WHAT TRAINING IS LIKE

You and your flight instructor will ultimately decide the best method to use during your

training.  As a general guide, each training session will last approximately 2 hours. Before you fly, you and your instructor will conduct a preflight discussion. The CFI will explain what will be covered in the lesson, how to perform the maneuvers, and give you an update on your progress. Next comes the flight. Your instructor will have you demonstrate and practice maneuvers covered in a previous lesson. Your CFI then demonstrate and introduce the new maneuvers. The final portion is the post-flight briefing. This is where your CFI critiques your performance, provides additional ground instruction, and assigns study materials for your next lesson. This is your best opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you have.

Most of your flying will be done in what is called the practice area. This is an area of airspace generally surrounding the airport at which you are based. Further along in your training you will practice cross country flights to airports at least 50 miles away from your base.

Training is broken down into three phases. Each phase has a specific goal for you to achieve before moving on. Phase I focuses on the basic fundamentals of aircraft control. By the end of phase I, you will have flown an airplane completely by yourself, as the sole occupant. Phase II is when you begin to practice and learn more about navigation and flying longer distances. Your training concludes with Phase III which is mostly a review of previous topics, and a refinement of your skills and knowledge. This phase is the ultimate preparation for your check ride with the FAA examiner.

HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM TRAINING

• Fly as often as you can to avoid costly review flights
• Communicate often with your instructor, ask questions, request clarification, use him or her as a resource.
• Arrive on time and ready to learn for every flight. This includes coming prepared with all for your supplies, and having a good mental attitude.
• Immerse yourself in all things aviation. Read periodicals, join organizations, visit trade shows and conventions. Attend seminars and hang around the airport talking with other pilots. Not only is this a great way to meet like-minded people and learn from their experiences, it is a great networking tool.
• Study. Learning to fly is not difficult, but it requires you to focus and apply yourself. Study your assignments and learn the topics thoroughly.
• Use your instructor as a resource even after your training is complete. Flight instruction doesn't end when you get your license. A good pilot is always learning, so call up your old flight instructor and  practice some maneuvers you haven't tried in a while.