When it comes to helicopter training there are a few key pitfalls that students often run into and it's important to know about them ahead of time. One big mistake is not coordinating the controls smoothly. New pilots sometimes move the cyclic, collective, and pedals too abruptly making the helicopter unstable. Gentle, steady control inputs help a lot here.
Another common slip-up is not paying enough attention to instructor feedback. Some students feel shy about asking questions or take corrections personally. Instead being open to feedback and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities can really speed up your progress.
Hovering is another tricky area. Many students over correct while hovering and end up drifting around. The key is to focus on small, gentle adjustments and pick a fixed reference point on the ground.
Also not keeping up with situational awareness is a common issue. It's important to scan both your instruments and the environment regularly so you don't miss anything important. Pre flight preparation is another area where students slip up. Skipping checklists or rushing inspections can lead to missed safety issues. Always take your time with pre flight checks.