Ready to take to the air, but not sure what to expect? Learning to fly can offer a great sense of personal freedom, and also be a great jumping point into an amazing aviation career. No matter whether you are interested in flying lessons so you can gain a recreational or private pilots license, or because you are planning to work in the aviation industry, your first flying lesson is always going to be all about going through the basics.
You’re probably going to find that you feel both excited and nervous before getting into the cockpit for the first time, so in order to ease those nerves, take a look at this breakdown that explains exactly what you will learn on your first day at a Melbourne based Flight School.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your first flying lesson:
Outside the aircraft
The first part of your flying lessons will always begin outside the aircraft. Your instructor will take the time to make sure you understand the theoretical basics of flying and are comfortable taking to the air before you step foot in the cockpit. The theory portion of flight training is one of the most critical phases of your journey learning to fly. There is a lot to learn about the rules of flying, and the safety requirements of your aircraft before you start with the practical training.
Your instructor will spend time with you in the classroom explaining the basics of aerodynamics, explaining what you can expect during your flight and answering any questions you may have. As soon as the briefing is completed and you are comfortable with moving onto the next step, your instructor will take you to the aircraft to begin the pre-flight inspection.
The pre-flight inspection must always be completed before taking off in any aircraft. This inspection usually consists of visual and operational checks of crucial items and systems to ensure that everything is functioning as expected and that the whole airplane is fit to fly. Once you start flying on your own, you will be required to complete all these checks yourself, so it’s essential that you learn the steps with the help of your instructor.
Then it's time to get into the cockpit!
Once you’re in the aircraft, the instructor will walk you through all of the pre-starting and starting procedures involved with the plane. You’ll also learn how to maneuver the plane on the ground. This is a great first step at gaining familiarity with the aircraft before you need to worry about controlling it in the air.
You’ll then begin to taxi the plane to the runway, where you can prepare for takeoff. The final step before getting up in the air, is the final inspection to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly. Once again, your instructor will take you through this process. After you’ve performed all of the preflight checks and taxied the plane into position, you’ll be ready for takeoff as soon as control clears you to go!
Time for takeoff!
As you get into the air for the first time, your instructor will help you reach a safe cruising altitude by taking you through the climb checklist and after you’re up in the air, they will teach you some basic piloting maneuvers. While this will be your first time flying, there's nothing to be worried about as your instructor will be right there to manage the controls with you just in case something goes wrong.
Usually a first lesson will involve roughly half an hour in the air to cover some basics, like straight and level flying, before returning to the aerodrome. As with takeoff, there will be a checklist to follow as you prepare for landing, and you will once again receive instructions from air traffic control to let you know if you are safe to descend. You won’t perform your first landing just yet, your instructor will take the controls for you, but you will be able to watch exactly how they do it.
Once you have completed the first lesson, you will no doubt be excited to learn more and proceed with your next flying lessons. Have a chat with your instructor and they will be able to work with you to create the perfect flight training plan for you. There will be different steps if you are just looking to fly recreationally as opposed to looking for a career in aviation. Either way, find an experienced Melbourne-based flight school that can offer solid advice and a range of courses suited to your flight training needs.
