EAA's Learn to Fly Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2009 Volume 3, Issue 9

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...

Tips for Planning and Flying Your First Solo Cross Country
Steve Krog, CFI, Editor
What You're Asking
Questions for your instructor
A Personal View - Overcoming Adversity
Steve Krog
Aviation Glossary
Learning the language of flight
This Month's Poll
After earning your pilot's license, who was/is going to be your first passenger?
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.

Tips for Planning and Flying Your First Solo Cross Country
By Steve Krog

The gift of flight, the first solo flight, and the first solo cross-country are among the most awe-inspiring and memorable events a human being can experience. As you taxi out to depart on that first solo cross-country, excitement builds. Mentally you conduct one last preflight checklist: Sectional map open and folded properly, check. Planning sheet in hand, check. Plotter and E6-B computer in the seat pocket, check. The compass heading for the first leg of your flight and the first checkpoint firmly implanted on your brain, check.

Once aligned with the runway and full power is applied, the airplane begins rumbling in take off mode. And in no more than an instant the earth drops away and a feeling of total exhilaration overtakes you as the airplane initiates the climb to a desired altitude and compass heading. You're finally airborne and about to undertake your very first solo cross-country flight! [ Read more ]

Q&A: What you're asking

Common questions for the instructor from beginning flight students

Q: How much are pilot lessons? What "gotchas" should I be aware of? A little advice would go a long way right now.

A: The cost for lessons will vary anywhere from $90-$125 per hour depending on the type of aircraft being used and your geographic location. The sport pilot license requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight training (15 dual instruction and five supervised solo). However, I've been finding that it takes more in the range of about 30-32 hours. The private pilot license requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training (20 dual instruction and 20 supervised solo). [ Read more ]

[ More questions ]

A Personal View - Overcoming Adversity

By Steve Krog
Born, raised, and educated in Hungary, the opportunity to fly - or even see airplanes fly - was limited, says new sport pilot, Tamas Kriska. His personal interest in aviation had to take a back seat to other, more attainable activities. Then, in 2000, Tamas and his wife Agnes moved to the United States to pursue their respective careers. Interest in aviation and learning to fly was something that could now be pursued. But obstacles, both personal and political, stood in the way of taking the next step. [ Read more ]

altimeter - An adjustable cockpit instrument used to measure an aircraft's altitude.

altimeter setting - A reference setting on the altimeter so that the instrument indicates an accurate altitude.

tachometer - an instrument that measures the rotating speed of an engine in revolutions per minute (RPM) or in percent of the maximum RPM.

uncontrollable spin - a spin in an airplane in which the controls are of little or no use in effecting a recovery.

[ more glossary terms ]

Last month's poll: We asked, "What method of ground school instruction did you use or are currently using?" "Self-study" was the most popular method with 53 percent of the votes. The next highest answer was "Formal classes" with 24 percent, followed by "Online classes" with 13 percent. "One-on-one with an instructor" was the least used method of ground school instruction with only 10 percent of the responses. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Did you know . . .

Zulu Time, Greenwich Mean Time, and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) all refer to the same thing - the international standard for timekeeping. UTC is the current time at the prime meridian (at 0º longitude) which passes through Greenwich, England. The military, many US government agencies, and most international airlines use Zulu time because it is the same at any given time around the globe and is independent of local time zones and daylight saving time.

ILS is short for Instrument Landing System, used by pilots flying by using instruments only, not looking out the window. In most cases, this is because of weather, such as rain or low clouds. The ILS is radio-based and provides a course and altitude to help guide a pilot to a safe landing.

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.