Questions tagged [flight-training]
Flight training includes all aspects of training and testing pilots and other crew members
506
questions
188
votes
14
answers
222k
views
Can Microsoft Flight Simulator help me learn to fly (or make me a better pilot)?
Microsoft Flight Simulator has "flight lessons" with a virtual flight instructor, some of which teach concepts that are taught during actual flight training. These simulators are becoming very ...
- 58.6k
74
votes
10
answers
141k
views
What happens when an airplane stalls and why do pilots practice it?
When a non-pilot hears the word stall, it brings to mind what happens when a car stalls - the engine quits. It seems like that would be a dangerous scenario in an airplane.
From a non-pilot ...
- 3,835
50
votes
8
answers
23k
views
Why don't jetliners maneuver to avoid a bird strike if spotted in time?
With 75%* of the bird strikes hitting the wings and engines, why isn't there any training to avoid such strikes by banking if a flock was spotted with enough time to react?
It seems what Boeing ...
user14897
39
votes
7
answers
13k
views
How can I avoid flight simulator software reinforcing bad habits?
While looking into getting into flying I've seen in several sources that using flight simulator software typically creates and reinforces bad habits. Most articles say that it reinforces "instrument" ...
- 829
39
votes
4
answers
31k
views
How do young pilots in the USA accumulate 1500-hours to become a first officer?
The FAA requires 1500 hours as a pilot:
The rule requires first officers — also known as co-pilots — to hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, requiring 1,500 hours total time as a ...
- 3,854
38
votes
6
answers
7k
views
Is a pilot's instinctive reaction to a stall counter-intutive?
Is the correct stall recovery action somehow counter-intuitive? I've read about crashes like Colgan Air 3407 where pilots experiencing a stall have done the exact wrong thing and pitching the nose up. ...
- 28.4k
35
votes
6
answers
26k
views
What simulation software do airlines use?
What simulation software do airlines use for training purposes? Do they use software like P3D, FSX, X-Plane, or FlightGear? Or is it a custom? What about aircraft? Do they source them from groups like ...
- 6,565
35
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Who should handle an emergency when there's both a certificated pilot and a CFI on board?
While practicing for my commercial certificate in a T-tail Piper Arrow IV, I put the gear down on downwind, and one green light didn't come on.
In the right seat was a CFII/Multi, who had over 1,000 ...
- 16.7k
34
votes
5
answers
9k
views
What's the point of using T-38 to instill flight proficiency in Space Shuttle pilots?
As discussed in this Q&A, NASA pilots had to fly 15 hours a month on T-38 to maintain flight proficiency.
NASA Dryden's T-38 Talon trainer jet in flight over the main base complex at Edwards Air ...
- 795
33
votes
6
answers
34k
views
How much, generally speaking, does it cost to learn how to fly?
One of my life goals is to learn how to fly a plane. I can't do it now due to time constraints, but I am curious: How much, in general terms, does it cost to learn how to fly? I.e. piloting lessons, ...
- 819
33
votes
2
answers
7k
views
What does a typical discovery flight consist of?
I've been considering taking up flying as a hobby and have been looking into flight schools around me. One does offer an option of a discovery flight but upon contacting them they really didn't pass ...
- 829
32
votes
4
answers
11k
views
Do Flight Simulation Instructors stop the simulator before a simulated crash?
There has been debate in healthcare simulation communities around whether or not to allow a simulated patient to die during training because it might negatively impact the intended training outcomes.
...
- 755
31
votes
2
answers
19k
views
Why is a special certification needed to land at Paro Airport?
Why is Paro Airport (currently the only international airport of Bhutan) considered one of the most dangerous airports to land in the world?
Is it because of the mountains? In my opinion, Princess ...
- 5,125
31
votes
4
answers
8k
views
Principle of aerodynamic lift: are misconceptions also taught in flight schools?
Describing lift as the result of "equal transit time" on both sides of an airfoil is a fallacious theory widely found in technical books and articles for general public (see below for details about ...
- 70.9k
30
votes
12
answers
14k
views
Why does flight training usually start with (unsafe?) propeller planes and not with (safer?) jets?
I live in the UK and would like to learn flying jets, but most courses seem to start with propeller planes.
Not sure if this might be a misconception about the safety of different aircraft types, but ...
- 319
30
votes
4
answers
30k
views
When can I request flight following?
I'm a student pilot doing all VFR flying and making flight plans for training. I've heard that most people don't file a flight plan for VFR outside of training though, and instead request "flight ...
- 1,098
29
votes
6
answers
6k
views
Can a fighter jet land on a modified airliner?
Imagine this scenario:
A modified military 747 is flying at a constant speed and altitude. On the top of the fuselage there is a device like a helipad but with three holes to accommodate the fighter ...
- 847
29
votes
5
answers
25k
views
Will having a history of depression prevent me from flying?
The AOPA website lists four medications as acceptable treatments for depression. I was treated with one of them, but it ended up making things far worse, to the point where I had issues with suicidal ...
- 291
28
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Is it true that different variants of the same model aircraft don't require pilot retraining?
I'm referring to this Wendover Productions video - The Economics That Made Boeing Build The 737 Max.
The creator asserts that designing a new long range narrow body plane would be more expensive than ...
- 1,219
28
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Do airline pilots practice stalls in actual aircraft?
PPL pilots are taught stall recovery by experiencing it first hand with an instructor.
Do airline pilots intentionally stall an aircraft during training? Or is it all simulator practice because it's ...
- 39.7k
28
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is it safe and effective to have "glider pilot mentality" when landing single-engine fixed-wing aircraft?
I am a low-time pilot, of approximately 200 hours. I trained on the DA20 and DA40, designs that are derived from the Diamond touring motor glider design(s) of the early 1990s. I anticipate getting my ...
- 476
27
votes
5
answers
12k
views
I accidentally deviated from an ATC instruction as a student pilot. How bad was it?
Here's the scenario: I was a student pilot on inbound for landing at my home airport on my final solo cross country flight I needed before doing a checkride.
At roughly 8 miles out to the north west, ...
- 273
27
votes
6
answers
3k
views
What to look for in a flight instructor?
I want to make the most of my time and budget. There are ton of flight instructors and the quality has to vary widely. Besides being a competent pilot, what should I look for in a CFI? What are the ...
- 273
26
votes
4
answers
7k
views
Do airline transport pilot trainees ever fly a passenger-less aircraft?
Do airline transport pilot (ATP) trainees ever fly an empty aircraft? Consider the example where a pilot is under training to operate a 777. Would the pilot ever fly the real aircraft without any ...
- 6,565
25
votes
2
answers
7k
views
How to avoid or cope with a bad day where my flying felt sloppy?
This morning I went out to do a flight and I wasn’t my usual self. I was just sloppy in the pattern, not hitting my speeds, overshooting the final, radios were sub par.
Backstory. Last week I was ...
- 889
24
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Explaining a "Great Circle Route" to young Civil Air Patrol cadets
What would be an easily understood explanation of a "Great Circle Route" for young Civil Air Patrol cadets who are being introduced to aviation and navigation principles for the first time?
user22445
24
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What qualifications or training allow a test pilot to fly a new aircraft?
What makes a test pilot a test pilot? I'd imagine recovery from unusual attitudes is a must, but aerobatic pilots can do that as well. What training does a test pilot go through, that is unique and ...
- 39.7k
23
votes
4
answers
17k
views
What does a sport pilot have to do to get a private pilot certificate in the US?
What are the minimum requirements for obtaining a privates pilot certificate if a pilot already has a sport pilot certificate?
The requirements for a private pilot certificate don't changes because ...
- 477
22
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Is there a downside to trying multiple flight instructors?
My local airport has a Part 61 flight school and gives students the option of selecting among three Certified Flight Instructors. Farhan and others have posted excellent explanations of ...
- 717
21
votes
4
answers
35k
views
What happens during a checkride for a private pilot license?
For a Private Pilot License in USA, what happens when a student takes his/her checkride? I want to know the sequence of events. According to my knowledge, which is sort of vague, things proceed as ...
- 29.4k
21
votes
3
answers
10k
views
What happens after a professional unintentionally crashes in a simulator? Can they be disciplined?
I was wondering about what happens if a professional pilot who's training to fly a major commercial airframe unintentionally crashes during flight time in a simulator? I'm not asking about some ...
- 1,197
21
votes
2
answers
6k
views
How were pilots selected and trained before the introduction of simulators?
I wonder, how were the pilots selected and trained before simulators were introduced.
The simulators allowed to test the coordination and reaction time of candidates. And they allowed the students to ...
- 873
21
votes
4
answers
30k
views
Can you obtain a pilot license with impaired vision / being blind in one eye?
A friend of mine is blind in one eye and has normal vision in the other eye. Would this prevent him from getting a Private Pilots License in the US?
- 1,030
21
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Is training and pay different for cargo and airline pilots?
Do cargo pilots receive different training than airline pilots? Are there notable differences in salary or other benefits?
My assumption is that since cargo pilots do not have to deal with passengers,...
- 6,565
20
votes
3
answers
27k
views
Why are student pilots' shirt tails cut after they complete their first solo?
There's a standing tradition, at least in the USA, that a student pilot has their shirt cut, signed and dated by their instructor. What is the origin of this practice and what is its significance?
- 3,835
20
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Are the first solo flights by a student pilot more dangerous?
The first solo flight is a nail-biting moment, not only for the student pilot, but also for the flight instructor who's sending him off. In theory not having a CFI reduces the margin of safety ...
- 6,725
20
votes
3
answers
51k
views
What is a "frozen ATPL"?
I've heard the term "frozen ATPL" and it seems to be some kind of limited EASA ATP certificate. What exactly is a frozen ATPL? What privileges does it give the holder? How is it unfrozen to become - ...
- 71.6k
20
votes
3
answers
7k
views
What constitutes an "emergency" in flight procedures?
In reading through the more informal literature (Wikipedia, FAA PDFs, Av.SE), I often come across a caveat to standard flight rules and procedures: "unless an emergency exists". The intention is ...
- 22.7k
20
votes
2
answers
7k
views
What makes intentional low or missed approaches legal?
A common procedure in flight training is the low approach: simulating a landing, but without actually making contact with the ground before powering up and either going around in the traffic pattern ...
- 6,105
19
votes
4
answers
4k
views
When approaching a stall, is the first priority to apply power or lower nose?
I’ve always wondered. And I’d assume it’s the same regardless of aircraft? But when approaching a stall would the main priority be adding more power?
I ask because what if a crew was on final for ...
19
votes
3
answers
29k
views
Why and when to use flaps?
On a commercial airliner, what is the purpose of the flaps? I understand that depending on which direction they move in, they can be used to decrease airspeed, but I don't know when flaps are used. ...
- 487
18
votes
3
answers
10k
views
How long does it take to train a commercial pilot to fly a fighter jet?
The question is motivated by the recent events in Ukraine and the Ukrainian parliament on Monday tweeted that Europe was sending 70 fighter planes to Ukraine.
If this were to happen, how much time ...
- 425
18
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Why do we still interpolate in performance tables?
I'm getting my Private Pilot License. In the coursework, we learn about flight planning, which requires looking at performance charts for your particular aircraft. These charts in my case are tables ...
- 183
18
votes
1
answer
7k
views
Is there anything extra required to spin a Cessna 172 in the Utility category?
I'm trying to find a suitable aircraft to get my spin endorsement for my CFI rating but am running into trouble with most aerobatic aircraft due to my height (too tall).
My last thought is that I ...
- 8,392
18
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What's the difference between FAA Part 61 and Part 141 training?
I've got schools with both part approvals in my area. I'm just interested in recreational flying, I'm not sure which part is more suited to my needs.
What are the differences I should consider before ...
- 1,098
17
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Is it an overkill to request to see airplane maintenance logs at a new flight school?
I'm getting a checkout at a new flight school, so I don't know anything about the maintenance records of their airplanes other than this school has been in operation for some time and so I assume ...
- 807
17
votes
3
answers
16k
views
How meaningful is the total number of flight hours?
What hours count towards the total number of flight hours?
In a long haul flight, do all the hours of the flight count towards the total? Even if the pilot is resting?
Do 10 short flights of 1 hour (...
- 3,682
17
votes
5
answers
50k
views
Can I become a pilot if I am under treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder?
I know that before you even begin training in flight school, you are required to get a physical examination from a doctor to determine if you are fit to fly. Online articles stressed the importance of ...
- 277
17
votes
1
answer
568
views
How can I determine the quality of training provided by a CFI at a local flying club?
I'm considering getting a private pilot license, but considering that it is more dangerous than driving a car (with pilot error being a large factor of that), I want to make sure I train with a CFI ...
- 1,755
17
votes
2
answers
43k
views
How much should it cost to get IFR-rated? What to look for?
(Related to this question)
Many pilots have told me that an IFR rating is the most valuable thing i can do to improve my flying and margin of safety.
I know there are courses as quick as, "Get ...
- 30.4k