Preparing To Fly Solo At Flight School
Posted on: 19 October 2017
If you plan on attending flight school, then you are likely looking forward to the time that you will be able to fly solo. This is an exciting proposition, but there are some things that you will need to do to prepare for your solo trip. Keep reading to learn about a few things that you should prepare for.
Medical Examination
Every student pilot needs a medical examination. The examination is a physical that is completed by a medical examiner. This individual is someone who is able to carry out a FAA certified examination. The individual is often referred to as an aviation medical examiner and can be found through an online database. Many flight schools also offer the names of local, certified individuals who can complete an exam.
Physicals are often recommended soon after or before you start attending flight school, although they are not required until you start flying solo. This allows you to understand whether there are any impairments that may prevent you from going forward and retaining your license.
The physician will check for impairments such as vision problems and ask about medications you are taking. While some medicines can be used, not all of them are approved for use when flying, so this may preclude you from passing the physical. You also need to be in good general health and considered airworthy.
Good Landings And Takeoffs
Most flight schools will only allow student pilots to fly solo if they have successfully taken off and landed a plane three times or more. These landings must be completed correctly with the flight instructor in the right seat. Both landings and take offs are extremely dangerous due to the potential for an emergency situation. Also, since the plane is closer to the ground, there is less of an opportunity to correct improper procedures without causing a crash.
Landings and take offs are practiced extensively, so you will have more than enough time to practice them during regular instruction.
In addition to these two integral parts of the flying technique, you will need to understand and learn the emerging techniques and situations that involve both landing and take off. For example, you need to learn about the proper procedures for when the landing gear will not descend.
While many emergency procedures will be taught in a lecture setting, you will likely have the opportunity to use a simulator to practice maneuvers so you are well prepared in an emergency.
If you want to know more about flying solo, then speak with a flight school about classes and instruction.
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