Handover of Controls

Clear handovers between student and instructor

Instruction flights present a risk that two pilots may try to control the aircraft at the same time or even that the glider is not piloted at all as both pilots believe the other one is controlling the aircraft. Especially in a tandem seat configuration a visual confirmation of who is hands-on the controls difficult.  A verbal confirmation who has positive controls of the aircraft is essential. Without clear confirmation and understanding of both pilots regarding the  transfer of controls the  situation may lead to confusion or even worse.

Whether during training, check flights, or refresher instruction, a positive handover of control between student and instructor is therefore essential. It prevents confusion, avoids conflicting control inputs, and ensures that at every moment it is clear who is flying the glider.

Why clear handovers matter

Most of the time, control transfers happen routinely during training. But during high workload situations — such as a launch, a circuit, or a recovery from an unusual attitude — unclear or no communication can lead to delayed reactions or opposing control inputs.

Typical situations where control transfers occur include:

• Demonstrating a manoeuvre
• Correcting a developing situation
• Recovering from an unstable approach
• Managing a launch or landing situation
• Allowing the student to regain control after instruction

In these moments, ambiguity is the real risk when both pilots assume the other is flying, or if both try to fly at once

If, precious seconds can be lost.

Use a positive transfer of control

The safest way to avoid confusion is to use a standard verbal handover every time.

A simple three-step exchange is widely used in aviation training:

Instructor: “You have control.” – (Transfer)
Student: “I have control.”- (Receive)
Instructor: “You have control.”- (Confirm)

Or the reverse when the instructor takes control.

This simple confirmation ensures that both pilots:

• hear the instruction
• acknowledge the transfer
• understand who is responsible for flying the aircraft

Even when the situation feels obvious, say it out loud. Especially in a tandem seat configuration this is of great importance.

Avoid the silent takeover

One of the most common training hazards is the silent intervention.

An instructor may lightly take the controls to assist or correct something without clearly announcing the takeover. The student may continue to apply control inputs at the same time, leading to:

• conflicting control inputs
• confusion about aircraft behaviour
• delayed recovery in critical phases of flight

Even small inputs from both pilots can produce unexpected aircraft reactions.

Clear control transfers are particularly important during:

Launch

During winch launches or aerotows, events develop quickly.
If the instructor needs to intervene, the handover must be clear and immediate.

Circuit and landing

Approaches can deteriorate quickly if the student becomes overloaded or distracted.
A decisive, verbal transfer helps prevent hesitation.

Demonstrations

Before demonstrating a manoeuvre, confirm the handover first.

Abnormal situations

If something unexpected happens, there should be no uncertainty about who is flying.

Instructors set the example

Students will usually adopt the habits they see from their instructors.

When instructors consistently use positive control transfer:

• students learn disciplined cockpit communication
• confusion during training is reduced
• the practice carries forward into solo flying and future aviation activities

A simple habit that improves safety

A clear transfer of control takes only a few seconds, but it removes a significant source of confusion during training flights.

Make it a habit on every instructional flight:

• State the transfer clearly
• Confirm the handover
• Ensure only one pilot is flying

Because in a two-seat glider, safe instruction starts with one simple rule:

One aircraft. One pilot flying. One clear handover.