A pilot cannot ever be too educated. We are not talking about an Einstein type of smarts; we are talking about education in the characteristics of the aircraft you are operating and the conditions you are operating that aircraft under. Even though you are probably only preparing to take your FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, I am going to ask you to look into the future and consider your follow on education.

Many people attend a traditional classroom type of ground school to prepare for their FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test. This is effective and most schools have a high pass rate, especially because the pass rate reflects on the school itself. You pay the school to prepare you to pass the test, that is their responsibility, and that is where their responsibility ends. Your education and understanding of aeronautics is your responsibility and that responsibility never ends.

Ground schools have been around for decades and they have not changed very much. What has changed dramatically is the advent of the internet and pilot education. The creativity, graphics and absolute knowledge that is had from a single DVD or a thirty-second download will put any ground school to shame. You are the only obstacle to the amount of knowledge you want to acquire.

You can talk to any experienced pilot and they will testify that experience counts. That is the truth; experience does count. The fact is though; the experience that counts came from a book first. That experience was either technical (how to start the aircraft) or it was theoretical (What to do if this happens), but either way that experience started from a textbook source. Applying that information in flight is practical experience, but you had to get it on the ground before you knew to use it in the air.
The only preparation for this situation is your knowledge of flight characteristic that you obtained through books and classroom training. This is just another reason why an online education is far superior to a simple weekend class. The same quality online course that prepared you for your FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test also has hundreds of theoretical flight scenarios specifically designed for your safety and the safety of others.

Tags : Aircraft, Flight, Pilot Education

Models rage from basic glider models, to accurate, and generally larger, scale models. Models capable of flight are powered by some kind of internal power-plant, used to drive the aircraft through the air similar to how an actual plane is powered. The most common propulsion systems are that of internally electronically powered models and those powered by a rubber band system. Flying a model plane is not limited to flight enthusiasts, the process of building a model aircraft capable of flight is very rewarding and the actual flight itself is an extremely satisfying experience. While flying a model plane is a great deal of fun, it does require a degree of patience and seriousness. Electronically powered planes can be flown without experience, but much experience is required for the larger models.

A glider is generally the best way to begin your experience in flying a model plane. They are built solidly, inexpensive and easy to fly. However, if it powered flight you are after, then an electronic model is your best bet. Electronic flight is clean and also inexpensive as most electronic planes run off rechargeable batteries. There are however some issues with electronic fight that you would not find with a glider; you will need battery packs and often the duration of flight achievable from a single charge is not satisfying enough. For those serious about flying a model plane, you should look towards a powered model that uses fuel to propel the model through the air. The model does not need to be as light as an electronic model or glider and the fuel will let you fly for longer. You may however have to practice flight with a powered model in a field or somewhere away from populated areas if you want to legally practice flying a model plane of this nature.

Whatever you do, steer clear from fast scale flying models, while they fly fast and look impressive, these are the last qualities you want from a model plane if you are new to the recreation. The faster they fly, the less control you will have over them and the more expensive the guaranteed repairs will be. Remember to find an instructor or join a club, as often times reading the instruction manual may not suffice in terms of a lesion. Ask around, look for support and at least ask the guy at your local model flight shop for a recommendation of a first model. Flying a model plane is such a rewarding experience, especially if you plan on building your own, just ask around for the best deals and invest in a lesson or two to help you learn the basics.

Tags : Model Aircraft, Model Flight, Model Plane