This is great to hear all of the student side of this. This has happened to me a two times in my 20 years in flight training. I got a kick out of all the answers up there. First of all I have never fallen asleep or snoozed during the pre solo training of any student. Pre solo is when all the mistakes are made so I am very aware of that. usually I try and find something in common with the student so we can chit chat ( remember it is my job to distract the student) I believe the student should fly the airplane as much as possible. I have never been a flight control grabber so when you have been doing 6 flights a day and not had a day off for two months. Yes staying awake can be a problem. That is why I don't fly that much any more. I think there were two times I have snoozed. Only for a minute or so but anyhow I was fighting it pretty hard. Anyhow both times were on the second dual cross country about half way thru the flight back home at about 7500 feet( you have to remember I have done that cross country about 200 times). I know some instructors would break it up and go to different airports but I keep it the same because The flight has a High density altitude purpose, easy for students to get lost and you can loose naviagation if you are to low. So even thoughtI have done it a bunch it is an invalualble learning experience for the student. It is my job to provide that. They both happened at the same place on the way home I think the first time the student did a slight zero gravity on me. The other time the student didn't do anything and I thought i didn't get caught. however At that time I used to have two parties a year for all my students and friends. This time it was also my birthday party so the student got me one of those neck pilows as a joke and told everyone at the party. That didn't happen again. Be carefull I wouldn't take someones seatbelt off even though it is a nice thought.You have to remember you are the student. So if you break your instructors neck during this little joke and you haven't learned to land yet you are in big trouble. Even if you can land and you break the instructors neck you are not going to want to deal with the lawyers after. Keep it kool and friendly if you are almost done with your training and you fire your instructor you just added about another $1000 to your rating because a new instructor has to go over everything with you. Keep it kool and freindly. There is always a time and place for a good practical joke. Not in the airplane airfreddy
