Happy New Year! We’re in the heart of winter, and yes, it can get cold in Florida. What do you do during aircraft preflight and engine start during cold weather operations?
We’re in the heart of winter, and yes, it can get cold in Florida. In fact, December (2022) we endured a cold streak in which the high’s were reportedly in the 40○’s F (4○’s C). While we might not experience temperatures as low, we can probably anticipate some periodic lower than normal temperatures over the next few months. During those rare cold snaps one has to feel for all our seasonal Snowbird transplants.
While cold weather operations are not typical in our part of Florida, it is still a good time of year to revisit some of our basic knowledge. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) provides a great article appropriately titled Winter Flying. It discusses the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ‘Tips on winter flying.’
The article includes tips for owners preparing their aircraft for winter operations. For example:
Add baffling and engine covers.
Some aircraft POH’s may require their associated aircraft to use a different weight of oil during cold weather operations.
Inspect cabin heaters because accident investigations reveal carbon monoxide as a probable cause of accidents that have occurred during cold weather operations.
While you may be tempted to speed up your pre-flight inspection, this is the time to actually take your time and be extra thorough.
If your aircraft was flown then parked with half-empty tanks, there is always a possibility of condensation in the tanks.
A good source of information about fuel contamination can be found in the FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC) 2O-43C, entitled “Aircraft Fuel Control.”
In cold weather many manufacturers may require or recommend preheating engines.
Frozen spark plugs can be shorted out. The only remedy is to remove the plugs and heat them to where no more moisture is present.
All ICE AND FROST must be removed before taking-off. DO NOT underestimate any light patch of ice or frost on any of your control surfaces
Make sure fuel vents are not blocked by ice
You also need to maintain your situational awareness when starting the engine…
Pilot’s have a tendency to overprime the engine which can result in starting difficulty a potential aircraft fire.
Oil can be partially congealed which can result in difficulty turning the engines with the starter or even by hand.
Once the engine is started the use of carburetor heat can assist in fuel vaporization until the engine has sufficient heat.
Also, it would probably be wise to turn on the pitot heat.
Remember, while taxiing; braking action can be poor when moving through ice and snow.
These are a few items listed in the AOPA article. Of course we didn’t cover every phase of flight in this post. We encourage you to read the article and publications discussed. What routines do you follow during cold weather operations? What are some special considerations that are specific to the aircraft you fly?
Are you looking to save money during your flight training? We’ll keep repeating our other mantra, ‘virtual practice works.’ Using some of today’s flight simulator games, like Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane, you can really learn core aviation concepts on a budget.
Another consideration is that the military and airlines put their pilots through ground school and simulators before their students start a ‘live’ aircraft. They train this way because simulation works!
If you don’t want to believe us, then maybe you’ll listen to a seasoned professional like the famous Rod Machado. In his blog posting ‘The Power of Simulators’ he gives a major thumb’s up to the use of ‘Personal Computer’ training devices to supplement your flight training.
Once you’re done reading his blog you can immediately implement some of his recommendations by starting his online Rod Machado 40-hour Private Pilot Course. He gives you lifetime access. So you can learn at your own pace.
Save time with virtual practice: You can use some of today’s flight simulator games to practice while you progress through your online ground course. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A laptop that can run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or X-Plane is good enough to get started.
You don’t even need a bunch of fancy controls. A simple joystick setup from Amazon should do the trick. However, if you want a cooler computer and controls contact our friends at Jetline Systems.
Recently I came across a really ‘cool’ article about how X-Plane came into existence. Austin Meyer, the creator and founder, developed the software to supplement his training for an instrument proficiency check (IPC).
His initial instrument training was in a small east coast city. When he ended up taking an IPC in the busy southern California airspace he had difficulty to the point where he had to retake the checkride multiple times.
His story is another example that drives home my belief that you can save time and money supplementing your flight training with a home ‘Personal Computer Assisted Training Devices.’
For the General Aviation pilot, student or enthusiast, the Web provides a broad range of references and resources that can meet just about any need imaginable.
During a recent school visit to talk to young people about the Aviation Industry, one student asked if an aircraft is similar to a time machine? How would you answer that question?
Where did the time go? It’s gift giving time. Give your friends the gift of flying. Last month our team visited a middle school to participate in the ‘Great American Teach-in.’ The student’s asked a lot of great questions. Our goal was to expose and inspire the children to consider the Aviation industry as a future career possibility.
While there were a lot of good questions, one student asked if flying is similar to a time machine? Our simple response was, of course! We have to travel time zones to get from point A to point B. Also, people save time getting from point A to point B much faster in an aircraft.
It was entertaining to listen as children share with us their favorite subjects or potential career paths. Some wanted to be engineers, others love fashion and art, while others have a passion for writing and linguistic related subjects, just to name a few.
No doubt some of the students were trying to give answers to prove how different they are and that there’s no way their passion could fit within the Aviation industry. Imagine their surprise when we were able to share how their current passion could possibly fit within the industry.
It was a fun day and hopefully we were able to open a few young minds to consider entering the Aviation industry in the future. We hope they could see that you don’t have to be a pilot or mechanic to work in Aviation. More importantly we were able to, in a small way, give back to the community.
Fast forward, a few days later, our team sat down with a couple of fellow instructor friends and shared our recent middle school adventure. Our friend, call-sign E-Sugar, provided additional ways for us to describe an aircraft as a ‘Time Machine.’
Travel happens much faster. Imagine renting an aircraft for the day to travel from Tampa to Miami, just for the day. The drive alone is at least 4 hours (some will argue it’s 5-plus hours).
You chose when to fly. Especially if you own the aircraft, you’re not beholden to a regular schedule. You fly when you want to fly (…and of course when it’s safe too; yada, yada, yada!).
You skip the lines. If you’re traveling around the country, imagine skipping the typical long security lines you experience at a typical airport. More time savings for you. Need more convincing?
Your time is spent building lasting memories. General Aviation flying allows you the freedom to build memories at your pace (Airlines can’t promise that). You find interesting places, meet interesting people, and go on fascinating adventures.
You spend time with really ‘neat’ people. The Aviation community tends to attract a lot of motivated and talented people from a variety of backgrounds. You will meet a lot of ‘cool’ people
This list is not all inclusive. What are your thoughts? We invite you to comment with additional ways an aircraft is a ‘Time Machine.’
If you’re already a student pilot and are wondering the best way to save money on your flight training… We’ve said it once, twice and thrice. Now we’ll say it again… Study, study, study!
Rod Machado’s blog post ‘How to be a good student,’ provides a list of recommendations to help you become a better Student Aviator. Once you’re done reading his blog you can immediately implement some of his recommendations by starting his online Rod Machado 40-hour Private Pilot Course. He gives you lifetime access. So you can learn on your time and when you are ready.
Save time with virtual practice: Consider this; the military and airlines put their pilots through ground school and simulators before their students start a ‘live’ aircraft. They train this way because simulation works!
You can use some of today’s flight simulator games to practice while you progress through your online ground course. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A laptop that can run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or X-Plane is good enough to get started.
You don’t even need a bunch of fancy controls. A simple joystick setup from Amazon should do the trick. However, if you want a cooler computer and controls contact our friends at Jetline Systems.
PC GAME TURNED TRUE-TO-LIFE FLIGHT SIMULATOR WOWED MSFS COMMUNITY
Microsoft’s Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Sim Update 11 marked yet another milestone in the development of the iconic game turned true-to-life flight simulator.
Significant improvements to Live weather, including atmospheric condition modeling, aerodynamic flight modeling and air traffic conditions continued to progress MSFS use case as an aviation study level application.
Long Awaited Sailplanes and Realistic Flight Dynamics Debut
New Thermal Modeling with Visual Displays for Sailplane Pilots
Updates to the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Thermal Modeling and 3D airflow display paved the way for the release of two brand new glider aircraft.
Release of DG Aviation LS8-18 and DG-1001E Neo Sailplanes
In addition to the GotFriends Schempp-Hirth Discus2c Standard and Premium sailplanes, the 40th edition release added DG Aviation’s single seat LS8-18 and DG-1001E Neo dual-seat sailplane, equipped with an electric sustainer motor.
Discus-2c Premium. The Discus-2c is a single-seat, high-performance sailplane by German glider manufacturer Schempp-Hirth. The sailplane also comes in a front electric sustainer version (FES).
Additional Realism for Sailplane Pilots
Like real-world gliding, sounds created by gliders interacting with wind, clouds, and weather are now a part of simulated glider flight. Sound effects for final approach and landing have been improved.
New Glider Educational Tutorials and Activities
New glider tutorials are also part of the 40th Anniversary Release. Aviation enthusiasts and pilots of conventional aircraft need to be educated and oriented to the different flight dynamics that govern fixed-wing glider piloting.
Preflight Walk Around Capability Key to Study Level Realism
Key to the MSFS use case as a study level aviation application, is the ability for a pilot to complete a preflight walk around inspection of an aircraft.
As real-world aviators perform pre-flight checks to identify flight control and other potential safety issues with an aircraft, virtual pilots can also detect problems with their virtual aircraft during a virtual inspection of the aircraft and the real-world physical peripheral flight control bindings and configurations.
With FSRealistic installed, walk around pre-flight aircraft checks are now possible, adding to the true-to-life realism that will progress MSFS in the minds of experienced virtual and real-world glider pilots.
FSRealistic v2.1.0 First Person Mode – First Impressions and Review
FSRealistic provides a host of other significant realism effects that will enhance your 2DPC or virtual reality FSIM experience.
Based on the capabilities, features, level and quality of end-user support, FSRealisticappears to be a first class application that will deliver significant value to your MSFS study, practice and enjoyment of your FSIM-experience.
Conclusion
The majority of reviews and first impressions agreed that the free 40th Anniversary Sim Update 11 software release delighted MSFS end users.
I believe MSFS Update11 marks a turning point for the product. More aviation schools and instructors will seriously begin to consider the MSFS platform as a study tool and practice adjunct to commercial FAA approved training programs and commercial simulators.
If you want to read Jim’s more in-depth coverage of the exciting release of the MSFS update visit his blog MSFS 40th Anniversary Update.
As a special offer to the Skyway Bound Aviation community, you can receive free 6-month VIP access to JimIntriglia.com subscriber-only educational, informational and research articles. To receive your VIP Subscriber login credentials, send an email request (Jim@JimIntriglia.com). Make sure you mention you’re part of the Skyway Bound Aviation community.
You can stay tuned and support our growing Skyway Bound Aviation community by liking and following our social media accounts, listed below.
How many of you have ever dreamed of flying? Not a day goes by that I don’t talk to someone who laments about their dream to fly but feel it’s too expensive. Yes, flying is expensive!
However, is it any more expensive than owning a yacht? How much do you spend watching other people live their dreams? e.g. How expensive were those playoff tickets? How many movies do you watch?
I’m all about taking time out to enjoy and appreciate other people’s talents but I like to do ‘stuff.’ If you don’t want to sit on the sideline anymore and want to pursue your dream of flying, here’s a few things to consider…
Start with shift in mindset shift
Take small steps: You’re probably busy with life; career, family, etc. However, I bet you can find 30 minutes per week, or even per month, to perform a simple act that moves you one step closer to your dream of becoming a pilot. For example, you can start an online ground school course, like Rod Machado 40-hour Private Pilot Course.
Rod Machado gives you lifetime access. So you can learn on your time and when you are ready. If you can’t find 30 minutes per month, you probably aren’t really interested.
Start now! Don’t wait to begin living. So many people look back on their lives with ‘should’ve, would’ve, could’ve’ regrets. None of us know when our ‘proverbial’ number is going to be called. Life is short!
Be patient: Some of you will start training and get frustrated when you don’t pick up Aviation skills quickly. I have worked with many student pilots who are super successful at just about everything they touch. Sometimes these people are surprised at how challenging flying can be. I remind them to;
Respect the Curve: Everything has a learning curve.
Respect the Challenge: Accept that this will be a challenge, don’t forget the work they put into prior successes.
Respect the Pro’s: If their challenges don’t give them a healthy respect for the professionals, nothing will.
Push through the wall. You can do it!
* This list is not all inclusive. I’m a CFI, e.g. long winded, so the list of reminders can go on and on.
Treat yourself a little: We provide gifts to others, why not treat ourselves to something fun from time to time. The beauty of getting your pilot’s license is you can share your new found skills with friends and family. So by treating yourself to flying lessons you’ll gain skills that can bring joy to others.
Get creative: While flying is expensive, you can find ways to bring our costs down. One of the best ways is to study, study, study. Consider completing a self-paced online ground school before you begin your practical flying lessons. Also, you can download a truckload of free publications from the FAA.
Additionally, Rod Machado provides a FREE syllabus you can use to keep track of your flight training progress.
Virtually practice in flight simulator games: You can use some of today’s flight simulator games to practice while you progress through your online ground course. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A laptop that can run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or X-Plane is good enough to get started.
You don’t even need a bunch of fancy controls. A simple joystick setup from Amazon should do the trick. However, if you want a cooler computer and controls contact our friends at Jetline Systems.
Finally, consider this; the military and airlines put their pilots through ground school and simulators before their students start a ‘live’ aircraft. They train this way because simulation works!
Another cool tidbit about virtual training is you can also practice talking to Air Traffic Control. We’ve all heard statistics about public speaking being one of people’s biggest fears. Now place those people in an aircraft and have them talk to ATC with the special aviation language we use. It can be an intimidating environment. Virtual practice is also a great way to practice talking to Air Traffic Controllers. Learn more by reading a snippet from Jim Intriglia’s article below…
The previous article, Getting Started with the VATSIM ATC Application, explored what VATSIM membership provides, with step-by-step directions for registering and validating a new VATSIM account.
We’ll now explore VATSIM’s new member orientation and onboarding education program, which prepares new members for passing the mandatory orientation exam.
Some takeaways from the new member orientation program include the following:
1. VATSIM is a Global Educational Simulation Application
VATSIM is used as a worldwide ATC educational platform as part of academic and professional training programs. Don’t be surprised if you learn that you’re engaging with a professional ATC, pilot or student trainee while using VATSIM.
2. Capable Enthusiasts Are Among the Member Community
Many VATSIM enthusiasts are not real-world ATCs, pilots or aviation students.
It’s important to keep in mind that many enthusiasts engage in their roles as ATCs and pilots, as seriously as general aviation pilots and professional ATCs.
Just like some amateur musicians that play and perform for fun, are equal or better than their professional counterparts, be prepared for knowledgeable, capable, and skilled ATC enthusiasts in the VATSIM community.
3. VATSIM Supervisors and Members Keep it Close to Real World ATC
VATSIM members are expected to ensure their spirit and use of the platform complies with the intended purpose of the network and its members.
Supervisors will act on observed or reported actions that conflict with VATSIM policies, procedures, and guidelines.
If you want to read more of Jim’s thoughts about VATSIM and how to get started with the simulator visit his blog VATSIM New Member Onboarding Program.
As a special offer to the Skyway Bound Aviation community, you can receive free 6-month VIP access to JimIntriglia.com subscriber-only educational, informational and research articles. To receive your VIP Subscriber login credentials, send an email request (Jim@JimIntriglia.com). Make sure you mention you’re part of the Skyway Bound Aviation community.
You can stay tuned and support our growing Skyway Bound Aviation community by liking and following our social media accounts, listed below.
How many of you prepare for your training flights by ‘chair’ flying? Do you also talk through your procedures ‘out-loud’? According to a study, talking out-loud can help you learn new skills.
How many of you prepare for your training flights by ‘chair’ flying? Do you also talk through your procedures ‘out-loud’? During my research for this posting I came across Michael Wilde’s 2021 article in Flying Magazine titled ‘Talk to Yourself. It Works.’ He points to a 2011 university study that speaks ‘to the power of words to modulate ongoing visual processing.’ In Michael’s words ‘…simply put, the more you talk, the more natural new tasks become, like thinking and breathing.’
Practice out loud
I’m all about practicing out loud. I encourage students to verbalize their procedures while training. Any one that flies with me for an extended period of time will tell you… I also encourage everyone to practice at home. During my military flight training days I studied my assets off. This included a lot of chair flying. My study sessions included a lot of vocalizing of procedures, down to the notes, cautions and warnings!
Another valuable tool
One of many things I love about the world of aviation is the attitude of continual learning. Speaking out-loud and chair flying are very valuable tools to add to your training arsenal. Too many people get stuck on being only a visual, read & write, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.
Truth be told, we learn in all of the various academically designated styles. Be open to the fact that sometimes you learn better visually, other time’s by listening, sometimes by feeling and even at times just by reading and writing. Just keep learning and seeking additional tools that can help you increase your personal and professional abilities.
Virtual and verbal practice work great together
If you thought I was going to post without mentioning Virtual practice… you were mistaken. Yes, verbalizing your procedures while practicing virtually, either in a 3-dimensional or 2-D environment can really help you improve your aviation knowledge and skills.
One of the great things about practicing virtually is you can take time and pause. While you’re practicing the basics, when you get to a spot where you need to stop, you can pause the simulation. Once you improve your understanding of the specific area, simply pick-up where you left off and continue practicing.
The beauty of virtual practice is it gets your head in the ‘flying game’ at a fraction of the cost. When you’re in a ‘live’ aircraft you can give your instructor the controls if you need to pause. That can turn into an expensive pause.
At many places, on average, you’re paying somewhere between $165 to $185 per hour while the aircraft engine is running. That’s just to rent the aircraft. We haven’t even added the instructor fees, which can range between $60 – $85 per instructional hour. Virtual practice can help you get your head in the game at a much lower price point.
Another great reason to practice verbalizing while chair flying is because eventually most of you will fly into controlled airspace. Virtual practice is also a great way to get experience talking to Air Traffic Controllers. Learn more by reading Jim Intriglia’s article below…
Whether you are interested in learning how to pilot an aircraft, or direct traffic as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC), VATSIM is an amazing simulation of real-life aviation ATC and aircraft flight procedures.
The role of Air Traffic Controllers in Aviation
Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground at airports (ground controllers) and in the skies.
ATC’s work in air traffic control towers, directing aircraft on their flight paths and ensuring that they maintain a safe distance from each other.
Air Traffic Controllers must have excellent communication and coordination skills, as well as a clear understanding of airspace regulations.
As a student pilot, VATSIM is one of my educational aviation flight application tools that helps me increase my knowledge of ATC procedures, and my skills and capabilities as a real-word and Virtual Reality pilot.
Using the VATSIM application, I can practice communicating with ATC from hanger, taxiway to takeoff, inflight, landing and then talking with ground control ATC to navigate my aircraft to a hangar space. This can be accomplished using VATSIM as a standalone app or with VATSIM integrated into Microsoft’s Flight Simulator.
Not for the Casual ATC Gamer
If you believe VATSIM is merely a computer aviation game, let me save you some time by dissuading you from creating a new account and installing VATSIM.
VATSIM is a serious aviation educational and training application in use worldwide, by commercial ATCs and pilots, General Aviation (GA) pilots and ATC students. As a simulation of ATC procedures and practices, you’ll need to learn a significant amount about aviation and ATC procedures.
If you’re a real-word pilot, student pilot, or ATC enthusiast, love learning about aviation and have fun flying in the real or virtual world using Microsoft Flight Simulator application, you’ll have a great deal of fun learning about ATC and flight operations using VATSIM.
If you’re seeking quick PC gaming fun, ATC-SIM would be a better entertainment choice.
For Subscribers in the October 2022 companion article, Jim provide step-by-step instructions for creating and validating a new VATSIM account.
As a special offer to the Skyway Bound Aviation community, you can receive free 6-month VIP access to JimIntriglia.com subscriber-only educational, informational and research articles. To receive your VIP Subscriber login credentials, send an email request (Jim@JimIntriglia.com). Make sure you mention you’re part of the Skyway Bound Aviation community.
You can stay tuned and support our growing Skyway Bound Aviation community by liking and following our social media accounts, listed below.
In case you were lulled by the relatively mild weather in this part of Florida this year, one word of advice; don’t! Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30.”
In case you were lulled by the relatively mild weather in this part of Florida this year, one word of advice; don’t! According to the National Weather Service, “the official Atlantic Basin (including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico) Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30.”
In fact, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “the hallmark of the 2022 hurricane season — so far — has been uncharacteristic calmness, and the benign conditions might not change for the remainder of August, forecasters say.” The article explains that pockets of dry air and wind shear stop storms forming off the African coast in their tracks.
Hurricane’s form over warm ocean waters and tropical low-pressure areas. As the storm continues westward from the African coasts towards the Americas, the warm waters lead to increasing convective activity. Thunderstorms, showers and wind shear are all characteristics of a storm.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classifies a storm as a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph. While I’m pretty sure anyone reading this article takes hurricanes seriously, consider NOAA’s factoid about the storm’s power… “During just one hurricane, raging winds can churn out about half as much energy as the electrical generating capacity of the entire world, while cloud and rain formation from the same storm might release a staggering 400 times that amount.”
Aviators have a healthy respect for the weather. Maintain your situational awareness at all times and remember to use all available weather services to conduct proper preflight planning in accordance with (FAR 91.103).
Also, did you know that the Aviation Weather Service program is an official collaboration between the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and other aviation-oriented agencies? In fact you can read over 300 pages of FAA organizational greatness in the Aviation Weather Service Advisory Circular (AC 00-45H).
Speaking of more information, if you don’t know where to start with regards to developing and implementing your own preflight self-briefings, the FAA has you covered. The Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing Advisory Circular (AC 91-92) can get you moving in the right direction. The FAA provided the roadmap to provide pilots guidelines that help them interpret and and use real-time weather information.
If you’re looking for additional FAA Advisory Circulars that relate to weather you can also read;
The Advisory Circulars and other publications are by no means a complete list. There are many more FAA resources available to help you plan and conduct your flights as safely as possible.
Virtual experience in a flight simulator
Of course anyone that knows me, knows that I’ll always look for a way to put in a plug for virtual training. Unless you’re an official U.S. government Hurricane Hunter, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to fly through a hurricane. However, here’s a great opportunity to take advantage of flight simulators to get a general understanding of how the weather may affect your aircraft’s performance.
The smart pilot is going to do everything in their power to avoid severe weather conditions (and yes if you’re reading this you’re probably one of those smart pilots). In a flight simulator you can set flight conditions to simulate adverse weather. This will give you the opportunity to observe how aircraft respond. Because you’re a smart pilot, it will also impress upon you the basic concepts and the importance of avoiding such situations.
As a General Aviation (GA) recreational pilot, it’s a safe bet that you’ll encounter unexpected weather conditions during an extended flight.
Being knowledgeable, prepared and practiced for adverse weather conditions helps ensure that you will be able to manage conditions appropriately and safely.
Being knowledgeable, prepared and practiced for adverse weather conditions helps to ensure successful adverse weather flying outcomes.
NEXT UP:
Learn more about MSFS weather settings via this blog post’s companion web article for subscribers only. Learn settings to simulate pitot weather-related failures, use advanced on-board avionics to assist with adverse weather flying, and more.
As a special offer to the Skyway Bound Aviation community, you can receive free 6-month VIP access to JimIntriglia.com subscriber-only educational, informational and research articles. To receive your VIP Subscriber login credentials, send an email request (Jim@JimIntriglia.com). Make sure you mention you’re part of the Skyway Bound Aviation community.
You can stay tuned and support our growing Skyway Bound Aviation community by liking and following our social media accounts, listed below.
When you think of an aircraft stalling, what goes through your mind? In this posting we share some ways that can possibly help you overcome your anxiety through practice.
When you think of an aircraft stalling, what goes through your mind? Remember “…stalls are directly related to angle of attack (AOA), not airspeed.” Also, don’t confuse an aerodynamic stall with an engine stall. During an engine stall the engine stops working. That’s a car driving and/or aircraft pre-flight engine maintenance topic for another day.
The FAA’s definition states that “a stall is an aerodynamic condition which occurs when smooth airflow over the airplane’s wings is disrupted, resulting in loss of lift. Specifically, a stall occurs when the AOA—the angle between the chord line of the wing and the relative wind—exceeds the wing’s critical AOA.”
The purpose of this article isn’t to teach you about stalls but it’s to encourage you to embrace your stall training with a more positive attitude. Does practicing stalls add to your anxiety? Here are some ways you can possibly overcome your anxiety and look forward to practicing the maneuvers.
Ways to overcome your stall anxiety (not an all-inclusive list)
Study study, study! Become one with the maneuver.
One way to overcome anxiety is to demystify the unknown. You can demystify the unknown through diligent study of aerodynamic stalls. One of the best ways to do that is to study.
Watch the flying video stars. Another way to learn is to read more palatable publications and/or or watch videos generated by well known, reputable instructors. I’m a big fan of Rod Machado’s content. I like how he attempts to integrate a little humor into his teaching. He does his best to bring the content to life as possible.
I’m a visual and auditory learner so if you’re like me, videos are helpful. Here are a few that have help me…
Of course this list is just a starter. There are plenty of other popular reputable video flight instructors. Find someone that resonates with your learning style.
Watch the Professionals for Inspiration
What motivated you to get into aviation? For many people it may have been that first airshow they attended at one point in their life. When you watch the high performing stunt pilots you can’t help but be in awe of their seemingly death defying acts. Of course once you begin learning more about aviation, you realize they’re just performing a bunch of spins and stalls. They’re just spinning and stalling like nobody’s business. Of course, you have to respect the skills. In fact, check out this pilot at an airshow in Illinois in 2021. Pilots like him practice, practice, and then practice some more.
Practice, Practice, Practice…
You’re not going to do aerobatics in your normal category training aircraft but you can practice stalls. Of course, first begin by practicing with your CFI. Actually you don’t have a choice until you begin soloing. Practice, then keep practicing, then practice some more.
Here’s where virtual training can be very helpful. Whether using a desktop flight simulator or getting totally immersed into a Virtual Reality simulator, you can get your head in the game with these cost-effective tools. No, they’re not exact but they are close enough and will help you train mentally. For a fraction of the cost compared to being in the aircraft you can get your head in the game. Jim Intriglia discusses this in a little more detail below.
Spin with a pro…
I encourage all of my students to consider taking some basic aerobatic lessons and spin training.
If you’re in the Sunshine state, consider taking lessons from aviation royalty, Patty Wagstaff and her team in St. Augustine, Florida. Whether it’s here in Florida or another state, you can find a reputable instructor to provide quality spin instruction.
Also, to sound like a broken record, here’s another area where you can use virtual reality simulation to get your mind in the game. Today’s flight simulator games are realistic enough for you to talk through and execute basic procedures. Remember, the airlines and military have been using flight simulation since the 1900’s. They do so because it simply works.
One of the most dangerous flight events that can occur on final approach or takeoff, stalling an aircraft continues to claim the lives of General Aviation (GA) and commercial pilots.
During my flight training, my instructor, Stan, had me practicing stall recovery techniques on many of our ASK-21 training flights. Practicing stall and spin recovery techniques under the watchful eye of Stan, help ensure that I would take the right corrective actions in the event of a stall.
I recall one training flight with Stan, where I attempted to slip my glider on final approach, to better align the nose of my aircraft with the centerline of the runway. Stan immediately took control of the aircraft, and sternly warned me to never do this maneuver to compensate for a miscalculated base to final approach turn.
That day, I learned that a missed approach procedure was the way to manage such an event, so I could live to talk about the event another day.
The aviation industry and aviator community continue to experience needless pilot and passenger deaths occurring due to stall and spin events. Pilots need to practice takeoff and landing maneuvers, including surprise events, like engine failure, to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities that are occurring.
Can automating more aspects of GA flight save lives? Rather than sounding a stall warning when an aircraft is on the verge of a stall, can an emergency automatic piloting system also engage, taking immediate action to avert loss of flight and control of an aircraft?
MSFS features a large and growing library of aircraft that student pilots can choose from, to practice stall and spin recovery using home PC-based Flight Simulators.
Pilots with Virtual Reality FlightSim rigs can immerse themselves in any number of realistic flight training challenges. These simulated flight training experiences can translate into real-world knowledge and application.
You can stay tuned and support our growing Skyway Bound Aviation community by liking and following our social media accounts, listed below.
When did you start flight training? Why did you start flight training? Why did you quit? Did you hit the training wall? Why?
There are a variety of reasons students quit; they run out of money, are medically disqualified, the flight school and/or instructor isn’t customer friendly, and more. They also quit because ‘the training wall’ called their name. They can’t seem to push through the learning plateaus.
The FAA’s Aviation Instructor’s Handbook states that “Learning plateaus are a common source of frustration, discouragement, and decreased learner motivation. A first line of defense against this situation is to explain that learning seldom proceeds at a constant pace—no one climbs the ladder of success by exactly one rung per day. Learners should be encouraged to continue to work hard and be reassured that results will follow.”
Some reasons why a learning plateau may exist during training, can include;
The student has reached the limits of their capability (at least in their mind)
They may be at a point in their training where their levels of skill are consolidating
Sometimes their interest begins to trail off and they lose focus
Other times, they simply need to be challenged in different ways.
Let’s get one thing straight. It’s OK!
Learning plateaus are normal and can be expected after an initial period of rapid improvement.
The handbook continues with a list for how instructors can help students through these plateaus by;
1. Asking “new learners about their aviation training goals.”
2. Rewarding their successes often
3. Continual introductions to new challenges.
4. “Occasionally remind learners about their own stated goals for aviation training.”
5. Assuring “learners” that the plateaus are normal. Improvement will continue if they can push through it.
While the handbook is focused on instructors, you can adapt its recommendations to suit your needs. Here’s a few recommendations that can help you push through the proverbial “training wall.”
Change up instructors: The only constant in life is change. Sometimes personalities are like ‘oil and water;’ they just don’t mix. Unfortunately we all ‘can’t get along.’ Here’s a little secret; you can change instructors. In fact, if an instructor feels that the relationship isn’t working, many times they will try to help you find someone that might be able to better connect with you. While breaking-up is sometimes hard to do, if the relationship isn’t working for you, it’s okay to move-on to a new instructor.
Ask to ride along: Sometimes you need to pull yourself out of the training ‘hot’ seat and observe someone else in action. Let your instructor know that you’re interested in riding along to observe another student’s flight lesson.
Practice Virtually: Flight Simulator games, such as Microsoft’s Flight Simulator or Laminar Research’s X-Plane 11 are a great way to practice and push through the ‘training wall.’ What’s cool about these gaming platforms is that they allow you to slow down and work on specific concepts. For example, you can work through each parameter of a specific maneuver, such as Slow Flight. Using these games you are able to pause where you need to spend more time.
When discussing the use of these simulators, I encourage people to break down their training to specific concepts (skills) at home with virtual practice. This should sound familiar if you’ve played any kind of sport or musical instrument. When you go to any sports practice, do you practice the whole game initially? No. Coaches structure their practices where players may split into groups to practice and polish their specific skill sets that apply to their positions. Musicians will warm-up with a variety of scales before they practice playing the full piece of work. Flight training is very similar.
There’s a reason the military and airlines use virtual training to prepare pilots before they even set-foot into an aircraft. It works and it lowers their costs to train. It can do the same for you.
Take a break: Sometimes the monotony of an aviation syllabus can suck the ‘joy’ out of flying. Most people didn’t take up learning to fly to practice like robots. They want to learn to travel in a cool form of transportation. They are learning so they can enjoy future adventures. Consider finding creative ways to continue your training while taking a break. For example, take a periodic fun pleasure flight.
You and your CFI can go on a lunch run. Sometimes it’s nice to be in the aircraft and not feel pressured to unleash your inner ‘Top Gun.’ It’s nice to relax from the constant formal evaluation associated with the traditional training flight. Yes, quizzing and evaluation are important. However, the majority of you aren’t looking to fly professionally. You want to have fun!
As the paying customer, It’s your prerogative (cue old Eighties song) to work periodic fun flights into your training schedule (with your CFI of course). You have a variety of options for Fun flights, for example; a $100 hamburger run or fly-in events (e.g. airshows, pancake and other breakfast events, etc.).
As a CFI I work to make sure my training flights are fun. I encourage the students to pass me the controls so they can take a picture of the scenery. They are always welcome to work short fun trips into their training. I’ve enjoyed many low key flights with students just to touch down in cool places or grab a quick bite to eat. Yes, some light instruction takes place but it’s not the traditional ‘grind.’
What is your learning style? How do you learn best? Are you a visual, auditory or tactile learner? This is a good time to reflect on your past learning experiences. But be honest with yourself. Also be prepared to consider that you may be a combination of the three categories.
Your best learning may also be situational. In a traditional academic environment you may learn best through listening but in the practical flying environment your best learning is from tactile experiences. Be flexible or at least acknowledge where you could improve your flexibility to create the environment that will help you learn the best.
Also, feel free to discuss your best style with your CFI. They should be very interested in how to best help you learn the academic knowledge and practical skills required to earn your Private Pilot’s License. If they’re not… get a new instructor, immediately!
Finally, take a free online evaluation quiz like the one at Education Planner (click here). There’s probably dozens of other online versions but the point is to take the steps necessary to figure yourself out. Once you do that, you can then effectively communicate your learning needs to your flight school or instructor.
Mindset shift (Don’t quit!): Have you ever run a marathon? I have not but I’ve heard it can be a challenge. According to the Marathon Handbook many marathon runners hit a wall around miles 18 to 20. When the ‘Wall’ strikes, a runner may be overcome with a strong sense of fatigue. The runner can feel like they’re moving their legs through quicksand. The article provides a list of ways to overcome the runner’s ‘Wall.’ For example;
Focus on something positive
Run and talk with someone else
Forget the pace, just keep putting one foot in front of the other
You can apply some of the same lessons to flying:
Focus on something positive: take those fun flights from time to time. Enjoy the scenery. Yes, study, study, study, but you’re not a machine. Take a break and do something fun with your growing bucket of skills.
Find a study buddy: Sometimes it helps to talk through the concepts with a fellow student. In today’s world, you don’t even have to meet face to face. You can study via the multitude of online video chat platforms. Also, you’ll be able to help each other out because each of you will bring different strengths to the study group.
Forget the pace: So many people get caught up in finishing within the FAA minimum 40 hours or soloing within 20 hours. Yes it can be done, but unless you are able to put your life on complete hold for a month, two or three, give yourself a break. Enjoy the journey.
Take it one day at a time. Ask yourself, is learning to fly bringing you joy? Take a moment to reflect upon how much money you spend on things that are temporary and bring you absolutely no joy. Consider reflecting on how much money you spend watching other people pursue and accomplish their dreams. Their making millions off you and others sitting on the sidelines watching them live.
Yes, it’s going to add up in the end but the amount of enjoyment and the memories you are creating are priceless. When you finally finish and earn your Private Pilot’s Certificate, it was you. You are making it happen! You are living your dream!
Your dream of flying is achievable. You might have to be a little flexible with your expectations about how quickly you can make it happen. Don’t let that stop you. There are a variety of ways to push through the proverbial training ‘Wall.’ You can change instructors, ride along to observe another student’s flight lesson, practice specific skills virtually, take a break, figure out your learning style to better tailor a program to suit your needs, and above all, do not quit.
You can shift your mindset to push through the ‘wall.’ You will be glad you did. Especially when you’re flying to a family gathering in a small aircraft on a holiday weekend and you see the holiday road traffic below. ‘Yup,’ you’re going to feel really good at that point.
The launch of the Microsoft Flight Simulator in 1982 provided one of the first use cases for educational gaming, targeting PC-based flight enthusiasts worldwide.
As commercial and military pilots already were using flight simulators as part of their aeronautical educational training, the stage was set for game-based flight simulators to become something more meaningful than just a creative pastime.
The announcement of a brand new Microsoft Flight Simulator adds to robust market for flight simulation games, some of which will lead flight gaming enthusiasts to meaningful experiences and careers in general and commercial aviation.
The quality of the simulation experience well-orients new students to the dynamics of flight and flight operations, which results in students that are well-prepared for there first real-world flight experience with their flight instructor. Experienced glider pilots use Condor2 in VR to augment their flight training, simulate a flight just for fun, or put their knowledge and skills to a test in VR flight competitions featuring experienced pilots from all over the world.
Thanks to Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D revamp of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator Enterprise gaming software, aviation students and enthusiasts have a realistic flight simulation platform, through which they can practice and augment their in- classroom and flight training aviation experience.
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