This is the first in our series of online flying lessons. So we’ll start at the beginning – Lesson 1.
For those who are interested, this lesson covers Exercises 1, 2, and 4.1
These lessons are not a substitution for flight training. View them only as a preparation or revision Guide.
Aircraft Familiarisation.
While you’re on the ground, before the engine starts running (and costing you money), it makes sense to learn about your new environment so that in the air you already have the basics down. This step really depends on which aircraft you’re learning in, however most training aircraft are very similar. In any case, focus on the aircraft which your preferred flight training organisation will use.
Focus on leaning about the aircraft your flying school will use.
If you’ve not yet chosen a flight training school – find one!
Cessna 152
Cessna 152 Cockpit
Takeoff: 55kt with no flaps. Short field, 55kt with 10 degree flaps.
Vx (best angle of climb): 55kts 10 degrees of flaps. Vy (best rate of climb): 65kts 0 flaps.
Glide: 65kts (Glide speed is usually ‘best glide’ speed, where the aircraft flies most efficiently, it’s a speed you’ll use in lots of other situations also!)
PA 28
PA 28 Cockpit
Takeoff: 65kt with no flaps. Short field, 60kt with 1/3rd flaps.
Vx (best angle of climb): 65kts. Vy (best rate of climb): 79kts.
Glide: 75kts (Glide speed is usually ‘best glide’ speed, where the aircraft flies most efficiently, it’s a speed you’ll use in lots of other situations also!)
Aircraft inspection
Another part of becoming familiar with the aircraft is examining the outside and inside, using a checklist. This is a key party of safety – which is key to being a good pilot. You’ll become very well practised at doing a walk around / Check A / Transit check – but always take it seriously.
Effects of controls
You will learn what the main cockpit controls do, in a very simple sense. The below video does this best!
The flying
When you fly the lesson, you’ll mainly observe the instructor. You will get to fly a little, to learn the effects of controls, however the main experience of your first flying lesson is to get used to being in the air in a light aircraft – it’s an AWESOME experience.
What to do next?
- Buy a checklist for the aircraft you will learn in.
- Go to lesson 2.
Other viewing or alternative guides.
How NOT to do it.
What you have to look forward too!
Video – First flying lesson