#1: Come Prepared
Learning is free at home, so you should capitalize on it! Before each flight lesson, prepare yourself for the topics that will be covered with your instructor. After each lesson, be sure to ask what to expect next time. This way, you will know what knowledge to brush up on or even what maneuvers to familiarize yourself with. This maximizes your learning in the cockpit and can save you a lot of money by not having to waste time in the airplane!
#2: Fly Consistently
This tip is dear to my heart. I started flying at age 13, but I was very inconsistent in my training; often taking months off at a time without flying or studying. I highly recommend sticking to a schedule and flying as consistently and as often as your budget allows. It is very costly to take 2 steps forward each lesson and 1 step back by waiting too long between lessons and getting rusty!#3: Never Stop Flying the Airplane
#4: Get a Weather Briefing
As a pilot, you should prepare yourself as much as possible before each flight. This includes being informed about the current weather, weather forecasts, and any inclement weather in the area. Your instructor will be impressed, and it is a great habit to acquire. A briefing may even cause you to cancel your flight for the sake of safety!
#5: Ask Questions
Your flight instructor is truly your best friend in the process of flight training. If you come across a topic in a book, ground school, or even in flight that you do not understand, ask! Get your question cleared up before you are off on your own flying solo or come across it during an exam.
#6: Know Your Checklists
#7: Pre-Flight Your Airplane Thoroughly
#8: Learn the Fundamentals Before Implementing Technology
It is the 21st century and an abundance of technology is available for aviation, and that is an exciting thing! However, technology should not be too relied upon, for there is always the chance it can fail. Learn the fundamentals like using a manual E6B before moving onto "iPad flying".
#9: Immerse Yourself in Aviation
#10: Fly a Taildragger
I was lucky to begin my flight training in a Piper Cub, and I believe it has contributed greatly to my flying skills. Flying in a basic taildragger like the Cub without distractions of complex instruments and focusing on stick and rudder skills will pay dividends in the long run. Your flying will be smoother and your turns will undoubtedly become more coordinated after some time in a taildragger.
#11: Know When to Cancel Your Flight
#12: Use the Internet
I am thrilled that you found this site, and I hope that these tips have been helpful! The internet is full of tools to help your flight training process go as smoothly as possible. My favorite resource was YouTube in order to familiarize myself with flight maneuvers and complex topics. There are also a number of resources available to help you prepare for the written, oral, and practical flight examinations.
Learning to fly is an incredible experience, but it does not come without its challenges. My hope is that these tips will make a tangible difference in the outcome of your flight training. Enjoy your time in the skies and never stop learning!