Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Hood Lessons Since hood work is emotionally and mentally tiring it is best to limit each session. Gradually extend the hood time until reaching 20 minute sessions. Vary the time hood work is done during the lessons. New skills should be introduced early, while the student is fresh. Do the new hood work early in the flight for maximum student freshness. Always review the previous before going on. Two sessions may be possible if a good sized VFR break is inserted. On removing the hood it is a good idea to have the student show that he is capable of orienting himself by pointing out landmarks. Under the hood flying simulated IFR, the student will learn to relate the AI, HI, VSI, turn coordinator, and altimeter to yoke pressures in level flight. The student should be introduced to doing the four basic procedures under the hood. Sometime around the fourth or fifth climb out the student should shown the relative position of the attitude indicator and the nose. He should be placed under the hood and helped maintain the climb attitude, airspeed and heading during airport departures. Other lessons include transitioning from cruise into slow flight and back again. Reduce power and do descents VFR and IFR. IFR hood climbs and climbing turns can be taught and practiced. It may be best to practice the IFR standard rate turns without the hood and then with the hood. Level off both VFR and IFR. These are fundamental IFR skills that can be practiced and transferred to higher performance aircraft. For the student to maintain straight and level under the hood that aircraft is initially configured for VFR flight. Then under the hood the student is asked to maintain heading and altitude for one minute. Do this several times with emphasis upon the lightness of pressures required. If the arm and wrist are held rigid and the fingers lightly the one minute of constant heading and altitude can be gradually extended to two or more. Introduce the hood in climb out and have the student note the wing attitude on the attitude indicator. Have the student attempt left and right 90 degree turns under the hood. Remove the hood and do the standard rate turns without the hood. Then back to hood. Level off under hood and then without hood until the student learns to read the attitude indicator changes as related to aircraft attitude and airspeed. Do both VFR and IFR standard rate turns to headings up to 360 degree turns with stops at cardinal headings. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM