Re: Using flight simulation as a stepping stone and affordable means to learning to f
I would like to address the CFI concern and motivation concern...
Yes, ideally, it would be great to use a CFI to facilitate group training and any one-on-one assistance that would be delivered in the virtual pilot learning and training program. However, I'm not sure a CFI is needed at this earlier stage of fueling one's passion for flight and helping one start fulfilling their dream of flying.
Note that Sporty's Learn to Fly course is structured as a self-study program. We would incorporate that learning process into a group setting. Virtual students can easily continue in a self-study mode at home as they choose. Yes, ideally a CFI could help augment the ground school learning process, but I'm not so convinced a CFI would be mandatory. The goal is to provide a solid introduction to the material which I believe can be augmented by a seasoned non-CFI pilot and the Sporty's course.
Likewise, note that Sporty's Sport Pilot Flight Training curriculum (complementing the ground school material) would be utilized to provide the virtual student a solid introduction (Sport Pilot focus only) to actual aircraft orientation, soup-to-nuts flight operation, flight maneuvers, etc. Yes, I would agree a CFI would be ideal for facilitating the flight training process by following the flight curriculum in the virtual environment. However, I don't believe it would be that critical since this whole program is to fuel the enthusiast's passion and help the enthusiast get a basic understanding. Therefore, I believe, again, the flight training process can be facilitated and augmented by a seasoned non-CFI pilot along with some modifications and/or simplifications to the Sporty's curriculum that align with a virtual static environment.
Note: this is not to replace the CFI's appropriate role once someone plunges into the real world of training and development.
Look, once a virtual pilot decides to take the plunge into the real environment (of which, by the way, could happen sometime during their virtual learning process as desired - we wouldn't hold him/her back from stepping over to the real world of training when he/she feels ready or can afford it or wants to move on or whatever the reason...), then he/she would most certainly be reviewing ground school material and flight training plans for the day with their CFI. Yes, it may seem redundant, but I'd bet in most cases the student would be fundamentally better prepared and knowledgeable once a CFI takes over. And we also acknowledge that the student pilot in the real world will most likely need to revisit all material and knowledge learned in the virtual world. But that's okay...reengagement and reinforcement of the fundamentals never hurts anyone!
Also, I agree that having the virtual training in parallel with real training is ideal. Yes, being in a real cockpit is the ultimate motivator to keep someone coming back, especially if their training is not consistent throughout the month. But I believe a steady diet of virtual learning and flying on a weekly basis would keep the juices flowing, especially if you are someone who is passionate enough about your dream of flying. Plus, the virtual world is a safe place to foster one's passion before one makes the plunge into the real deal. It will definitely save someone money and/or help them make a well-informed decision that flying is actually not their cup of tea after all...without spending a lot on the tea! Believe me, this is somewhat of a paradigm shift for some - versus the traditional way of learning to fly. Again, we're only talking about learning and training in a virtual environment oriented to recreational light sport flying. Providing a bridge to the real world!
Speaking of money. The virtual flight "learning and training" program (again, not something the FAA would recognize as being applied to any license requirements) would be structured to be very affordable. In the infamous words of Donald Trump, "believe me!" It will be structured as an affordable monthly membership fee that provides access to group learning and training classes or clinics throughout the week and month, as well as provide limited one-on-one assistance as needed - not unlike say a monthly fitness membership fee.
Thanks again for listening...
