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I was using right rudder, it just felt that if I pushed any harder on the pedal, I'd whip the plane to the right at high speed.

I was doing some solo patterns today and had a slightly scary experience. I had touched down, put flaps up, and then continued to apply full power to complete my touch and go. There was a decent crosswind from the right. Runway 01, wind approximately 050 ant 7. As I rotated, the plane...

I generally use toe brakes during taxi for minor steering corrections. I only tap them very briefly and lightly for the small adjustments. The general direction of the aircraft should be actual rudders. Whether I'm taking off or landing, once you're faster than taxi speed, your heels should...

I did my solo flight at 25. I think it depends so much on the variables. In my scenario, I fly out of a relatively busy GA airport with lots of training and jet operations. Very close to SFO class B and busy airports close by. I ended up doing my solo at 25 hours mostly because winds were...

Hello everyone! I'm Julio. I'm based out of KCCR (Concord, CA, 30 miles east of San Francisco). Private Pilot student with a student pilot certificate, just passed 40 hours in C172S and C172R's. Currently on a short sabbatical for work but will return to it in September to get the ticket. Have...

Although I'm perfectly comfortable on the radio, I never realized I spoke so quickly until I listened to some liveatc.net archive recordings of flights I did - it really shocked me. I suppose when students are so busy trying to fly the plane and especially during intense dual training, they try...

Also, my CFI mentioned to me that many schools require checkouts for right seat PIC renting because of insurance. It seems last time someone did that out here (a PPL riding right seat without telling anyone), they had a prop strike as the aircraft was entering the run up area!

There were two things that helped me get over the landing hump: first - I'd find Rod Macahado's landing video on Youtube. He discusses the best place to initiate your rounding out - as the runway takes over your entire field of vision, then you gently level off and cut power to idle...

You'll like this - when I did my night XC, I had tuned in the CTAF for an uncontrolled airport at night. My CFI and I continually tried to raise the lights but they wouldn't. When we were about to turn base with a dark field, my CFI looked at my radio and saw that I had tuned in the wrong CTAF...

I was a simmer that also recently transitioned to RW flying and I frankly barely touch the sim now. I just passed the 40 hour mark and should be ready in the next 10 or so for the PPL check ride. I think quite a lot of good learning can be done on your own if you know how to apply yourself...

Congrats! For me after my first solo my CFI said, "did you have fun?" I replied yes, and then he moved on as if it never happened. Enjoy it while it lasts!

I'll give my $0.02. I'm a PPL student who has years of flight sim experience and recently went on the first solo for a C172 in real life. The simulator is a great way to become acquainted with certain aspects of procedures. The C172 trainer from A2A Simulations is a great example of learning...

+1 for nothing. It's probably best for an instructor to shape you from the start. Anything that you learn incorrectly on your own will have to be re-explained and absorbed which sometimes mean $ wasted. However, I would suggest the Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual. It's thorough and if you have...

I researched this same question and after speaking with some instructors and pilots, I decided to train on the C172. Although the 150/2 is cheaper, the 172 will be more useful at higher weights, and the horsepower will be important so your en route time to a neighboring airport isn't so long...

Given how expensive check rides can be compared to regular training, I don't think there's any doubt that you should cancel. The check ride will be challenging and you should feel 95% ready. I'm shocked that your CFI is allowing you to schedule it given part of your flying isn't within PTS...

Have you asked your instructor to demonstrate a takeoff while you keep your hands and feet lightly on the controls? I find that helps me a lot when I'm screwing something up over and over. Sometimes it's too little input and sometimes it's too much. Either you're putting in too much right rudder...

I feel your pain. I'm at around 23 hours (previously trained 15 years ago and was at about 15 hours then). On my end, aircraft going down for minor maintenance, 100 hour inspections, and gusting winds have been hindering my progress as well. Unfortunately, work requires me to travel for a...

Yes and it's a great idea given it's a sight-seeing attraction. It'll definitely facilitate your transitions through Class B. Just let them know where you're going and when you're coming back and they should be able to help you out, traffic permitting. Always have a plan B if they can't get...

Forgive my words, what I meant is that the procedures mimic other airspace. Since you usually need to be identified with a unique squawk code and radar service.

TFR's don't necessarily exclude aircraft from entering the specified area. They require pilots to contact ATC for authorization to enter. For example - the Disney Land TFR near John Wayne Airport is permanently situated but as long as you're talking to Socal Approach, they rarely prevent...