New Pilots / Rusty Pilots

NEW PILOTS

Just starting out? Well, there is a lot to think about and a lot of questions. What do I study, what do I need to bring, how can I prepare, and so on. Here are things you should consider and should help you prepare to enter the world of flying.

• Articles (in general) at the bottom of the page.
• First, get a medical.  Don't spend money on flights if you can't get a medical.  For the most part, they're pretty easy to attain.  If you're in the Colorado Springs area, I highly recommend Dr Limoge.  He has a very easy-to-use webpage for scheduling.
• Things to read early on (these are all free)…
• ACS - Airmen Certification Standards.
• This is what you're 'graded' against during your checkride.
• Start perusing it early.  And it's totally free at the FAA.
• Airplane Flying Handbook
• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
• Make an account at IACRA
• Next to the "LOGIN" button click "Register".
• Click "Applicant" and then the "Agree to TOS and Continue" button
• Fill out your data and click the "Register" button
• Don't forget your password or your FTN
• You will use IACRA for all other ratings in your flying career.
• Charts (maps).  Most GA (general aviation) flying is done using 'sectionals'. You should know what a sectional is.
• Here's the deal...you can go with paper or electronic products. Because the paper product cycle is now 56 days, I highly recommend going electronic.  This is the "EFB" or electronic flight bag. Sadly, you'll need a paper product for your checkride - the FAA lags technology.  Read more in "mobile device" below.
• Internet! Use it!  Search any and all things you have questions about. Just make sure you cross reference things you learn with reality. The internet has plenty of non-reality.
• Tools:
• Flight bag: (don't overspend, just designate a bag/backpack to flying)
• Headset: this can go all kinds of ways. My recommendation is NEVER buy the lowest.  Regardless of the brand, buy middle or higher.
• Noise cancelling?  Personally, I rarely use it.  I have high-end headsets (Lightspeed, Bose, and David Clark, and in all cases, I don't use noise canceling).  I like hearing what's going on around me.
• Mobile device (phone or tablet)
• Here's where many people make a big assumption.  They say why.  They're implying to be used as an EFB (Electronic Flight Bag).  I highly support and EFB  (Foreflight, FltPlan Go, Garmin, etc.).
• Furthermore, if you haven't used any EFB, I highly suggest FltPlan Go. First of all, it truly free and if you haven't used another EFB, you won't know the difference.  Use it!
• Kneeboard (just search it and get any one with a clip)
• Kneeboards are great for holding your checklist (or other docs) and for taking notes. When you watch your instructor take notes from the AWOS, ASOS, ATIS, you'll wish you had some paper.
• This is what I use which is stupidly overpriced but welcome to aviation.
• Charts/Flight Computer/Logs (this is an overreach comment).
• Charts:  if you adopt an EFB, the charts will be taken care of
• You can take care of all your chart issues by using an EFB.
• Flight computers. Normally this is in reference to an E6B. I pray this will eventually go away, but until it does, get the cheapest one you can - usually made of paper.
• Food and hydration
• When you're flying, you're almost always dehydrated by default.
• Bring snacks and bring water!
• Fuel tester/sumper
• Your choice.  If you rent aircraft, it is usually in the airplane.
• Also, if you buy one, it only works for certain aircraft.
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat/Glove/Layers
• The climate changes rapidly as you ascend into the sky - or you could fly to a destination where the weather is decidedly different from your departure airport. How do I address it?  Dress to egress!  In other words, if you had to land without an engine, are you ready for it?
• Other perspectives/opinions
• 5 mistakes every student pilot makes at least once. 
• Nine first steps to becoming a pilot (Rod Machado)
• Private pilot's license breakdown (Complete process by FPT)
• Top 5 pieces of advice for new pilots. (Thrust Flight Academy)

RETURNING / RUSTY PILOTS

• A road map for rusty student pilots.

TRAINING:

• 5 skills you can improve for your next flight.
• 6 ways to get the most out of your flight training.
• Airlines / ATP
• 7 questions to prep for an airline interview (bm) 
• 15 HR questions to expect during airline interviews (bm)
• ATP - Notes I used to prep (also for airline interviews)
• How to fold your airline shirt so it looks great and fits any bag
• AOPA Training
• FAA Training.
• How to pick the best flight school for you.
• Transitioning, the basics of. (Gen Av News)

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