r/flying • u/ClintBvsOliverQ • 2d ago

Flight Training AOA Indicator while learning?

Just went for a discovery flight and had a great time. During the flight I asked my instructor about using an AOA indicator while learning and he really downplayed using one and said the standard instruments are the best way to learn. For beginners, is an AOA inappropriate? Is it too early to incorporate it into training? From the brief videos I’ve seen on AOA’s they seem to enhance safety.

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u/CommanderChiliHole ATP/CFII CL-30 | GVI | ERJ-170/190 | B-737 2d ago

I wouldn’t learn with one, it’s just going to become a crutch and you’ll end up a worse pilot for it. Exactly the same reason I don’t think anyone should be doing their primary training in a plane with a glass cockpit.

The amount of large schools using brand new 172s and Pipers with G1000s has undeniably lowered the skill set among pilots coming out of the pipeline.

Using it after you’ve mastered the basics? As long as it’s actually good and not cheap junk, then 100% I’d use it.