3 Fundamental Tips Student Pilots Should Keep In Mind

Given the complexities of piloting an aircraft, it’s only natural for beginner pilots to have plenty on their minds during flight training. Nonetheless, those who rise to the challenge of becoming a full-fledged aviator are just beginning a new and exhilarating chapter in their lives, whether they dream of spending their career in the cockpit or simply becoming a lifelong private pilot.

Certain components should remain the same for students pursuing flight training, regardless of their goals. Below, we share a few helpful pointers to keep in mind to help you pass your flight training with flying colours.

1. Exercise patience and communicate

Radio isn’t the only means of communication in the aviation sector (though it is quite important, as we will see later), and there are other forms to communicate with others. One such aspect is talking with your certified flight instructor (CFI). They will do their best to guide you according to your current level of expertise and learning style. However, it’s critical to always speak up if you don’t fully comprehend some aspects of your learning. Informed questions and requests for further explanations or examples are often necessary to fully grasp any concept.

Learning how to operate an aircraft requires a thorough understanding of substantial information and applying it well. Moreover, it demands total concentration and extensive research.

To make all this work, you must understand what you are doing. Thus, let your flight instructor know if you have difficulties with any technical information or aeronautical realities. Thanks to their training and teaching experience, they will have plenty of resources and other learning methods that may help you out. Remember that it’s best to learn these principles before putting them into action in the air.

Last but not least, it’s also crucial to have patience. It could take numerous attempts to fully comprehend what is going on during training, so don’t be too hard on yourself and tackle the complex process of aviation at your own pace.

2. Pay close attention to how you use the radio

Communicating effectively with air traffic control (ATC) is one of the most critical aspects of aviation. More often than not, this gets lost on student pilots as they hyperfocus on flying the plane, staying on top of the workload, and ensuring they take off or land safely. Some student pilots even have difficulties catching up on the correct way of speaking with controllers in centres, towers, and terminal radar approach control (TRACONs). In the beginning, there are so many things to concentrate on that observing ATC etiquette and using proper terminology tends to be the first thing that falls by the wayside.

At every stage of the training process, pilots must never neglect to pay attention to using their radio properly and professionally. Clear communication is a matter of everyone’s safety by helping pilots and controllers do their jobs as best as possible. Speaking when necessary is a significant aspect of this task, but only when absolutely essential. ATCs can be extremely busy, or other pilots may be waiting their turn on the frequency. Thus, knowing what, when, and how to communicate is vital.

Studying the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) from the USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the best way to learn about the language of aviation radio phraseology and commit it to heart. Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques in Section 2 is particularly helpful. Memorising these calls and knowing them like the back of your hand goes a long way to increasing your confidence when communicating in the air. Furthermore, it is generally accepted for beginners to identify themselves as student pilots to the ATC as it alerts them that you may require extra assistance.

3. Realise that most of the work happens on the ground

Studying is arguably the most prominent aspect of learning to fly. Thus, students thinking they will spend most of their flight training in the cockpit alongside their CFI may be disappointed to know that most of the work happens on the ground.

Pilots need to conduct safety checks on their plane (known as the “walk-around”), study the weather, plan their flight, study aeronautical charts, and familiarise themselves with the airspace. When student pilots aim for their private pilot license in Singapore, a check flight with a certified examiner is just a part of the testing procedure.

Rote memorisation is a critical part of advancing as a pilot, regardless of whether you are a fresh student or a long-time pilot looking to add a new type of rating. This is because aviators must pass a written knowledge test that demands a profound understanding of CAAS regulations, weather meteorology, and aircraft systems. Student pilots determined to earn their certification must first take a written examination or ground school test and meet the passing requirements of their chosen syllabus.

Conclusion 

With the availability of private flying lessons in Singapore, anyone can now achieve their dream of soaring through the skies and seeing the world from a whole new perspective. However, it is best to keep in mind that the journey to becoming a certified pilot is no easy feat and that it requires plenty of effort to get to grips with the world of aviation. Hopefully, the tips above have provided some insights on how you can better navigate the challenges of flight training and overcome them with ease.