We’ve all learned about the law of primacy. The first way we learn something is often the way we continue to do it. In aviation, this isn't just psychological; it's a powerful force that shapes a pilot's behavior for decades. Once a habit is learned early in training, it becomes deeply ingrained. Even if it appears to have been replaced later, it often lies dormant, ready to resurface under stress. This is why the first 25 hours of flight training carry such immense significance. During those initial hours, your students are establishing their foundational relationship with flying itself. From how to hold the yoke to scanning for traffic. These are habits being formed that will define their flying careers. Your instructor is shaping your mindset, judgment, and risk tolerance. They're crafting you into an aviator. Changing a behavior established under primacy is like correcting a bone that healed improperly. You must break it, realign it, and allow time to solidify the correction. Not easy, and not fun. In flight training, this means expensive, intense retraining. This talk discusses what matters in the first 25 hours and what does not. As a CFI, you have the responsibility to get it right from day one. While some pilots struggle with bad habits learned early, you can start your students with proper fundamentals that serve them throughout their aviation career. NAFI Session type: Forum — Skyfarer is not affiliated with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) or EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This session is listed for informational purposes from the official AirVenture 2026 schedule. Times and locations can change during the event — verify on the official session page: https://events.rdmobile.com/Sessions/Details/3580975