at circuit height — runway around 2/3 along the left wing."
• "Pre-lading check now" - and after BUMFISH - "Pre-landing check completed"
• "Abeam the numbers — power back, first stage of flap."
• "Final — aiming point isn't moving, we're on profile."

After landing: brief what comes next circuit before lining up again.

Circuits 2–3 — Student takes to end of downwind

Hand over at the holding point: "Your circuit from lined up. I'll take back at the BUMFISH point on downwind."

Student owns: take-off, upwind climb, crosswind turn and leg, downwind turn and tracking.

Instructor takes back: from the BUMFISH check through to touchdown.

Watch for:

• Centreline discipline on take-off
• Prompt crosswind turn and tracking
• Runway position on downwind — inside wingtip reference
• Student should be settling by circuit 3; if not, extend this stage

After each circuit: 30-second verbal debrief before the next take-off.

Circuits 4–5 — Student adds BUMFISH check

Hand over: "Your circuit — this time you'll run the BUMFISH check too. I'll take from the base turn."

Student owns: everything above + BUMFISH downwind check.

Instructor takes back: base turn, approach, landing.

Watch for:

• Check completed before abeam the numbers (not rushed into the base turn)
• All items covered, not just the speed items
• Lookout maintained during the check — not head-down

Circuits 6+ — Student adds base turn and leg

Hand over: "Your circuit — take the base turn as well. I'll take from 500 ft on final."

Student owns: everything above + base turn initiation and tracking.

Instructor: manages approach and landing; initiates go-around if required.

Watch for:

• Base turn timing — not too early (undershooting final) or too late (overshooting)
• Speed and flap selection stable by the time instructor takes back
• Go-around decision made early if anything is off

Downwind leg — technique reference

Hand over: C2–3 (tracking); C4–5 (BUMFISH check added)

Sequence

• Level off at circuit height; trim
• Track parallel to the runway — runway off the inside wingtip
• Pre-landing BUMFISH check
• Lookout for traffic ahead and on base; build a mental picture
• Radio call at the downwind reporting point (instructor handles — not handed over this session)

Base leg — technique reference

Hand over: C6+

Sequence

• Abeam the numbers: reduce power; select first stage of flap (per type)
• At 45° behind the threshold: turn base
• Maintain target descent speed
• Adjust base turn timing if downwind was extended
• Plan the final turn to roll out aligned with the runway

Final approach — technique reference

Hand over: later session

Sequence

• Turn final; align with the runway centreline
• Select landing flap by 500 ft AGL
• Stabilised by 500 ft: glide path, track, speed all correct
• Aiming point staying still in the windscreen
• If anything is not stabilised — call "going around" and execute
• Maintain target approach speed
• Cross the threshold at round-out height

Landing — technique reference

Hand over: later session

Sequence

• At round-out height: reduce power smoothly to idle
• Raise the nose smoothly; hold off just above the runway
• Eyes down the runway — not at the nose
• Touchdown on main wheels, on centreline, at minimum flying speed
• Maintain centreline with rudder; lower the nose-wheel gently
• Brake as required; vacate at the nominated taxiway

Touch and go (if briefed)

Sequence

• After touchdown, without stopping:
  • Flaps to take-off setting
  • carb heat cold (if applicable)
  • Trim to neutral
• Apply full power smoothly
• Continue as a normal take-off

TODO: confirm whether touch-and-go is approved for this student at this stage / aircraft / aerodrome.

Go-around

Sequence

• Decision by ~500 ft AGL if not stabilised
• Apply full power smoothly
• Pitch for climb attitude
• carb heat cold (if applicable)
• Flaps to go-around setting (per type)
• Climb on the extended centreline
• Re-enter circuit on crosswind

A go-around is not a failure. Brief this before C1 so it never surprises the student.

Return to aerodrome / final circuit

• Brief which circuit is the final landing before lining up.
• Plan after-landing taxi route.
• Complete after-landing checklist when clear of the runway.
• Shutdown and post-flight inspection per aircraft checklist.