COS Aviation's Proven Training System
We surround our students with resource elements that work together to prepare our graduates to become successful airplane pilots.  We feel "one-on-one" flight instruction is very important, but not the only training method that should be used.  The classroom training at COS Aviation will give the student the necessary knowledge to become a pilot.  We integrate several elements into a training system that is used throughout the program.
Flight Instruction		Classroom Training
Flight instruction  is the foundation of our training program.  All flight training is conducted one-on-one with our dedicated flight instructors.  We use the Cessna C172  for primary flight instruction with the highest safety records in the industry.		Aerodynamics, regulations and academic subjects are best learned in a classroom environment.   Subjects are presented to complement the flight training.  We combine lecture, lab and seminar to teach the academic aspects of flight.
Mentorship		Professional Development
We strongly believe that learning from a peer  is the best way to reinforce training provided in the air and in the classroom.  All of our students are required to participate in the mentorship program as this program provides such a valuable learning opportunity.		This training element focuses on preparing the student to enter the professional helicopter pilot  market.  We focus on developing the attitude and communication skills necessary to become a successful employee.
Flight Training System Manual Exerpt....        The College of Sequoias flight training program is designed to achieve the maximum results in the shortest amount of time. The flight training system integrates several training elements into a system that makes this high impact program effective.                  Both student and instructor participation is essential in making this program work. As such, each participant has a specific role to fill in making the training experience successful.   Student’s Role:                  The student’s role is to prepare for each lesson and maximize the value of the time spent in the cockpit and/or the classroom. Student study is an essential component of this program.         Each ground lesson has an assigned preparation reading and or video assignment with a corresponding exercise guide. The exercise guide should be filled-out prior to each lesson using the assigned reading as the source of information. Flight lessons follow a specific procedure where certain in-flight maneuvers are introduced, reviewed and practiced. It is essential that the student come to each flight lesson with a clear understanding of how to perform the maneuver and the completion standards of each lesson. Students should memorize the procedures of each maneuver prior to attempting the maneuver in the aircraft. If the student does not cognitively understand how to perform the task, then the aircraft time can be a waste-of-time (With certain exceptions).        In addition to studying each maneuver, the student must also apply the instructor’s feedback to their specific performance. The student then must be self aware enough to practice overcoming common errors through chair-flying. So, if for example, the instructor advises the student that he/she doesn’t add carb heat during the landing checklist, the student should record the error and then, at-home, practice the landing checklist from memory making sure to add carb-heat each time, prior to the next lesson. It is inevitable that certain subjects and/or parts of the flying process will become easier and/or more difficult for each student. However, students that continually prepare for each flight and ground lesson as described above will find their overall training experience more rewarding, as well as significantly more cost and time efficient.   Instructor’s Role:             The instructor’s role in the training process is to present materials, correct errors and assure the safe outcome of each flight. A key principle of the Blue sky training system is for the instructor to regularly communicate student progress so the student can make the most effective use of their study time and work on those areas that need improvement.              In addition to presenting material in ground classes, the ground instructor must regularly grade homework assignments and exams to give the student feedback on where he or she is strong or weak. The student cannot effectively study if they don’t know what they need to work on.              The flight instructor must communicate effectively prior to each flight. The pre-brief and post-brief are the most common ways to provide this feedback.   Pre-Flight Briefing:   Each pre-flight briefing must include the following elements: ·        What maneuvers will be performed ·        Evaluation of student’s level of comprehension of each maneuver to be reviewed or introduced. ·        Determining whether or not to continue to flight or review maneuver on the ground with student. ·        Explain what will be covered in the lesson and in what exact sequence the lesson will be performed, along expected completion standards for the lesson.   Post-Flight Briefing:             The post-flight briefing is the most important tool the instructor has in communicating student progress. Each post-flight briefing must include: ·        Detailed evaluation of student’s performance on each maneuver with respect to: o       Noticeable advancement o       Whether the maneuver was performed within completion standards. ·        Written communication in the form of the MyFBO or written grading systems on student performance of each training element for each flight. ·        Along with written scoring of each maneuver, a reason for each score should be given to the student. Clear communication with student errors and what corrective actions must be taken the next time the maneuver is performed to achieve the desired results. ·        Solo flights must be reviewed with the students after each flight, just to review the maneuvers performed and give the instructor another opportunity to evaluate the student’s performance and provide feedback on what the student is doing well and what needs to be improved.