EAA's Learn to Fly Newsletter

AUGUST 2009 Volume 3, Issue 8

Welcome to Reach for the Sky, EAA's monthly e-newsletter written and created for people who are interested in learning how to fly.

In this issue...

Pilotage - Interpreting Topographical Features - Steve Krog, CFI, Editor
Update: Earning My Wings video blog - Brady Lane, EAA Multimedia Journalist
What You're Asking - Questions for your instructor
A Personal View - Soloing at 16 - in Six Airplanes! - Steve Krog
Aviation Glossary - Learning the language of flight
This Month's Poll - What method of ground school instruction did you use or are currently using?
Did You Know? - Facts and information on the world of flight

As always, feel free to forward your copy to someone who might like to receive the newsletter. And remember, you don't need to be an EAA member to subscribe.

Note: If you're a pilot just starting out and would like to share your story, or if you have a question about flight training, drop us an e-mail at LearnToFly@eaa.org.

Pilotage - Interpreting Topographical Features Flying High
By Steve Krog

Throughout the past several issues of Reach For The Sky, we have discussed many of the things student pilots are required to know and understand prior to making their first dual cross-country flight. However, there is one more step you will need to become familiar with before planning and flying your first dual cross-country flight-pilotage. Remember making your very first flight? Once in the air everything looked different, yet it all looked the same. For one fleeting moment the thought passed through your mind, "How will I ever find my way back to the airport?"
[ Read more ]

Update: Earning My Wings: A video blog about learning to fly

By Brady Lane

Checkride: Passed!

The day before the Oshkosh NOTAM went into effect for AirVenture, I passed my checkride!

It was an incredible feeling attending AirVenture this year as a pilot - a real certificated pilot! Jason and I conducted three forums throughout the week and I enjoyed meeting many of you who've been following the blog. I even met two people who started their training because of watching the videos. That makes all the hours of video editing and blog posting worth it!

The checkride video is now on the blog, so be sure to watch it. I definitely didn't fly my best, but I demonstrated that I knew my stuff and most importantly, made good decisions.

Soon I will be taking my first passenger, flying to my first pancake breakfast and who knows, maybe even start tailwheel training! I'll be sure to have the cameras rolling so keep watching the blog!

EAA President Tom Poberezny congratulates Brady on passing his checkride.

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Using cockpit cameras, Brady is recording video of every flight lesson and posting them at www.EAA.org/wings/. He encourages you to visit the blog regularly for updates and invites you to leave comments and questions.

Q&A: What you're asking

Common questions for the instructor from beginning flight students

Q: How do I get into flight school and how long does it take to qualify? I don't know if you are the right person to ask, but any advice/pointers you might have would be very much appreciated.

A: Thank you for inquiring about getting into a flight school. Unless you want to attend either a university or a technical school offering flight training, there are no real qualifications. Most all flight schools are either independently or club owned. I would need to know in what part of the country you are located to assist you in making contact with individuals and/or schools that can offer you the desired flight training.

[ More questions ]

A Personal View - Soloing at 16 - in Six Airplanes!

By Steve Krog

When an individual makes the commitment to learn to fly, there are several memorable events that occur during flight training. The very first flight always leaves a lasting impression. Same with the first take-off, or getting the airplane to do what the instructor says. But then, after 8-10 regularly scheduled lessons, the time arrives when the instructor says, "I'm going to get out now and I want you to make three take offs and landings."

Tobie Stamsta heard me say those words on Thursday, August 13 - her 16th birthday - and I made that statement five more times that day. [ Read more ]

boundary layer - the layer of air immediately adjacent to the surface of an airfoil. Its flow, rather than being laminar, is essentially random, or circulatory, and produces a great deal of aerodynamic drag.

inspection authorization - An authorization issued by the FAA to experienced A&P technicians meeting certain requirements. This authorization allows them to return aircraft to service after annual inspections or certain major repairs.

[ more glossary terms ]

Last month's poll: We asked, "Will you be at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009?" Out of the 168 responses, 40 percent of you said you were planning on attending. For those of you who couldn't make it to Oshkosh this year, check out the full multimedia coverage at www.AirVenture.org.

Did you know . . .

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require all pilots to use supplemental oxygen when flying their aircraft above 12,500 feet for 30 minutes or longer, or during the entire flight at 14,000 feet or above. At night, to help keep vision clear, it is suggested that pilots use oxygen when flying above 5,000 feet.
*Using a good flight simulator will help a person* become familiar with aircraft instruments, controls, and procedures, which can help the person with flying a real airplane. Also, many pilots use flight simulators to help familiarize themselves with instrument approach procedures at unfamiliar airports. Flight simulators are more than just a game!

A moment to join, a lifetime to fly

If you’re preparing to become a pilot, the EAA community is here for you. Membership gives you access to the collective passion, knowledge, experience, and support of 170,000 members worldwide. You'll get to participate in EAA events, connect with fellow members, and have access to the tools and resources to get you airborne. Join the fun by visiting http://www.eaa.org/membership/benefits.asp today.

Reach for the Sky - EAA's Guide to Learning to Fly and Light-Sport Aircraft

EAA’s guide to learning to fly and light-sport aircraft is a resource to help anyone take the first steps toward becoming a pilot. Whether you want to have fun in a powered parachute or one day want to command a Mars mission, Reach for the Sky is a great place to start. It is available as a PDF that will take a few minutes to download with a high-speed connection.