Special Sub-Topic: Would You Make a Good Pilot? Click Here To Play: Would You Make a Good Pilot?

You decide to take an introductory flight. What is the best thing to do to impress the instructor?

Pay attention and ask questions if you do not understand something. Flight instructors are really hot on safety. For some reason they value their own skins and really appreciate a student pilot who listens attentively and follows instructions. The introductory flight is mainly to give you a taste of flying and to help you decide whether or not to continue.

You have had an introductory flight and loved it. Which of these would be the best action to take next?

Go for your aviation medical examination. You need to pass medical requirements before you are permitted to fly solo. It is best to see if you are medically fit to fly, then you can start spending.

You have booked your first lesson. When should you arrive at the airport?

Check with the instructor, as you will probably have a briefing before you go flying. Pilots have a saying, "If you have time to spare, go by air." Often the aircraft you have booked may be delayed but it is important to be ready in plenty of time. If you do have to wait, talk to other pilots or read some of the literature that will probably be available. As you progress you will be expected to "preflight" the aircraft and refuel it, if necessary.

When you are in a fast lift and it descends rapidly, how does it affect you?

You enjoy the sensation of negative g forces. There are some manoeuvres which can produce g forces. You probably will get used to these but if you are very prone to motion sickness, flying may not be for you. For some reason, it doesn't feel as bad when you are in control.

The instructor asks you to "preflight" the aircraft. You have noticed that the student before you has already given it a thorough check. What would you do?

Carry out another full check. It is very important that pilots develop a number of routines. Checking the airworthiness of an aircraft is a crucial routine. If you are the pilot in control, you should always follow the check list. Even a small defect could have big conseqeuences. It's best to do what the instructor requests.

Which of these would describe your map-reading ability?

You can recognise the features and find your location readily. Map reading skills are very important. GPS and other navigation aids are great but you must be able to locate where you are and how to get to where you want to go, without relying on systems which could fail. Aviation maps have very important data on them, such as height limitations and radio frequencies.

Imagine that you have your licence and are taking some friends to another town. Up ahead you see some large thunder clouds which extend for miles across your path. You know your friends are keen to arrive as soon as possible. What should you do?

Return to the airport and wait for better weather. Cumulo nimbus clouds are to be avoided. They can generate fierce wind currents within and underneath. If a pilot cannot see a way around them, it is best to play safe and go back. It can be difficult to disappoint passengers but it is best to live to fly again. The pilot is solely responsible for the aircraft and passengers.

If you are interested in flying, you will probably already know something about aircraft. What are the four forces acting on an aircraft in flight?

lift, thrust, weight and drag. These forces interact. Simply put, the engine provides thrust and the airflow across the wing generates lift. The aircraft's shape creates drag. Thrust and lift have to exceed weight and drag for the aircraft to climb.

If you were flying solo and misjudged a landing, making heavy contact with the ground but not appearing to cause any damage, what would you do?

Tell your instructor about the incident.. Reporting even minor incidents is important as there may have been damage which you did not notice. The next person to fly the aircraft would appreciate such an action. Your instructor would probably praise your honesty and would be able to help you to avoid repetitions.

You finally have your licence and you are taking your friend for a joy flight. What would be the best option?

Fly for a short time around the local area. No good pilot would risk making a passenger feel uncomfortable. While your flying may be safe, your friend may not appreciate unusual manouevres like stalls and cleaning up the cockpit is not much fun either. Also, buzzing anywhere is dangerous and illegal. It's best to keep your flights relatively short until you discover the various needs of passengers.