Most common mistakes of novice pilots — and how to avoid them

Every pilot — regardless of whether they start in a real aeroplane or a simulator — makes mistakes. It is a natural part of learning. The difference is that some learn from them quickly, while others repeat them over and over because no one told them what they were doing wrong.

This article is a list most common mistakes made by beginner pilots, which instructors see all over the world — along with simple ways to avoid them.

1. Excessive yanking on the yoke

This is an absolute classic.

Beginner pilots often:

• they're pulling the yoke too hard,
• making sudden movements,
• they're trying to „fight” the aeroplane.

The result? The aircraft begins to undulate, loses stability, and the pilot loses control.

How do we avoid this?

• Treat the yoke like the steering wheel in a luxury car — lightly, smoothly.
• Think about movements in centimetres, not metres.
• Rule: small movement → large aircraft response.

Looking at the control column instead of the horizon

Beginners often look at the hands, instruments, or what the instructor is doing. Meanwhile, the most important point is located... ahead of you.

Why is this a mistake?

Because you fly an aircraft by sight. If you look at the horizon — you will maintain a steady flight.

How do we avoid this?

• 80% notes: horizon
• 20% notes: instruments
• 0% notes: Your hands

3. Rotating too late or too early

During take-off, beginners often:

• they rotate too early (the aircraft doesn't have the speed),
• they rotate too late (the aircraft „drifts” down the runway),
• They are rotating too aggressively.

How do we avoid this?

• Rotation at VR (rotation speeds) — the instructor will give it.
• A gentle movement of the control column, not a „jerk” of the aircraft.
• Thought: I'm raising the nose, I'm not lifting the aeroplane.

4. Excessive speed on approach

This is one of the most common mistakes — both in simulators and in real-world aviation.

Excessive speed causes:

• hard landing,
• lack of stabilisation,
• „floating above the belt.

How do we avoid this?

• Maintain approach speed (V REF).
• Use the flaps in accordance with the checklist.
• If the speed increases — reduce power, do not pull the control column.

5. No throttle operation

Beginners often:

• They set the power once and „forget” about it,
• they are trying to control altitude only with the control column,
• they do not respond to speed changes.

The rule every pilot must know:

Steering wheel → height, Throttle → speed

This changes everything.

6. Setting the landing configuration too late

Common scenario: The pilot is already on short final and the flaps are still at 5°, gear up, speed too high.

How do we avoid this?

• Start setup previously.
• Order: flaps → landing gear → speed → stabilisation.
• If something goes wrong — go around. It's not a failure, it's professionalism.

7. Overcorrecting the course

Beginner pilots often:

• they are turning too sharply,
• then they correct it the other way,
• then too strong again...

And that's how the „snake” is made.

How do we avoid this?

• Thought: small error → minor correction.
• Use gentle movements.
• Look far ahead, not right in front of the aircraft's nose.

8. Lack of descent control

Most common errors:

• too steep a descent,
• too flat an approach,
• „floating above the belt.

How do we avoid this?

• Maintain a constant speed.
• Use autopilot to learn the path.
• Look at the PAPI (if the airport has them).

9. Panic during turbulence

Turbulence in the simulator can be surprising. Beginners often try to „fight” the aircraft.

How do we avoid this?

• Maintain heading and altitude.
• Do not make sudden movements.
• Let the aeroplane „work”.

10. Wanting to take in the whole cockpit all at once

That is the mistake I see most often.

Beginners try:

• read out all buttons,
• analyse every screen,
• memorise all the overhead.

That's impossible — even airline pilots train for years to learn that.

How do we avoid this?

• Focus on 5–7 key elements.
• The instructor will take care of the rest.
• Learning the cockpit is a process, not a sprint.

Summary — most common mistakes of beginner pilots

Every pilot makes mistakes. The difference lies in whether they learn from them.

Key rules:

• the movements should be gentle,
• look at the horizon,
• control the speed with the throttle,
• configure the aircraft beforehand,
• don't be afraid to go around,
• don't try to get your head around everything at once.

A simulator is the ideal place to learn without stress — and to make mistakes without consequences.