Some observations from recent Private Pilot flight tests from Harv Penner;

Recording time up, Students are missing the time up. Instead they do it after airborne and struggle with the mental calculation of ETA. If this recording of time becomes a habit early on in there training than this will not be so much of an issue.

The nav logs have an ete for the ground speed check. If this is calculated on the ground than the in flight speed check only requires that they compare their ete with the actual time. If its close (within a minute or two on 15 or 20 miles) than they could say “on 15 miles I was 1 minute late therefor my eta is revised by an extra 4 minutes” (60 miles remaining) In this way no computers are needed and likely control of the plane will be better.

Carb heat checks in some cases have been so fast that they are useless.

I would also like once and for all to clear up the myth of the mixture control. The word airwork does not mean it goes full rich. Above 3000 even at full throttle leaning should take place whether we are straight and level or setting up for a stall or spin. If a lengthy climb takes place from say 3500 to 4500 feet it could be slightly richer but definitely not full rich.

Seat belts are being worn loosely, this is after they give me the pass briefing on keeping my belt tight.

It would also be nice to standardize the use of the freq 126.7. Does it make things any safer by broadcasting on this freq every few minutes. I get the impression that pilots have a sense of security in terms of a lookout because after all they made a call on this freq.My suggestion would be to use these calls only when on an airway, airoute or other commonly travelled destination. 5 seconds after making this type of a position call they expect FIC to promptly answer them when they have a weather or other request.

I had two candidates who had not closed the door securely. To confirm that
it was closed they punched the door with there elbow with considerable
force instead of just visually checking that it was closed. Wreaking the plastic door lining.

Also I have seen some handling of radio knobs and headsets that is really
rough. Headset cables being yanked out without grabbing the plug etc.

Familiarity with aircraft, a canidate told me that there was know fire
extinguisher on board but that was ok since we did not need it anyway.
It was there.

On the ground a number of them have not been verifying
that the journey log is up to date.

Two candidates were bringing cushions and did not realize that the seat was vertically adjustable.