Steps to Learn to Fly in Sequim| Sequim Flight Instructor Scott Brooksby

What do you need to do to learn to fly?

The two things that slow most students down is the FAA written examination and money. It is fun to fly, but the book work can seem boring. Several programs are available to learn the necessary information online or at home. Go to our Learning Resources page for more information on this important subject.

If you want to fly, but money is not always available in a steady stream, it is often to your advantage to finance your flight training. This page will provide information on this important option.

Before you fly you should check weather and Notices to Airman (NOTAMS). You can do this by calling 1-800-WX Brief. The alternative is to go the the flight service portal at www.1800wxbrief.com. Once signed up you can set up an account with your information and aircraft information. This also helps set up the profile for when you call in to flight service using the 1-800 number.

Before you fly you will need to do several things.

You should calculate your weight and balance for the airplane. (If you have an ipad or iphone many of these file can be downloaded here.) You will also want to become familiar with the checklist (This checklist works for both the Cherokee and the Comanche), the operating handbook for the plane and how to perform a proper pre-flight evaluation of the plane. It is also important to prepare for emergencies using the emergency check list.

Learning to talk on the radio is intimidating. This page teaches you exactly what you must know to efficiently begin talking on the radio.

Understanding Aerodynamics, Stalls, Density Altitude and Ground Effect is Critical to learning to fly safely. Go to this web page and learn what you need to know. There are also some really good videos that help understand these concepts. It essential that you understand what you will be expected to learn. If you do not know what is expected it is difficult to know how important each item is that you are being taught. The Airman Certification Standards tell you exactly what is expected of you as you obtain your pilot's license.

During your first flight you will be exposed to basic controls and how they work. During the second flight you will experience the edges of the flight envelope. After that you will begin learning to fly the Traffic Pattern and land. This section teaches you how to make landing an airplane one of the easiest things to learn. Memorize this page and you will be well on your way to learning to fly.

Before you solo you will need to have an FAA medical examination.

This page will guide you through the process.

Before you solo you will also need renters insurance, you will need to pass the pre-solo exam and you will need to sign and send to me the Rental Agreement.

Once you learn to fly solo, we will begin working on navigation and cross country flight planning. This form will help walk you through the process of planning your flight. Once you can do that using the easy form you can challenge yourself by completing the navigation log without the help. This will help prepare you for the written examination.

Follow the steps for Cross Country flight planning.

The communication between a student and his instructor is the most important factor in learning to fly. If you understand what the instructor is telling you then stick with that instructor. If after a lesson you think "I didn't understand a thing he said" then you should find another instructor. Scott Brooksby, DDS, CFII