Have you started flight training? Here are a few tips that will help you become an awesome pilot.
1) There’s nothing wrong with armchair flying. Bring a checklist copy home with you and get more familiar with your cockpit.
2) Hang out at the airport and get to know experienced pilots. If no one else in your family flies, having those pilot mentors can make a huge difference.
3) Always come prepared for a lesson. Studying before you get into the cockpit is the #1 way you can save money.
4) Visit an air traffic control facility to get a better perspective on the airspace system that, as a pilot, you operate in each and every day. But always remember to call ahead to see if they can take you.
5) Get in the habit of doing a thorough pre-flight check; it’s the best way to avoid a problem once you’ve started the engine.
6) Keep your pilot logbooks up to date, and never forget to double check the aircraft logbooks too. If the logbook hasn’t been updated for your airplane, it’s un-airworthy, and if something happens, you’ll be responsible as the PIC.
7) Use the thousands of free resources online to help you learn without the cost of an instructor. Whether it’s a Boldmethod article, video, or quiz, or other great YouTube channels like the UND AeroCast, you’ll find tons of online resources.
8) If something doesn’t feel right, don’t feel pressured to go flying. It’s better to cancel a flight when you’re not prepared or if the weather doesn’t look good.
9) Get your FAA written exam done as early as possible. It’ll make your training much easier once you have the required base knowledge; plus, you can always take the test even before you start flight training.
10) Don’t worry when you’re stuck on a tough topic. Whether it’s crosswind landings, performance calculations, or radio work, flight training doesn’t always come easily. Every pilot had something that challenged them during training…and they all worked through it with practice.
11) If you’re a student pilot and you’re eager to share your new flying skills with friends and family, you can always take them flying in the backseat while you sit up front with an instructor.
Swayne Martin
12) Make sure you don’t rely too much on electronic navigation aids like the GPS in your iPad or the glass cockpit installed in your aircraft. It’ll be good to walk away from training knowing that you can fly without needing the support of a glass cockpit.
13) It’s not just about getting the certificate. Training can be a ton of fun too. Try planning a cross country flight with an instructor to an airport that has a good spot for a lunch trip.
What tips would you give a student pilot?
Information provided by www.boldmethod.com
