The Run Up
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 …
Instruction
Ready to learn how to fly? Here’s where you get off the ground. These Flight Guides cover flight instruction, preflight operations, pattern flying, solo flying, cross-country flying, and passing the flight test. You’ll soon have your wings!
Navigating By Sight
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 …
The Pattern
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 …
Slow Flight
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 …
Instruction Options: What Is the Best for Flight Training?
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 …
Instruction Options: What Is the Best for Flight Training? Read More »
Private Pilot Knowledge Test (and Prep)
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 …
Inspecting Your Aircraft
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 …
Remember What You Forgot
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 …
Flight Software
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 …
How Will You Get There?
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. …
Airplane Stall (What It Is and How to Recover)
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 …
Taking Off
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, …
Where are You Going?
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 …
Costs of Flight Instruction
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 …
Watch Your Attitude (Test-Taking Attitudes)
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 …
Prep for the Tests
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 …
Navigating By Calculator
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 …
Why Are You Flying
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 …
Navigating By Radio
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 …
Your First Solo (First Solo Flight)
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 …