Next Step?

Keith Walatka

Filing Flight Plan
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Nov 26, 2019
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Keith4hunter
So, I jut passed the private pilot written test (92); I wanted to make sure I did ground school before actual flight training to ensure I am serious about learning to fly. For my book learning thus far (for the written test) I really enjoyed a video-based ground school (coupled with reading PHAK and the ASA test prep book).

I have a CFI that I will be "testing" with in 2-weeks to see if we are a good fit for actual flight training.

Here is my question: I'm wondering if there is a video based curriculum that is based around actual flight training. It would only be to augment the actual training I would get with my CFI, but I would love to continue the video-based learning at home in addition. It seems like all the video based training options I can find are mainly ground-school related; I'm looking for something that is more cockpit/actual flying instruction related (as I feel like I have a decent grasp on all the concepts covered in a typical ground school).

Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

Keith
 
YouTube is littered with those kinds of videos, just search for them.
 
Hi keith, student pilot here prepping for checkride.
Just my opinion that all those video and ground training are good(I did same) but nothing compares to actually "feel" of the yoke/rudder in your hand and feet as you slip 1000feet toward the ground. So I say get up and fly! :)
 
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I'd say youtube. I don't know of any video programs for the flying part. Compared to the written test, there's a lot less memorization during the flying. It's more of just practice to master the maneuvers.
 
Hi keith, student pilot here reading for checkride.
Just my opinion that all those video and ground training are good(I did same) but nothing compares to actually "feel" of the yoke/rudder in your hand and feet as you slip 1000feet toward the ground. So I say get up and fly! :)
I agree 100%. And I'm one of the guys making flying videos.

Go up and fly, Keith. When during your training flights you run into specific questions, look for help on the web, e.g. through YouTube or by asking here on PoA. But videos alone will probably not teach you how to fly.

Good luck, and congrats on passing the written!

- Martin
 
Thanks already for the great responses. Yep I have been watching youtube videos, the issue is just it's less systematic in nature (I'm an engineer, so I like structure). And I'll be in the plane very soon so looking forward to that for sure. Appreciate your responses!
 
Do you have a medical yet? I would prioritize that before going hard on flight training. If you are planning to fly for fun and have some concerns, consider a consult, followed by a Class 3, then fly BasicMed. If you want to go to the airlines, get a Class 1, it will convert to a Class 3 on expiration, but you will know that you can get a Class 1 from the beginning.

Other than that, you just need to fly.
 
King Schools private pilot course has a full mock checkride, both the oral and flight portions. It's not instruction but it will show you what you're expected to know.
 
You're overthinking it. Just get in the plane. Do a bit of self thinking on what style of instruction works best. There's a bit of knowledge of how stuff works, memorization of the rules and the flying technique. The last one is the one where you and your instructor need to gel. Think of how you would teach someone to ride a bicycle. The rules of the road part you sound like you can learn easily, the how to stay upright part is more nuanced. Knowing how it works doesn't really help to ride it. Parts of flying are that way (at least to me).
 
Problem with youtube videos is they're not always correct. But the ones put up more for entertainment give a good feel of the range of things you can do in an airplane and the kinds of situations you might encounter.

But do get a copy of "Stick and Rudder". Yes, it's dated, and the language is archaic, but it's still a great explanation of basic flying skills.
 
At that stage...fly when you can vs videos. After each flight lesson ask you CFI what you should review at home instead of the videos.

If you can't fly (eg wx.) and the plane is available go sit in it and chair fly! I did that quite a bit on days I could fly by the instructor was unavailable or the wx was bad. You might think you'll look weird...but it really is worth and doesn't cost anything. Envision your last lesson and what you did right or wrong. Learn to find and operate every control with your eyes shut. Find the most comfortable seat position. If you fly with a knee board have it on. Take a cell phone picture of the entire panel, study it at home and then look at when you are back in chair flying. Hell, I think it took me a year to realize what the alternate air source was (being almost stuck didn't help) and that the ELT can be tested from up front vs at the unit. Heck you might even practice getting in and out a few times (more for low wing) to be better prepared for an emergency. You can also sit in the plane and touch the controls called out on the checklists.
 
Annoying as Jason is, mZeroA does have some decent videos.
I signed up for Jason's 2 week trial, and I must say some of his videos have been very very good, and help give a good visual. Of course nothing can compare to being in the plant, and the first lesson is in 13 days! Thanks all.
 
At that stage...fly when you can vs videos. After each flight lesson ask you CFI what you should review at home instead of the videos.

If you can't fly (eg wx.) and the plane is available go sit in it and chair fly! I did that quite a bit on days I could fly by the instructor was unavailable or the wx was bad. You might think you'll look weird...but it really is worth and doesn't cost anything. Envision your last lesson and what you did right or wrong. Learn to find and operate every control with your eyes shut. Find the most comfortable seat position. If you fly with a knee board have it on. Take a cell phone picture of the entire panel, study it at home and then look at when you are back in chair flying. Hell, I think it took me a year to realize what the alternate air source was (being almost stuck didn't help) and that the ELT can be tested from up front vs at the unit. Heck you might even practice getting in and out a few times (more for low wing) to be better prepared for an emergency. You can also sit in the plane and touch the controls called out on the checklists.
this is great stuff, very practical, I can see how it will help. Appreciate it!
 
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