First Flying Lesson
Discussion
HOGEPH said:
If you're going for your PPL, try and do the whole course in one go. You'll learn quicker, as you won't be spending the next lesson trying to remember what you did a week or more ago.
That's actually good advice. As a 'stude' you are going to find your learning curve will be quite steep. The more continuity you can get the better off you will be (and it will save money in the long term).Just enjoy it! That first feeling as you take-off in a light aircraft is a truly special moment and one to saviour. I still remember mine back in 1995 in an RAF Bulldog. That was the start of my lust for flight that never seems to go away.
Don't worry if everything seems overwhelming at first, all that radio chatter, various switches, speeds etc etc. Your instructor will take care of all that and let you get on with flying the thing. And be prepared for the weather! It can cause the odd cancelled flight which is just part of aviation I'm afraid!
Oh and report back here and let us know how it goes
Don't worry if everything seems overwhelming at first, all that radio chatter, various switches, speeds etc etc. Your instructor will take care of all that and let you get on with flying the thing. And be prepared for the weather! It can cause the odd cancelled flight which is just part of aviation I'm afraid!
Oh and report back here and let us know how it goes
Sticks. said:
Best advice I had was to aim for an equal number of take offs and landings.
So far, so good.
Mine don't match! But I'm still here So far, so good.
1. Get your medical out of the way first. I'm sure there's nothing wrong but should there be you'll have wasted the cost of any lessons already taken.
2. Get stuck in to the theory and exams early. If you follow the (correct) advice of doing the flying as quickly as possible but haven't passed the theory you'll have to tread water. You'll soon notice that any gaps in your flying, particularly in the early days, will see you going backward a little.
3. Don't worry if your progress 'plateaus'. It happens to everyone at some point usually with landings. There'll be something you can't get right, might even get worse at. If this happens don't waste your time and money banging away at it and ask your instructor if you can try something else for a bit. Almost certain that next time you come back to it you'll nail it.
4. If it's been a while since you left school don't fret over the theory, any good instructor should get you through. If they just keep repeating the explanation the same way they're either a) inexperienced, b) don't understand it themselves or c) both. If you get stuck feel free to PM me.
If you don't already use it log on to PPRuNe.org and vist the PPL section. DON'T post questions until you've had a good look through and searched. That place has been running for fifteen years so it's all there somewhere. Mind you, their search facility is about as good as the one here
Finally. Whatever you do don't take it up for a living.
PS Hertfordshire? Panshanger?
2. Get stuck in to the theory and exams early. If you follow the (correct) advice of doing the flying as quickly as possible but haven't passed the theory you'll have to tread water. You'll soon notice that any gaps in your flying, particularly in the early days, will see you going backward a little.
3. Don't worry if your progress 'plateaus'. It happens to everyone at some point usually with landings. There'll be something you can't get right, might even get worse at. If this happens don't waste your time and money banging away at it and ask your instructor if you can try something else for a bit. Almost certain that next time you come back to it you'll nail it.
4. If it's been a while since you left school don't fret over the theory, any good instructor should get you through. If they just keep repeating the explanation the same way they're either a) inexperienced, b) don't understand it themselves or c) both. If you get stuck feel free to PM me.
If you don't already use it log on to PPRuNe.org and vist the PPL section. DON'T post questions until you've had a good look through and searched. That place has been running for fifteen years so it's all there somewhere. Mind you, their search facility is about as good as the one here
Finally. Whatever you do don't take it up for a living.
PS Hertfordshire? Panshanger?
Edited by Flintstone on Tuesday 3rd August 13:11
A few more:
1) You can never, never use too many Top Gun or Battle of Britain quotes. They've not heard them before, and love them
2) Speaking of which, the R/T is never, repeat never to be used for idle Polish chit-chat
3) Enjoy it. I had about 20 hours back in the day, but got into cars instead. I'd still love to take it up again (excuse the pun) one day
4) Dont underestimate how expensive it can be. If the aircraft bills wont kill you, the social side will!
1) You can never, never use too many Top Gun or Battle of Britain quotes. They've not heard them before, and love them
2) Speaking of which, the R/T is never, repeat never to be used for idle Polish chit-chat
3) Enjoy it. I had about 20 hours back in the day, but got into cars instead. I'd still love to take it up again (excuse the pun) one day
4) Dont underestimate how expensive it can be. If the aircraft bills wont kill you, the social side will!
Don't pay in advance/block fees. Sod's law will dictate the school/club will go belly up as soon as you do.
Have you been in a light aircraft before? If it's a new experience, you may find yourself being overwhelmed by the smell (fuel, sweat, etc), heat, noise, movement and cramped conditions at the beginning. Try to avoid the hottest parts of the day as there's more thermal activity then. If you find yourself feeling a bit ill, try looking straight ahead and if that doesn't work tell your instructor - they're used to it and will try to help you.
But most of all, have fun, it's brilliant.
Have you been in a light aircraft before? If it's a new experience, you may find yourself being overwhelmed by the smell (fuel, sweat, etc), heat, noise, movement and cramped conditions at the beginning. Try to avoid the hottest parts of the day as there's more thermal activity then. If you find yourself feeling a bit ill, try looking straight ahead and if that doesn't work tell your instructor - they're used to it and will try to help you.
But most of all, have fun, it's brilliant.
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