What is the best way for a CFI to address a student’s fear of flying during instruction?

Providing reassurance and gradual exposure to flight experiences is the best approach to address a student’s fear of flying. This method acknowledges the student's feelings and creates a supportive learning environment. By offering reassurance, the CFI helps to build trust and rapport, which can alleviate anxiety. Gradual exposure is important as it allows the student to face their fear incrementally, starting with less intense situations, such as ground school or simulator training, before progressing to actual flight experiences. This step-by-step approach not only helps to reduce fear but also fosters a sense of accomplishment as the student masters each stage of flying.

This method is effective in helping students develop confidence in their abilities while recognizing and addressing their fears in a constructive manner. In contrast, ignoring the fear might exacerbate the student's anxiety, while allowing them to fly alone could lead to potential safety issues and emotional distress. Critically confronting the fear during flight may overwhelm the student and could potentially lead to negative flight experiences.