The first step in learning to fly in Flight Simulator is to
learn the fundamentals of controlling the aircraft. As you look at the order of
the lessons, it may seem odd that the takeoff lesson is not first. That's simply
because the prerequisite skills for taking off involve an understanding of how
to control the aircraft once it's in the air. The training in these lessons
serves as the foundation for having fun in Flight Simulator. There's a lot more
training available after these lessons. However, if all you want to do is fly,
they teach the most basic skills you'll need. You'll fly a Cessna 172, which is
a proven trainer aircraft. Have fun! (These lessons are all available in the
ACTIVE FLIGHT SIMULATOR PROGRAM however the following information is provided so
that you can learn from it at your leisure.)
Student Pilot
Lesson 1: Straight
and level flight
Learn how the controls of the airplane change what the airplane is doing.
Your task in this lesson is to learn how to keep the airplane in level flight
and flying in the same direction.
Lesson 2: Turns
Navigating to your destination requires you to turn. Here's where you learn
this important and fun skill.
Lesson 3: Climbs
and descents
Learn to climb to your cruise altitude, and more importantly, learn how to
get back down so you can land—or have a closer look at the nice scenery
below you.
Lesson 4: Slow
flight
Learning to control the airplane at slow speeds is critical to a good
landing. The best way to develop that skill is to learn about operating the
airplane just above stall speed—the airspeed at which the wings no longer
produce enough lift to fly. It's not as scary as it sounds.
Lesson 5: Takeoffs
Learn how to accelerate down the runway and become airborne. There's not
much more to it than that, except that once you're airborne, you have to use
all the skills you've previously learned to keep the airplane in the air.
Lesson 6: Landings
It all comes together when you learn to land the airplane. This two-part
lesson first brings you down to the runway by having you fly through hoops in
the sky. In the second lesson, the hoops are gone, and you'll learn about the
other devices you can use to help you judge what to do to land the airplane.
Lesson 7: Your
First Solo
Your instructor will step out of the airplane and ask you to fly around the
pattern by yourself. He'll be talking to you on the radio to help you fly
around the pattern—something you'll learn to do on your own in a later
lesson. But for this flight, take off, climb, level off, turn, descend, and
land as instructed throughout the flight, and you will earn your Flight
Simulator Solo Certificate.
The first step after completing your Student lessons is to earn your Flight
Simulator Private Pilot certificate. The Flight Simulator Private Pilot
training extends your foundation of fundamental piloting skills. You'll fly a
Cessna 172 and learn basic flight maneuvers and radio navigation. Mastering
these skills will help you progress more smoothly through the rest of your
training. (These lessons are all available in the
ACTIVE FLIGHT SIMULATOR PROGRAM however the following information is provided so
that you can learn from it at your leisure.)
Private Pilot
Lesson 1: Stalls
Flying an airplane slowly is required to land, so learning about
stall—when a wing stops developing enough lift—is among the most important
skills you'll need.
Lesson 2: Steep turns
Become proficient at steep turns—you'll learn to fly more precisely and
to divide your attention between the instruments and the view outside; in this
case, a view of the Olympic Mountains.
Lesson 3: VOR navigation
Learn about a basic form of radio navigation using a VHF Omnidirectional
Range (VOR) at Paine Field (KPAE) in Everett, Washington. This radio
navigation aid will help you find your way to many places in the world.
Lesson 4: The traffic pattern
Learn to fly a standard traffic pattern around Bremerton national airport.
Lesson 5: Air traffic control
Navigating your way through complex airspace and crowded skies requires
talking to Air Traffic Control (ATC). This lesson will help you learn the
Flight Simulator ATC system.
Solo flights
Practicing how to taxi, steep turns, and flying in the traffic pattern will
go a long way to helping you convince the examiner that you deserve a Flight
Simulator Private Pilot certificate. THIS LESSON IS
AVAILABLE IN THE ACTIVE FLIGHT SIMULATOR PROGRAM
Private Pilot checkride
Taking the big step from student pilot to Flight Simulator Private Pilot
requires you to demonstrate all the skills needed to take off, climb, level
off, turn, navigate, descend, and land safely. It's a lot to learn, but the
rewards are worth it. It's time to put it all together for the examiner. Meet
high standards, and you'll be awarded a Flight Simulator Private Pilot
Certificate. THIS LESSON IS AVAILABLE IN THE ACTIVE
FLIGHT SIMULATOR PROGRAM