If you've signed up for flight school, or are thinking about it, then you're probably very excited and anxious at the same time, especially if you don't know what your first day is going to be like. Being nervous is normal, but you may be surprised about how easy things will be and you're first lesson will be over before you know it. If you are considering signing up for flying lessons, or are curious to know what your first day will be like, then here are three questions and answers that may give you some idea.
Who can qualify to take flying lessons?
Anyone of any age can take flying lessons. You have to be able to read and understand basic English, see over the flight deck (the equivalent of a car's dashboard) and be able to reach the controls. However, if you get to the point where you want to start flying solo, then you have to be at least 16 and if you want your private pilot's license, then you have to be 17 or older. There's no upper age limit to learn how to fly.
Once your reached the point where your lessons have you flying by yourself, you will need to apply for a student pilot certificate and get a medical evaluation. Your flight school will help you take care of all the paperwork.
When do students begin actually flying an airplane?
It depends on the instructor, but most students begin flying right from their very first lesson. Usually, a little ground instruction is given first. Generally, this is getting you familiar with the parts of the aircraft and going over a pre-flight inspection. Some instructors prefer having a little more classroom instruction before taking their students up. Most lessons last about one to two hours with about a half hour to 45 minutes of actual flying time. In any case, be prepared to actually begin flying the first day.
What is expected on the first "discovery" flight?
On your first flight, don't expect anything except to have fun. During this time, your instructor will help you get familiar with the controls and you may even get to fly the plane yourself. Don't worry about doing anything wrong as your instructor will have complete control over everything. As long as you have followed all the safety rules, have the door closed properly and are strapped in you are perfectly safe.
The discovery flight is a great way for you to know if flying small aircraft is something you really want to do. After the flight, make sure you have a post-flight talk with your instructor to see what skills you need to improve on.
Your first flying lesson should be easy and get your started on the path of getting your pilot's license. To get the most out of your lessons, and if you want to become a professional pilot, you should also combine your flight lessons in conjunction with ground training. If you want to learn more about flying and how to get your pilot's license, contact a flight school like Institute of Aviation at Parkland College to get you started.
Share23 August 2017
I have always been an overwhelmingly positive person, but a few years ago I realized that there were some things I needed to straighten out in my life. For starters, it seemed like I was really having a hard time advancing in my career, and I was also struggling with money. I realized that if I wanted to make things right, I needed to start by focusing on my education. I began going through and working hard to further my horizons, and it was really interesting to see how much of a difference a little learning made. This blog is all about understanding how to brighten your future with education.
