 |
AirTalk.org
Aviation discussions newsgroups
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Bryan Porter
Guest
|
 Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:09 pm Post subject: First Flight - What should I know? |
 |
|
Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Gig 601XL Builder
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:21 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
There is only one good piece of advice. Chill out and enjoy it. The intro
flight is just a sightseeing tour where you get to play with the controls.
Have fun.
After it's done decide if you get along with your instructor. If not get
another one.
"Bryan Porter" <bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bob Gardner
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:29 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
If the introductory is meant to get you into training for a pilot
certificate, as most are, your questions should be concerned more with the
school/FBO than with the airplane. Insofar as the airplane is concerned,
relax and enjoy the ride...the Katana is a fun airplane.
As far as the school is concerned, just open your eyes...is the office
businesslike? Are the airplanes...as far as you can tell visually...clean
and in good repair (no hamburger wrappers in the back seat, no duct tape
holding things together)? The key to success is the instructor/student
relationship, so you need to zero in on how you and the demo pilot get
along. Does s/he "kick the tires and light the fires," or does s/he explain
what to expect in simple terms, pre-flight the airplane in your presence,
use checklists, etc.
Expect to be low-balled on the cost, and pretty much ignore it...the bane of
every flight school's existence is the student who visits every school on
the airport looking for the cheapest training. Like anything else, you get
what you pay for.
Bob Gardner
"Bryan Porter" <bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jim Macklin
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:35 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
Pay attention to what it looks like, the relative position
of the nose of the airplane to the horizon and just where
the horizon is on the windshield. Relax and listen to the
sounds and your body's sensations.
That will make the next flight more productive because
you'll know what it should look like.
--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P
--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.
"Bryan Porter" <bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight
Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the
window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips,
I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first
introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of
St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm
scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up,
but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should
I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software
engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning,
reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar
with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mark Hansen
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:35 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
On 01/09/06 13:09, Bryan Porter wrote:
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
First, Congratulations for taking the most important step: That first
lesson. There's really nothing you need to do to prepare for this, other
than relax and look forward to it. Your instructor will discuss all the
pertinent information with you, and will even let you do a lot of the
flying (except for those cases where you prefer not to, of course).
That first take-off can be quite exciting, and you'll likely never
forget it!
Once you've had a chance to talk to your instructor, he/she will tell
you what is expected of you before each lesson. You will want to be
studying what you've learned, what you're going to do next, and preparing
for the knowledge test. There's a lot of information available to help
with this, so see what you're instructor wants you to do, then just go
do it.
The biggest point I can make about the various stages of flight training,
is that they are never as big a deal as they initially seem. For example,
you may have the following concerns early in your training:
- Will I ever be able to land this airplane without help from the CFI?
- Will I ever be able to learn all I need to pass the knowledge test?
- Will I ever get a handle on radio communications?
- etc.
Trust me when I say that these all come together in their own time. As
long as you stick with it, you will do just fine.
And, of course, you can come back here for help or a shoulder to cry on
any time!
Best of luck and please come back and let us know how your first lesson
goes!
By the way, for student issues, rec.aviation.student is probably good
enough, but as these are free-form groups, you can cross-post if you
feel it is needed. There are a lot of folks on the .student group.
--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane
Sacramento, CA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gene Whitt
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:49 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
Gig,
I would suggest that you go to my web site www.whittsflying.com and from
the home index page search for the word, 'recorder' This tells you how to
make a short patch cord with a splitter that will allow you to connect a
recorder (tape or digital)into the aircraft intercom. You are going to be
totally overwhelmed with all that is said and done. for a few flights.
Recordings will enable you to play back everything the instructor said
prior, during and after the flight.
Knowing that the recorder (tape or digital) is running will allow you to
relax and enjoy the venture without undue concern about remember it all.
Additionkally you can use the tape to write out all the questions you should
have asked. I doubt that there is a single pilot who doesn't regret not
having such a recording. to add to his regret collection that includes not
having started flying sooner.
Gene Whitt
"Bob Gardner" <bobmrg (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote
| Quote: | If the introductory is meant to get you into training for a pilot
certificate, as most are, your questions should be concerned more with the
school/FBO than with the airplane. Insofar as the airplane is concerned,
relax and enjoy the ride...the Katana is a fun airplane.
As far as the school is concerned, just open your eyes...is the office
businesslike? Are the airplanes...as far as you can tell visually...clean
and in good repair (no hamburger wrappers in the back seat, no duct tape
holding things together)? The key to success is the instructor/student
relationship, so you need to zero in on how you and the demo pilot get
along. Does s/he "kick the tires and light the fires," or does s/he
explain what to expect in simple terms, pre-flight the airplane in your
presence, use checklists, etc.
Expect to be low-balled on the cost, and pretty much ignore it...the bane
of every flight school's existence is the student who visits every school
on the airport looking for the cheapest training. Like anything else, you
get what you pay for.
Bob Gardner
"Bryan Porter" <bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote in message
news:1136840982.290308.24660 (AT) g49g2000cwa (DOT) googlegroups.com...
Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gig 601XL Builder
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:23 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
"Gene Whitt" <genewhitt (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote
I believe you meant to spell that "Bryan" instead of "Gig".
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gene Seibel
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
Welcome to St Louis skies and enjoy. I fly out of St Louis Regional
across town.
--
Gene Seibel
Gene & Sue's Aeroplanes - http://pad39a.com/gene/planes.html
Because we fly, we envy no one.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
NOSPAM@easily.co.uk
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:55 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
On 9 Jan 2006 13:09:42 -0800, "Bryan Porter"
<bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane
|
Forget all you've been doing with the Flight Simulator and look out of
the window.
The first thing I was told when flying was stop looking at the
instruments. You need to use the instruments with FS but you fly a
plane with most of the time looking out!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Doug
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:45 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
Enjoy trying to figure out how to do it!!!!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cecil Chapman
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:47 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
Just one tip.... open your eyes wide and relish every moment of it!  If
it is a 'fit' for you,,, well, it will stir you as likely nothing else has
before!  Have fun on that first flight!
--
--
=-----
Good Flights!
Cecil E. Chapman
CP-ASEL-IA
Student - C.F.I.
Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com
"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -
"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Chris Colohan
Guest
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:57 pm Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
"Bryan Porter" <bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> writes:
| Quote: | Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time?
|
My first intro flight in a Katana was on a beautiful, sunny summer
afternoon in Pittsburgh PA. If you can avoid it, don't do that. :-)
In particular, you will probably have more fun on your first flight if
you are flying in smooth air -- a Katana is very light, so on a sunny
summer afternoon it will bounce around in thermals like a ping pong
ball. You will get a much smoother (and probably more fun!) ride on
an overcast day with high ceilings, or if you go early in the morning
before thermals have really gotten a chance to get started.
If you _do_ go on a sunny afternoon, be prepared for a bit of
turbulence as you fly around admiring the beautiful views you get from
that plane. And have fun!
Chris
--
Chris Colohan Email: [email]chris (AT) colohan (DOT) ca[/email] PGP: finger [email]colohan (AT) cs (DOT) cmu.edu[/email]
Web: www.colohan.com Phone: (412)268-4751
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zatatime
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:51 am Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
On 9 Jan 2006 13:09:42 -0800, "Bryan Porter"
<bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
Enjoy it! Soon enough you'll be head down focused on managing the
airplane. For this one just enjoy the ride!
Happy Flying.
z
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
City Dweller
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:00 am Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
I would recommend reading just a little bit about basic aerodynamics. There
is plenty of information on the internet, no need to buy/borrow books.
Read up on:
- The 4 forces of flight (lift, weight, drag and thrust);
- Angle of attack and stalls;
- The trim wheel.
Have fun! You are lucky to start out in a Diamond, it is a great airplane (I
fly the Star myself).
-- CD
"Bryan Porter" <bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote
| Quote: | Salutations All,
After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?
Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
Regards,
Bryan Porter
|
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wizard of Draws
Guest
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:23 am Post subject: Re: First Flight - What should I know? |
|
|
On 1/9/06 4:09 PM, in article
[email]1136840982.290308.24660 (AT) g49g2000cwa (DOT) googlegroups.com[/email], "Bryan Porter"
<bryan.l.porter (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know?
|
You should know that this is a damned expensive hobby.
But that aside, have fun and enjoy the journey. You are in line for a lot of
"firsts" that most of humanity has not and will not experience. Your first
solo, first solo cross-country, first checkride.
It's hard work and a lot of study, but it's worth it.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino
Cartoons with a Touch of Magic
http://www.wizardofdraws.com
More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic
http://www.cartoonclipart.com
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
