What You Learn About Flying in Thunderstorms at Flight Training School

During flight training, you will learn why it is important toavoid thunderstorms during flight. There are several dangers involved,each of which can have a different effect on aircrafts. Flighttraining will educate you about the dangers of thunderstorms, aswell as teach you precautionary maneuvers.

Thunderstorm dangers

Thunderstorms are common, noticeable, and dangerous. The are a part of our atmosphere all over the globe. With deadly lightning, hurricanes, and high winds that can even result in tornadoes, thunderstorms can be the biggest weather-related danger known to mankind. So what dangers do pilots know to avoid when flying aircrafts during thunderstorms?

Here are a few of the known dangers that accompany thunderstorms.

Updrafts and Downdrafts

Updrafts and Downdrafts are the vertical movements of air due to difference in temperature. If a pocket of air is warmer than the surrounding air, it will move up to find air warmer or less dense. Cold air will move down to find balance as well. Movement of large volumes of air can create large thunderstorm causing clouds.

Turbulence

Turbulence can be invisible, so pilots must use their instruments, radars, and intuition to be able to detect levels of turbulence. By using their radars, they can detect the levels of moisture in the air. Generally, pilots choose to go for the gap in between storm clouds. It is even more dangerous at night because you can’t see clouds at all.

Wind shear

Wind shear is defined as short quick changes in wind direction. This phenomenon can significantly affect take-off and landing of an aircraft by causing loss of control of the aircraft. Wind shear has caused many accidents involving fatalities in the US.

Hailstones

Hailstones can heavily damage airplanes. Hailstones are capable of breaking windshields and damaging turbine blades in jet engines.

On April 4, 1977, a Southern Airways DC-9 crashed in New Hope, GA. Both engines of the plane ingested hail and lost thrust (forward movement powered by the engine). The plane crashed into a road and caught on fire. 62 of 85 people on board were killed as well as eight people on the ground.

Rain

Rain has been known to be heavy enough to drown jet engines. Once an engine fails, pilots have been trained during flight training on how to make an emergency landing. The plane will glide for miles before the pilot is forced to touch ground.

Lightning

Lightning can temporarily blind pilots, or even hit airplanes. However, aircrafts are mostly protected from electrical damage because the majority of aircrafts are made of aluminum, which can be a good electrical conductor.

The only crash in the last 50 years known to happen because of lightning was on December 8, 1963. A lightning bolt hit the Pan Am Flight 214, a Boeing 707 that was holding over Elkton, Md. The lightning caused a spark that ignited fuel vapor, causing an explosion that caused the plane to crash, killing all 81 people aboard.

In addition to all your aviation curriculum, you will learn basic weather formations and aeronautics. This is important information you will carry with you for the rest of your life. This is what makes flight training school an experience you'll never forget.

What Exactly Does Air Traffic Control Do?

During flight training, you will learn a lot about the dynamics of Air Traffic Control. Air Traffic Control is a regulation service who direct aircraft from the ground by radio and GPS communication. ATC’s main priority is to prevent aircraft collision.

ATC directs and regulates the flow of aircraft traffic and provides information and assistance for pilots when needed. However, ATC is directed by people and can occasionally succumb to human error. To counterpart this, aircrafts now have collision avoidance systems installed to act as a security precaution against ATC observation.

The word of ATC is not necessarily set in stone. Pilots are able to deviate from ATC instructions in the event of an emergency.

Airport Traffic

Traffic tends to build up around airports because in order for an aircraft to land, the runway must be totally clear. This means that whatever aircraft before must have already touched down, slowed, and exited the runway before the waiting aircraft can cross the beginning of the runway.

Landing takes about one to four minutes depending on the aircraft. Airports have time allotted for 30 arrivals per hour. Unless the airport is built with two different arrival runways, then it would have time for 60 arrivals every hour.

If there is congestion on the arrival runway, the aircraft may be delayed. The pilot would be forced to remain holding over a location until given permission to land. Holding can be avoided with the growth of today’s technology. Now that pilots can predict the traffic at their arrival destination, they may choose do delay takeoff from their departure destination or even fly slower.

Weather

Weather conditions can be a major factor in aircraft traffic. Rain or snow on the runway can cause everything to slow down and require more time in between arrivals.

Thunderstorms can be a big factor because aircraft are guided to go around them. However if there are several thunderstorm cells in one area, all aircrafts will be attempting to fit through the same open area between them, causing serious traffic danger.

By training to be a pilot at flight training school, you will learn about regulations, safety, how to operate an aircraft, as well as the importance of Air Traffic Control.

What Flight Training Teaches You About Night Flying

During flight training, you will learn everything from flying under VFR conditions to IFR conditions, and even night flying. Night flying can be jarring, so it is important to have a clear understanding of the rules and regulations of night flying that you learn in flight training school.

Physiologically, human beings are designed to operate at maximum capacity during daylight hours. Night flying can be a trying experience that requires the perfection of a set of skills that aren’t necessarily required during the day.

Almost all flight time logged by the average pilot occurs during the daytime. Due to this fact, revisiting night flying techniques is an important part of safety precautions.

Vision

Most pilots know the basic fundamental physiological requirements of night flying. The most important part is to adapt our eyes for darkness. Anatomically, we have photopic vision for daytime and scotopic vision for nighttime. As for the cones and rods in our retinas, 7 million thicker cones are used for daytime vision and 120 million thinner rods are used for night vision.

Your eyes literally need to change their physiological makeup to adjust for the lack of lighting. Dark adaptation refers to the adjustment your eyes are experiencing that makes them more sensitive to light. Generally, dark adaptation takes 30 minutes in total darkness. However, dim red cockpit lighting can help you achieve dark adaptation in 20 minutes.

Several factors can impair or influence your vision. Some of these may include cabin altitude pressure above 5,000 ft, smoking, exhaust fumes, temperature, humidity, and even a vitamin A deficiency.

*TIP - if a light is being used in the cockpit (a flashlight), close one eye to preserve some level of night vision.

Lighting

Every pilot should carry at least two flashlights, extra batteries, and a penlight for his or her pocket.

Pilots should be sure that all required aircraft lights for night flying are functioning normally. Be sure to double check these during your walk-around.

The position lights (or navigation lights) must be on at all times if operating anytime from sunset to sunrise. These lights include the left wing which is red, the right wing which is green, and the aft or tail which is white. Anti-collision lights (strobe-lighting) are also required for night and day operations both.

Flight training

In order to prepare and learn the skills necessary for night flying, you must work hard during flight training to understand all of the fundamentals. Generally flight simulators are the best supplement to training for night flying. By learning with the night simulation at your flight training school, you will be efficiently equipped for night flying.

How to prepare for a solo flight during flight training

Before you are able to fly as solo pilot, you must have developed and perfected a set of skills involving the aircraft. These skills should be mastered and turned into second nature. You will experience all of these tasks by learning to fly under favorable weather conditions at your chosen flight training school.

According to Federal Aviation Regulations mandate 61.87,

Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a single-engine aircraft. A student pilot who is receiving training for a single-engine airplane rating must receive and log flight training for the following maneuvers and procedures with the assistance from you flight instructor:

• Proper flight preparation procedures, including pre-flight planning and preparation, powerplant operation, and aircraft systems
• Taxiing or surface operations, including runups
• Takeoffs and landings, including normal and crosswind
• Straight and level flight, and turns in both direction
• Climbs and climbing turns
• Airport traffic patterns, including entry and departure procedures
• Collision avoidance, windshear avoidance, and wake turbulence avoidance
• Descents, with and without turns, using high and low drag configurations
• Flight at various airspeeds from cruise to slow flight
• Stall entries from various flight attitudes and power combinations with recovery initiated at the first indication of a stall, and recovery from a full stall
• Emergency procedures and equipment malfunctions
• Ground reference maneuvers
• Approaches to a landing area with simulated engine malfunctions
• Slips to a landing
• Go-arounds
  

Many flight training students become frustrated in anticipation for their first flight. They must wait for suitable weather conditions and favorable circumstances. It can be draining to schedule your first solo flight and then be unable to go through with it because of changes in the weather. One student on The Student Pilot Forum describes his wait:

I flew with our chief instructor about a week ago and he said I had some great approaches followed by just about the worst landings he'd ever seen. But I know that the throttle make you go up and pulling back on the yoke makes the plane slow down, so he judged I was safe enough to be able to fly by myself at least a little.

Now if we could just get rid of the TSRA [thunderstorms] from the forecast. Cancelled yesterday and later saw a thunderstorm less than 5 miles from the airport, winds on the AWOS [Aviation Weather System] were 15G25. I know I'd rather be down here wishing I was up there, but that doesn't make being down here easy. I wish the clouds would dry up.

Hoping really hard for no rain tomorrow...or Sunday...or next Wednesday...”

Frequently Asked Questions about Flight Training

Beginning your flight training is an exciting time full of questions and curiosity. Many people have similar concerns, so here are a few comprehensive answers to help you have a more clear understanding of what is going on, now that you've decided to make a commitment to flight training.

How old is TOO old to begin flight training?

As long as you pass the medical requirements and receive your medical certificate, you can never be too old to learn! People in their fifties make up almost 25% of all US pilots. Many people choose to learn to fly when they retire. The average age of flight training student pilots is 35. The average age of active pilots is 45.

Will I have the same Instructor the whole time during flight training?

Generally we try to keep students with the same flight instructor for most of the program to keep a consistent teaching plan. Many instructors have a different method of teaching and to maximize the learning experience, you should stay with the same instructor throughout the program. However, before you begin flying solo, or during your checkride, you are to fly with a different instructor.

How do I enroll online?

Follow these 5 easy steps to enroll online:

1. Schedule a visit and an interview with admissions.
2. Complete the Online Application & Deposit Form, your deposit will be held on your student account and wills secure your enrollment date.
3. All students submit a $1000 deposit.
4. International students will be issued the I-20 upon receipt of the online application & deposit form, which should be taken to the US Embassy in your country for approval. Remember we must have a complete physical address in order to have a courier service deliver the I-20. There is an additional $500 deposit for visa processing. Inform the school of your arrival date and flight information two weeks prior to arrival. A representative will meet you at the airport to welcome you to the USA and Aviator College.
5. Submit by email, fax, or mail all required eligibility documentation including an official transcript stamped, sealed, and sent directly from all colleges attended, copies of any pilot certificates received, college entrance examination scores (ACT, SAT, CLAST, or equivalent), TOFEL scores (if required), a 500 word essay entitled “Why I Want To Be A Pilot” and any material that will help the registrars office determine eligibility for enrollment and transfer credit.
   

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner - from blueprints to blue skies

Boeing has leapt miles into the future. With the newly developed Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the all electric, all composite aircraft, continuing to undergo several tests and even the first few flights, Boeing has received an incredible amount of press coverage and positive attention.

If you choose to be a commercial pilot, you will learn during flight training all the technicalities of flighing an airliner jet and maybe someday you'll have an opportunity fly the awesomeness that is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The idea for this primarily-electric aircraft has been in progress since 2002. Boeing has made very bold choices in the design of the airplane and the system’s architecture. Here is a list according to the 787 Dreamliner Flight Testing website, of milestones Boeing has achieved since the beginning of this project.

Power On

June, 2008

Power On is a multi-stage process bringing power on to an all-new commercial jetliner for the first time. There is approximately 60 miles of wiring stretched throughout the airplane. The first elements to receive power are the fans so that the electronics are properly cooled. After several complicated steps, the remote power distribution system is verified as operational.

Gear Up

August, 2008

Many different systems are installed and implemented to make the landing gear work. These systems include the common core system, the remote power distribution system, the landing gear system, they hydraulics system, and everything working together in order to extend and retract the landing gear system. Because the gear swing is being controlled by wires, it is lighter and much more efficient than anything before.

Wing Break Test

September, 2008

The wings of the aircraft were replicated and scaled in order to test the wing load. A weight was steadily increased in 10 percent increments, all the way to 150 percent limit. Once the wing was loaded beyond the 150 percent limit, it snapped, representing a first for the aviation industry. This was the exact location engineers expected the wing to fail, bringing the team that much closer to the construction of the 787.

Move To Field

May, 2009

The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner moved from the paint hangar out to the fuel dock at the Boeing facility in Everett, Washington to begin fuel testing. Now on the flight line, the aircraft will undergo additional airplane power and systems tests as well as engine runs. After completing final systems checks and high-speed taxi tests, the airplane will be ready for first flight. The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 886 airplanes from 57 customers.

Gauntlet Test

June, 2009

The aircraft is operated for 24/7 for an extended period of time in simulated ground and flight modes. The focus of this test is on determining the robustness of the system and its ability to sustain operations during flight. Also different single and multiple failure situations were simulated. All systems were validated and approved for flight testing.

High Speed Taxi Test

December 12, 2009

Taxi testing is the last test before flight testing. It is a fully operational test that gives a complete and comprehensive perspective on the integrated systems of the aircraft. With two pilots and 14 engineers to monitor all the systems on the aircraft, the 787 taxied at high speeds at an exceptional level.

First Flight Test

December 21, 2009

The first Boeing 787 ever created, affectionately named ZA001, experienced its first flight on December 21, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. for three hours before the rain forced test pilots Mike Carriker and Randy Neville to land. Both pilots called the flight “flawless.” They reached an altitude of 31,200 feet.

What They Don't Teach You in Flight Training - In-flight Emergencies

The worst possible scenario for a pilot would have to be a forced landing. Hypothetically if all engines were to unexpectedly fail whether due to some catastrophe or pilot-induced failure like fuel starvation or exhaustion, it is in the pilots hands to make the landing as survivable as possible.

Based on an article by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, I have collected a few tips and points to remember if you ever find yourself in an in-flight emergency situation. This is the real stuff you hear about during flight training, but hopefully you’ll never have to experience it.

Actually, after engine failure, your chances of surviving a forced landing are pretty good. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, only 5.2 percent of forced landings result in pilot fatality. Also, 69 percent of crashes resulted in no injury at all.

The most important thing to remember in an emergency situation is: don’t panic. Pilots are trained to be steady and level-headed. Having a rational sense of control in an emergency situation will be your best ally. It’s not like any scenario you’ve ever practiced during flight training, it’s real. The danger is real.

The Best Glide Speed

In your efforts to understand why the engine quit, you’re losing very valuable time. The best glide speed will be on the emergency checklist in your pilot’s operating handbook. Remember - do not climb! If the aircraft has already slowed to the optimum glide speed, you’ll be wasting precious energy by climbing and trying to buy more time. If you don’t know the best glide speed, it is usually very close to the rate-of-climb airspeed.

Locate the nearest airport

Use a GPS (if available) to locate the nearest airport, it will give you the bearing and the distance to the airport. Some even provide the orientation and length of the longest runway. Hopefully there is one within gliding distance, but often times there aren’t.
Also, pay attention to the wind, if you had been beating against a 20-knot headwind before the engine quit, your best bet might be the airport behind you. Just keep in mind you will have to turn back into the wind for the slowest possible touchdown

What do I do with the Landing Gear?

Whether you leave the gears up or down is totally dependent upon the terrain you’ll be landing on. If the terrain is friendly, open, or smooth, it might be best to put the gears down. If the terrain looks rough or even questionable, leave the gear up. If you put the gears down and the aircraft hits mud, it will flip onto its back lessening the chance of survival. Be aware that if a landing gear is torn off a low-wing aircraft, it could take a fuel tank with it increasing the chance of fire.

What will I Learn in Flight Training? - Taking Off in a Cessna 152

The Aircraft

A Cessna 152 is the most common airplane flown during the beginning stages of flight training. It is a slower plane that allows a student to get a basic understanding of flying an aircraft while they’re training to be a pilot.

It is a two-seat, high wing, aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear. The airframe is mostly metal made but the wing tips and fairings are made from fiberglass. Most Cessna 152’s have dual controls installed. They’re about 24 feet in length with a 33 foot wingspan.

The Performance

• Maximum speed: 126 mph.
• Cruise speed: 123 mph.
• Stall speed: 49mph (unpowered, flaps down)
• Range: 477 miles
• Extended range: 795 miles (with long-range tanks)
• Service ceiling: 14,700 feet
• Takeoff roll: 725 feet
• Rate of climb: 715 ft/min

How to Take Off

Step 1

Announce your departure. It should be something like “Tower, Cessna (say the end number) requesting takeoff on runway (say the runway number).” Then the tower will clear you for takeoff. Make sure to check for traffic yourself.

Step 2

Push in the needle-like button near the top left of the yoke (the control column, or steering wheel). Check engine, RPM, and oil pressure.

Step 3

Put the carburetor heat to cold. Put flaps to 10 degrees by pulling the handle to the right of the pilot seat and pulling it up until it clicks one time. Push the throttle very lightly to get the aircraft moving

Step 4

Taxi and line up to the center of the runway. Make sure you are taking off INTO the wind.

Step 5

Push the throttle all the way forward, as you increase speed to 56 knots, ease back the yoke to put the plane in a climb attitude.

You are airborne! Now, push the yoke in slightly until airspeed reaches 70 knots.

How to Profit as a Pilot - Spirt Airlines as an Example

When completing flight training, it is important to understand the industry that you will be involved in as a pilot. There are several different career paths you can choose from, so make sure it’s the right one for you.

Why A Strike?

Several commercial pilots are experiencing a huge rise in sales as the Spirit Airlines pilots continue to strike for their fourth day.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, 440 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, contracted to Spirit Airlines went on strike Saturday, after discussions were failed to solve issues between the pilots and management regarding issues like wages, benefits and scheduling.

Spirit Airlines’ main hub is located at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It is the only airline to 14 international cities and five US destinations, with roughly 150 flights and 16,680 passengers per day.

Press Release

The Spirits Airlines pilots issued a statement accusing the management of handling the situation inappropriately.
Here is an excerpt of the statement:

“Spirit Airlines management continues to seriously misrepresent its latest pilot contract proposal, which would force pilots to work more hours and pay more to provide health care for their families, while company profits continue to soar and Spirit was ranked as the most profitable U.S. airline by pre-tax profit margin last year.

"We regret that Spirit management's failure to take seriously its pilots' contributions to the company has forced us to strike, but, one way or another, we will make our value clear," said Capt. Andy Nelson, vice-chairman of the Spirit pilots' unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA). "For the sake of the passengers who have been inconvenienced by this situation, we urge Spirit management to get serious and present a contract proposal that is fair and equitable for all of its pilots.

"Moreover, Spirit management should focus its energy at the bargaining table instead of negotiating in the news media," continued Nelson. "Management has hampered our efforts to develop a deal by waiting until hours before the strike deadline to offer any contract increases at all."

Management's latest proposal is worth $62.5 million over five years, while Spirit earned a record $83 million profit in 2009 alone. Spirit's ranking as the most profitable airline by pre-tax margin in the United States in 2009 is based on the Department of Transportation's Form 41 data. Pre-tax margin, which is the profit made by a company calculated as a percentage of sales before taxes, is an important measure of the profitability of a company.

Profit for Competition

This incident may mean a devastating loss of revenue for SpiritAirlines, but it also means a huge spike for competing airlines. Peoplestranded due to the Spirit Airlines were forced to turn to competingcompanies like JetBlue to follow through with their travel plans.

How to Become a Military Pilot

The flight training and requirements in order to become a military pilot are extremely challenging. This field demands full dedication, focus, and perseverance.

There are three phases you must complete during your flight training to become a military pilot. Each phase consists of several courses courses and tests.

According to the US Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training, the phases are as follows:

Phase 1 - Academic Classes and Pre-Flight Training

• Aerospace Physiology, Altitude Chamber Rides + Test
• Ejection Seat / Egress Training, Parachute Landing Falls
• Aircraft Systems Class + Test
• Basic Instruments Class + Test
• Mission Planning / Navigation Class + Test
• Aviation Weather Class + Test

Phase 2 - Aircraft Training

• 90 Hours of flight training instruction, 22 weeks of training
• Learn Basic flying skills
• Focus on contact, instruments, formation, and navigation
• After 6 months, students choose track (bomber, tanker, multiengine turboprop)
• Students are chosen based on performance

Phase 3 - Advanced Aircraft training

• Fighter/Bomber Track - 120 hours, 24 weeks
• Airlift/Tanker Track - 105 hours, 24 weeks
• Multiengine Turboprop Track - 115 hours, 26 weeks

Tips and Warnings

Be totally committed

Becoming a military pilot is a serious commitment, it is an area of your life that you must give all or nothing.

Be eligible

Check your eligibility to participate in flight training, you must be in good physical health, including having good eyesight.

Warrant or commissioned officer?

Choose whether you want to be a warrant officer, or a technical specialist, or a commissioned officer, who may move up to higher levels of command.

Background check

All government positions require a background check in order to complete training.

The Fighter Aircrew Condition Test (FACT)

This test determines if an individual’s muscle fitness is qualified to operate high-G aircraft. After this test a student will have a physical fitness regimen specifically designed for him to target weaknesses.

There are 8 exercise events divided into two categories:

Strength Test

10-15 repetitions (50 total, minimum)
Your body weight multiplied by:
.35 for arm curls
.8 for bench press
.7 for lat pulls
1.6 for leg press
.5 for leg curls

Muscular Endurance Test

20 repetitions minimum, 50 repetitions maximum
Push-ups
Abdominal crunches
Leg presses

Your FACT score is calculated by combining the score of the two tests.

How a man survived a flight by hiding in landing gears

An unidentified Romanian man somehow miraculously survived a flight fromAustria to the United Kingdom on Sunday by hiding in the landing gearundercarriage of a Boeing 747. The man was apprehended immediately andconfessed that he had crawled under a fence and climbed into theundercarriage of the aircraft.

After a 90-minute flight, the man apparently fell out of the jet’s rear wheel compartment after it touched down at London Heathrow Airport. He was taken into custody and later released without charges. The U.K. Border Agency is not intending to deport him.

The 20-year-old man had bruises and hypothermia due to the fact that he was exposed to temperatures as low as -41.8 degrees F. Experts say the only reason he survived is because the plane flew at a low enough altitude due to stormy weather.

According to BBC News:
A spokesman for the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the man was "very lucky" to be alive.

He said: "If they don't find the right part to stow away, they can be crushed when the undercarriage comes up.

"Because of the altitude and temperatures during the flight, there is a severe risk to them through exposure and lack of oxygen.

"If that doesn't kill them, then they could be unconscious when the aircraft descends, and that can mean that when the undercarriage opens again, they will fall out."

Obviously, survival in these cases is quite rare.
According to Veronika Oleksyn of the Associated Press:

In February, it was reported that a man’s body was found inside the landing gear compartment of a Delta Air Lines plane that flew from New York to Tokyo. The body had no visible injuries, just frostbite. Authorities say he may of died from hypothermia.

In 2007, a man’s body was found in the nose gear wheel compartment of a United Airlines plane that flew from Shanghai to San Francisco.

The Landing Gear of a Boeing 747 consists of four main landing gears with 16 wheels. These provide a spread of support on the ground and safety in case of tire blow-outs. The main gear allows for landing on two opposite landing gears of the others to not function properly.

During flight training school, you will be able to learn all about the dynamics of aircrafts, how they function on the ground, how they operate in the air, and the aeronautics of the concept of flight.

How to get your Instrument Rating in Flight Training

Once your receive your private or commercial pilot certificate after flight training, the next step you would want to complete is acquiring your instrument rating. This is important because without it, you will be very limited in where, when, and how you fly.

What is an instrument rating?

Instrument rating is a pilot’s qualification to fly in less than VFR (visual flight rules) conditions. VFR conditions are weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. You must be able to see outside the cockpit to control the aircraft’s altitude, navigate, and avoid other aircrafts when there is congestion. Obviously this is very limiting, which is why it’s important to get your instrument rating while flight training.

You need your instrument rating to fly under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). IFR are regulations and protocols for flying by relying solely on the aircraft instrument panel for navigation. Even if nothing can be seen in the outside environment, a pilot with his Instrument rating is authorized to fly in Class A airspace, which is between 18,000 to 60,000 feet and rely on Air Traffic Control procedures to maintain separated from other aircraft.

How do I get it?

To get your instrument rating, you must acquire additional flight training, a private pilot or commercial pilot certificate, and additional education in meteorology. You will be subject to an additional written exam. The exam will cover:

• Airplane instruments
• Airplane systems
• Federal Aviation Regulations
• Airports and airspace
• Airplane performance
• Aeromedical factors
• Weather
• Navigation
• Cross-country flying
• Instrument approaches
• Instrument Flight Rules en route

Next is your check ride.
A check ride is both an oral exam to prove the student understands the theory of instrument flying, and a test flight to see if the pilot has the practical skills.

How long does it take?

Under part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulation, in order to receive your instrument rating, you must complete:

• 50 hours of Pilot-in-Command cross country
• 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument time
• 15 hours of specific flight instruction on Instrument Rating

What are Instrument Flight Rules? - Flight Training

During flight training to become a pilot, you will learn about the way airports operate. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the departure routes of airplanes from all airports, especially in poor weather conditions. Yesterday, the FAA ended a controversial flight path test in Santa Monica.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

The federal government Tuesday ended its 180-day test of a controversial departure route from Santa Monica Municipal Airport that resulted in thousands of noise complaints from densely populated neighborhoods along the flight path.

The Federal Aviation Administration's experiment, which began Dec. 10, directed departing propeller planes to turn right over the neighborhoods of Sunset Park and Ocean Park when flying under instrument flight rules, such as during foggy or cloudy weather.

FAA officials and airport officials say they will analyze the noise complaints, potential benefits and alternative flight paths to determine whether the experimental departure route should be made permanent. FAA officials plan to release a final report in August.

What are Instrument Flight Rules?

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) are regulations and protocols for flying an aircraft by using solely the instrument panel for navigation. This is necessary for when weather conditions are poor and the pilot cannot see outside the cockpit windows.

IFR-rated pilots can fly without any outside vision at all, they can rely entirely on the instrument panel inside the cockpit. They are authorized to fly through clouds. IFR is also a procedure designed to maintain separation from other aircraft to avoid any chance of collision.

Primary procedures of navigation under IFR are either through radio beacons on the ground, or GPS systems.

In flight training students are trained for their Instrument Rating with flight simulators and blockalls that help the pilot concentrate entirely on the instrument panel.

How to get Flight Training as a Veteran

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is now offering a broad range of programs and benefits available to those who are eligible. If you are aVeteran, in honor of your dedicated service, you have earned financialaid for various programs including education and flight training.

Benefits and Services

Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and benefits including Disability, Education, and Flight Training, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Home Loan Guaranty, Dependent and Survivor Benefits, Medical Treatment, Life Insurance and Burial Benefits.

This article will focus on the benefits and services pertaining to flight training.

Eligibility

Eligibility for most Veterans Affairs benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions, and certain benefits require service during wartime. You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are a:

• Veteran
• Veteran’s dependent
• Surviving spouse, child, or parent of a deceased Veteran
• Uniformed service member

How to Apply

Find a flight training school near you that best suits your needs. Then process the application.
You can apply online through the Veterans On Line Application or VONAPP.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals seeking flight training with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay your tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by a public educational institution in the state where the school is located. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing.

It is important for you as a veteran to receive your flight training education. Veterans have been an important asset to this country and the benefits given to veterans are specifically for the purpose of returning the honor of service.

7 Types of Flight Trainig Aircrafts7 Types of Flight Training Aircrafts

There are several different types of aircrafts you will be able to trainin during flight training school. Here are 7 different types of planes you will have theopportunity to fly.

Cessna 150 & 152
The Cessna 150 &152 is a two seater built specifically for flight training purposes. The C150 and e152 are the most easily accessible and affordable aircrafts. They have very low operating costs. These are generally used for students seeking their Recreational/Private Pilot’s license.

Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 is a light and stable four-seater with high wings. It is commonly used in flight training at flight schools because it is easy and comfortable to learn in. It is also a highly demanded rental aircraft because of its easy to fly nature.

Cessna 172 RG (Retractable Gear)
The Cessna 172 RG is a four seat, high-wing, single engine “complex” aircraft, powered by a 180hp engine with a constant-speed (variable pitch) propeller. The landing gear is also retractable which makes it faster than the Cessna 172. This complex and high performance aircraft is used for flight training at most flight schools.

Piper Cherokee Series
The Piper Cherokee Series is a two and four seat low-wing aircraft. It is also stable and easy to train in. Flight schools use this aircraft the most for flight training.

Piper Arrow
The PIper arrow is a light, low wing, four seater. It’s also a single engine complex aircraft. With retractable landing gear and a 200hp engine and a constant-speed propeller, it is faster than the Piper Cherokee Series. This aircraft is better suited for flight training students looking to get their Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, or Flight Instructor Certificate.

Beech 76 Duchess
The Beech 76 Duchess is a four-seat, light, low-wing, twin engine plane. It is a complex aircraft with retractable landing gear and two 180hp engines and a constant speed propeller. This is the most popular multi-engine training aircraft commonly used by students seeking their Multi-Engine Rating in addition to their Instrument Rating.

The Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole is also a four-seat, light, low-wing, twin engine plane. It is a complex aircraft with retractable landing gear and two 180hp engines in addition to a constant speed propeller. It is very similar to the Beech 76 Duchess. It is also the only T-tail Piper currently in production.

How to Find the Best Flight Training School for You

If you have a dream of becoming an airline pilot, you will need a flight training school that fits you. Choosing a flight training school is difficult because you are entrusting time, finances, and effort into a facility in hopes of pursuing your dream. During flight training, you will learn the fundamentals of flying and acquire the skills to be a successful pilot.

You must take all variables into consideration before choosing a flight training school to commit to. Write down what the best situation would be for you for all of the following:

Location

Ask yourself several questions when choosing a location for your flight training. How far away from home do you want to be? What kind of city or town is your school located in? What kind of weather conditions are typical for that area? What kind of potential connections can you make in that area? Be conscious of where you choose to complete your flight training, as they say- location, location, location!

Financing

Flight training is expensive. There is no hiding that fact. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association estimates that it costs anywhere from $5000 to $9000 just to get your single engine private pilot’s license. If you want more than that, make sure to inquire about payment plans and financing, or Federal Student Loans. Quality flight training schools have Private Educational Loans available to those who qualify.

Facilities

Let’s face it. You want the most bang for your buck. So be sure to find a flight training school that has facilities you can make the most of. Look for clean and professional facilities. What is the campus like? What is the housing like? Inquire about the number of planes in the fleet and the level of maintenance. You can even ask to view the maintenance logs. Does the facility have a flight training simulator? If so, are your flying hours logged in the simulator in addition to aircrafts? You want all of your flying hours to be in an actual aircraft.

Instructors

Ask about the instructors. Are they former airline pilots? Are they former students? Do they offer one-on-one instruction? How often do students have new instructors? Or do they keep the same instructor throughout the duration of their flight training? Ask to meet with an instructor and ask him or her all the questions you can. They’ve been through flight training before, they will have a better understanding of what you need as opposed to a brochure.

Training

The flight training school you choose should have a program designed specifically for you. Ask about the required flying hours and where they are logged, whether in a simulator or in an actual aircraft. Ask about the classroom education and the instructor-student ratio. Ask about the different types of flight training programs you can participate in.

Remember this is YOUR future. Find a flight training school that works for YOU.

Single Engine Plane Makes Emergency Landing

A plane nearly landed on I-95 yesterday, when a pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in a residential area near Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. He had called the tower to report he was having problems, his power was out and the airport was still two or three miles away. The single engine 1966 Cessna 172 fell short of the runway and took a nose-dive in to a vacant field, avoiding a row of homes. The pilot and his passenger were taken to Broward General Medical Center with minor injuries.

During your flight training, you will learn to make emergency landings. When an engine goes out, a skilled pilot must understand how to control the situation immediately.

There are several types of emergency landings, some include: precautionary, forced, and ditching.

Precautionary

This type of landing may happen due to unanticipated changes during the flight, or abnormal or emergency situations. The landing location will have limited information. The pilot must locate and inspect a potential landing site as soon as possible to in order to lessen the chance of worsening aircraft conditions.

Forced

A forced landing is a landing made under inhibiting factors outside the pilot’s control, such as the failure of engines, systems, components, medical problems or weather conditions. The priority of this type of landing is to land as soon as possible, regardless of location. It may necessary to land the plane even if it is still flyable.

Ditching

Ditching is essentially a controlled crash landing, only on water. A pilot would be forced to make this kind of landing if there is a failure of or damage to vital systems such as engines, hydraulics, or landing gear. If the aircraft is not designed to float, it will typically sink when it makes contact with the surface of the water.

Pilots must be equipped to handle emergency situations, and the only way to acquire skills like that is at a quality flight training school.