Passing Pilot School

Getting off school is one of the toughest endeavors that every student must face. Earning your training hours, passing your subjects, and getting good grades are all too far fetched until you join the workforce. This is no different for students who go to pilot schools. Their training and education system may be different, but they still have to make the cut to fly that plane. If you are one of the aspiring ones to be the next plane captain, here are some tips we have for you to help you survive pilot school with flying colors:

Related: Pilot schools across the nation 

1. Bring your notes
   There is definitely nothing wrong about bringing your class notes to the cockpit, especially if it is your first day flying. Others may find it too bookish or uncool to bring that piece of paper, but let us tell you that it is okay. Sometimes, our nerves get the better of us. Having your notes handy can sometimes help ease your first day anxieties. Do not be afraid to show your trainer that your dream plane to fly is a Cessna 210.
2. Familiarize yourself
   Hanging out in the tarmac can do you good. When you see planes and observe them near or far, it helps build your confidence around the machine. If you have mustered enough, jitters might actually go away. Plus, you’ll never know when a Mooney aircraft will land. It’s not every day you get a face to face encounter with beautiful aircraft.
3. Self-study
   Coming prepared on your training day will save you time, effort, and money. Studying before actually meeting your flight coach is a good way to be on the same page with your trainer. This activity eliminates a lot of basic instruction and will get you to the expertise level that you are paying for from your trainers. There is a good reason why our grandfathers would always tell us to come to the war prepared with ammunition.
4. Get some perspective
   Some students tend to focus all their energy in making the airplane fly. They often fail to understand and appreciate how things work in a bigger picture. To be a better pilot, students have to understand how the flight system works. If your trainer can take you in an air traffic control facility, take the opportunity to visit. Going to facilities like this will give you the edge above the rest because you have an appreciation on how air traffic is conducted, how issues are resolved, and how coordination is done.
5. Safety above everything.
   There are times when you feel like something is about to go wrong. Sometimes it is anxiety, but anxiety coupled with facts and rational decision is another story. If you feel like you are not ready to fly that day, do not drag yourself to the cockpit. Pilots should always be in their best element when they fly. Other times, the weather is unpredictable. If you think, it would be too difficult to estimate the mood of the sky, it is better to stay on land. Remember that it is always better to cancel a flight than get into an unfortunate incident.

These are only few of the tips that we can share with you. We wish you luck in your chosen field. Always remember that you’ve got a friend in us here at Knisley Exhaust.