As with the Basic stage, the Intermediate level flights have a common set of expectations. At this level the student should know the procedures and checklists by heart and as a minimum be responsible for all of the free flight through to the circuit and final segments of the flight. At the end of the intermediate stage the student has progressed to controlling and monitoring the flight during all phases, and has assumed the responsibility for locating the airfield and planning normal circuits.
The instructor should take over flight in only a limited number of situations. The first might be to demonstrate a more complex manoeuvre, with the student following through on the controls. The instructor may also take over when critiquing some manoeuvre in the ‘red', such as a takeoff. The student is not likely to absorb the information if they have to fly in this situation. The same principle applies if the instructor is introducing the student to some more complex planning task in flight. Control can be returned shortly to the student in each of the above cases.
The last reason that the instructor will take over is in the case of poor performance by the student in the ‘red'. For example the instructor should be prepared to take over immediately during the takeoff or the landing if the student does not handle the situation well. The general rule in the ‘red' is, prompt once, and if the student does not perform correctly take over control. Don't fool around below 1000 feet. There may be a lot of this in the intermediate stage. Remember not to let the students go too far when they are in the process of cementing the fundamental skills. There is always another flight, and you may set the student back if you let them ‘hang themselves' at this stage. In the intermediate stage the student must demonstrate:
- Responsibility for the proper weight and balance requirements for aircraft.
- Responsibility for securing the cockpit for flight including the passenger (the instructor).
- Proper communication between student and instructor ("I have control/you have control).
- Proper lookouts.
- Proper release procedures.
- An understanding of the correct activities to pursue in the red, yellow, and green situations.