Flying Lessons to Become a Pilot
To minimise danger experience needed to be passed on. That process is called "Flying Lessons". Pilot training has changed over the years and the pilot today needs to know more about the theory of the different elements associated with aviation as well as the practical handling of an aeroplane.A specific syllabus is followed for training which is divided into flying lessons. We will look at the flying lessons for a Private Pilot Licence. Academic training consists of the following:
Navigation and radio navigation, Air Law and procedures, Meteorology, Human performance and limitations, Aircraft general including Principles of flight, Communications, Flight performance and planning.
A written test is required with pass marks at 75% in all subjects. At Private Pilot Licence (PPL) level the work is done by self study with guidance from the Instructor. Some schools have qualified ground instructors and provide lectures. Simulators are now part of the training programme. They range from the sophisticated airline simulators to simple machines for club use and most schools have them. Flying lessons can all be usefully practiced on such machines.
Usually flying lessons start with an instructor briefing. The detail of what is going to be done in the air and on the ground is covered in the briefing. The weather and the area in which the Flying lesson will take place are included in the briefing. The safety aspects that are important in flying to the practice area, during the flying lesson, and returning are all explained in the briefing.
Any notices or warnings that may be current for the day and the Air Traffic and Radio requirements will be covered. Observation and the correct handing over of control procedures will be emphasised by the instructor. To establish an exchange of control from one pilot to another the pilot holding the controls says "You have control" the receiving pilot replies" I have control". It is essential to know who is actually holding the controls. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Following the briefing the pilots check the paperwork and sign out The next stage of the Flying lesson is the "walk round". The next stage of the Flying lesson is the "walk round". The pilots, using their check lists, walk round the plane and check for fuel and oil levels, oil leaks, damage, operation of controls, tyres, for cuts and inflation, propellers for damage etc.
Using the check list ensures nothing is missed. Having completed the checks outside the pilots enter the cockpit, strap in and, with the check list, complete the internal checks. With all the checks complete the engine is started and permission to taxy obtained from Air Traffic Control. At the holding point the plane will be faced into the wind and pre take-off checks carried out. With the checks completed clearance is obtained and the aircraft enters the runway for take off.
Generally the flying lessons follow this pattern with each lesson being recorded in the students personal log book.