Somewhere just short of the runway you will perform a final check (called the run-up) of all systems by following your craft’s before-takeoff checklist. It’s your last chance to make sure everything is working smoothly before heading off into the wild blue yonder; where there are no service station clouds. Here’s a typical before-takeoff checklist:…
You probably want to fly for one or both of two reasons: You want to see things from above. You want to go somewhere. Pilotage offers you both. It means simply navigating by looking out the window and figuring out where you are by reading your aeronautical chart. It’s much like driving in a new town;…
An airport pattern is the invisible rectangular over an airport. Most smaller airport patterns are approximately the same, so flying the pattern typically looks like this: Fly off the runway and continue climbing the upwind leg. At about 500 ft. above ground level (AGL), turn the aircraft 90 degrees to the crosswind leg (usually a…
Slow flight is an essential part of your flight training. There are numerous reasons why you might want to fly slowly, such as giving yourself room in the pattern, allowing an aircraft to clear the runway, and of course, when you are coming into land. Today, I will address what slow flight is, how to…
In life, you have lots of options. Flying is no different. You have many instruction options for how and where you will learn, how much it will cost… And most importantly, what you will get out of it. Not all flight training is the same, so you’ll need to think carefully about your options. I…
The Private Pilot Knowledge test might seem a little daunting, but it truly is your time to shine. It is your chance to show how much you have learned during your training and to try and get the highest score possible. I’m here to help you achieve that goal. Today we’ll be discussing the Private…
It’s said there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots. This is especially true when it comes to preflight inspections. Pilots who are in a hurry to get flying and don’t bother to do the preflight, run a much greater chance of in-flight problems than those who take the time to…
Tests can be intimidating. All those questions, so little time, and your mind just went blank. Fortunately, people who take numerous tests learn how to use memory aids that help them retain and recall needed facts. Here are some tips. One key to remembering things is relevance. I call it peg learning. If you come…
The most widely used flight simulation program by far is Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can buy it for less than $100 just about anyplace that sells game software. Just make sure your computer at least meets the minimum system requirements listed on the package. The leading manufacturer of flight simulation hardware is CH Products. Another…
As you mark your course on the sectional chart you might see reasons to avoid specific areas. For example, your course might cross a restricted area or other temporary flight activity that could be dangerous. Or you might decide to avoid a mountainous area until you’re more comfortable with flying. Along the course you select…
If you aren’t quite sure what airplane stall is, then you’re in the right place. Today I’m going to tell you, in detail, all about it. In the most basic terms, a stall in an aircraft is when the wing stops producing lift. Lift is one of the key forces needed for a successful flight….
So your aircraft is ready to taxi on to the runway and take off. First, take a look around the airport pattern to see if any other aircraft are trying to land. If they are, wait. If your plane has a communications radio, you can use your it to tell other pilots what you’re doing…
Good question! Until you are signed off for unlimited cross-country trips by your instructor, your excursions are limited. Your instructor will help you select a trip on which you can learn new elements of flying without getting frustrated. Fortunately, you have a “road map,” a sectional aeronautical chart for the area in which you live…
How much will earning your private pilot certificate cost? That’s a really good question. There are fixed costs and variable costs. One of the costs that are ‘fixed’ is paying for your flying instruction. What is the cost of instruction? There is actually a lot to consider, and it doesn’t just cover your flight instructor’s…
Think about any famous pilot that you know. Take, for example, Chelsea Sullenberger or Chuck Yeager. What do you think their attitude to taking tests was? Cool and collected, right? Your mindset and the way you’ psyche’ yourself before taking your flight test will have a direct effect on your performance, so you’ll need it…
For student pilots, the goal is to “pass the checkride”. That means studying for the oral and practice flying for the practical test. You’ll probably be nervous. Remember that more than one million men and women have passed their checkride before you. You will succeed! Here’s a fact that will help you sleep better: You’ve…
Wouldn’t it be great if you could drive between two points by simply making your own direct highway? You can (with some limitations) in the sky. You can fly between points using a navigation system called dead reckoning. It’s an unfortunate term, dead reckoning. The “dead” part probably came from the word “deduced,” because dead…
Some of your learning options include flight schools, independent flight instruction, and colleges. I’ll cover them in greater detail in a moment. First, consider where you want flying to take you. If you’ve already made up your mind that you want to be a commercial pilot, and a private pilot certificate is just your first…
Another popular method of aviation navigation is by ground-based radio signals. For many years aircraft have been fitted with radio receivers to pick up signals that indicate the position of the aircraft relative to the radio transmitter. The most popular for small aircraft is the VHF omnidirectional range (VOR). There are two types of radios…
Your first solo flight, while short, is a significant step in your journey to becoming a pilot. It will be the first time you fly while relying on your own skill and abilities, without any help. Everyone (myself included) remembers their first solo. Today I’ll talk you through your first solo, giving details of what…
