Learning To Fly an Airplane: Beginner from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objective

Fly any airplane from every aspect of managing an airplane taught in flight schools.

Syllabus

Get in the airplane and take off from the runway for your first flight.

Introduction

A fast and easy way to get you in the airplane and get you flying for your first flight. None of the theory of flight and none of the boring lectures from ground school. Let's go flying.

Get in the airplane and get flying right away.

The most basic part of flying: Straight and Level Flight. You will takeoff from Toronto Island airport and navigate to the practice area to the east where you will practice flying in a specific direction and at level flight.

Discover Instant Replay, recording video from your flying screens and using Flight Recorder to send the instructor your flying files.

As with real pilot training, you need to keep your checklists nearby. Here, we learn when and how to use them.

Using your provided checklist card, you will run through all the checklists that a pilot would do when first arriving at your airplane.

Using the appropriate area of your checklist, you will move the aircraft around the airport on its wheels. Eventually getting us to the active runway, ready for takeoff.

Here is a demonstration of the skills you need to practice in this section.

Before we can give it full power and takeoff, we need to know rotate speed, takeoff speed and cruise speeds.

You will learn the HASEL check and learn to climb properly. At the same time, a bit of navigation to get to the practice area in Claremont, north of Lake Ontario.

Here you learn the theory of flight, then proceed to learn how to slow down and speed up while maintaining altitude. You are also introduced to Slow Flight, a necessary skill.

You will practice your HASEL check and then proceed to descend properly to an assigned altitude. You will also be introduced to descending turns.

Although you have been introduced to gentle turns, now you learn the 3 main types of turns and conduct them precisely. All the while maintaining altitude. You will also be introduced to climbing turns.

With your downloaded Phonetic Alphabet card, you will practice using the phonetic alphabet until it becomes second nature. This is crucial in radio communications as a pilot.

Learn the detailed procedure to obtain airport information by radio before takeoff and during return to airport.

You will learn the proper procedure for speaking with Ground controllers. You will obtain taxi clearance both from and to the active runway.

You will learn the proper procedure for speaking to the airport tower to request takeoff and request landing.

You will learn what altitudes and what directions to take to get to the airport. You will practice your newfound skills in radio work to obtain airport information before calling the tower at 10 miles out, with your intentions for "inbound for landing".

You will obtain clearance to land once inside the airport airspace and you will conduct a proper landing.

You will learn what to do after successfully landing, including checklists, calling ground controllers and taxiing to the apron (parking space). You will also practice shutdown procedures.

You will learn the theory of the circuit; the rectangular flight path you will practice in anticipation of arrival at other airports.

You will learn proper procedures in the circuit for takeoffs and landings in preparation for your solo flight.

The sole purpose of this module is to get you proficently conducting touch and go circuits so that your instructor can sign you off for solo flight. You will submit an FS Recorder file of your solo for endorsement. You will receive your solo certificate for Simulator flight from your instructor.

You will get an insight of what is necessary in the intermediate course. You will learn how to plan the fly and then fly the plan.

A casual look and my first flight at Toronto Island Airport, home to our Beginner Learn To Fly course. We only do one circuit, but we also use the outside "drone" camera to walk around and watch airport traffic. Skip to the parts that interest you. There will be more content to come and more structured video presentations. This was just discovery and fun! I have a lot of work ahead of me refreshing my courses with new content. Suggestions and comments are welcomed.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses lessons similar to those taught in flight schools, providing a solid foundation for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts

Skills learned may accelerate real-world pilot training progress, offering a practical advantage for those pursuing aviation careers

Requires Flight Simulator X or 2004 and a flight stick (joystick) or flight yoke, which may require additional expenses and equipment

Covers essential aspects of flight, including startup checklists, taxiing, maneuvers, and landing, providing a comprehensive introduction to flight

Offers the option to upload flight videos for instructor feedback, providing personalized guidance and support for learners

Follow-on courses (Intermediate and Advanced) are available, suggesting a structured learning path for continued development and skill refinement

Reviews summary

Beginner flight simulation for aspiring pilots

According to learners, this course offers a solid introductory path into flight simulation, specifically designed to mirror real flight school lessons. Students find the step-by-step approach from pre-flight checks to landing particularly helpful. It is seen as a highly effective tool for beginners interested in understanding aircraft operations and potentially accelerating real-world pilot training. Reviewers frequently highlight the course's structure and the instructor's clear guidance as major strengths. While the requirement for specific Flight Simulator software and hardware (yoke/stick) is a necessary upfront investment, the course content is generally considered relevant and valuable for learning fundamental flying skills.

Content primarily uses older FS versions.

"Note this course is based on FSX/FS2004."

"While principles are universal, demos are on older software."

"Wish there was updated content for MSFS 2020."

Specific simulator software and hardware needed.

"Make sure you have Flight Simulator X or 2004 and a yoke/stick."

"The course relies heavily on having the specific simulator mentioned."

"Requires investment in simulation hardware to practice effectively."

Emphasizes hands-on simulator practice.

"Lots of emphasis on practicing the maneuvers in the simulator."

"This course isn't just theory; it makes you practice."

"The recommended practice exercises are essential for skill development."

Instructor explains concepts well.

"The instructor is very clear and explains everything in detail."

"Liked the instructor's teaching style."

"The demonstrations are easy to follow thanks to the instructor's guidance."

Guides learners logically through basics.

"The step-by-step lessons are incredibly easy to follow."

"Course progresses logically from startup to landing."

"Each module builds nicely on the previous one, making complex tasks manageable."

Strongly relates to actual pilot training.

"This course is a great foundation for real-world flight training."

"I am currently taking real flight lessons, and this course is a perfect supplement..."

"Learned procedures directly applicable to actual flying."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning To Fly an Airplane: Beginner with these activities:

Review Basic Aerodynamics

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental principles of aerodynamics to better grasp how an airplane flies.

Browse courses on Aerodynamics

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Read articles or watch videos explaining lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
Review Bernoulli's principle and its application to airfoil design.
Take a short quiz to test your knowledge of basic aerodynamic concepts.

Read 'Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying'

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Gain a deeper understanding of flight control and aircraft handling.

View Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of... on Amazon

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Read the book chapter by chapter, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how the concepts relate to the maneuvers taught in the course.
Consider how the book's explanations can improve your simulator flying technique.

Practice Takeoffs and Landings in Flight Simulator

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Develop muscle memory and refine your technique for the most critical phases of flight.

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Set up a flight scenario with a specific airport and weather conditions.
Perform multiple takeoffs and landings, focusing on consistency and smoothness.
Record your flights and review them to identify areas for improvement.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Read 'The Killing Zone, Second Edition: How Flight Accidents Happen and How to Avoid Them'

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Improve your understanding of aviation safety and risk management.

View The Killing Zone, Second Edition on Amazon

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Read the book, paying attention to the accident case studies.
Reflect on how the lessons learned can be applied to your own flying.
Discuss the book with other students to share insights and perspectives.

Create a Flight Maneuver Tutorial Video

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Solidify your understanding of a specific flight maneuver by explaining it to others.

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Choose a flight maneuver covered in the course.
Record yourself performing the maneuver in the flight simulator.
Add narration explaining the steps and techniques involved.
Edit the video and share it with other students for feedback.

Flight Planning Project

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Apply your knowledge to plan a complete flight from one airport to another, considering weather, navigation, and aircraft performance.

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Choose a departure and destination airport.
Gather weather information and create a flight plan using navigation charts.
Calculate fuel requirements and aircraft performance data.
Fly the planned route in the flight simulator, comparing your actual performance to your plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning To Fly an Airplane: Beginner will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Airline Pilot

An airline pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of passengers and cargo. This career requires extensive training and a deep understanding of aircraft operation, navigation, and regulations. This course helps build a foundation in flight operations, teaching skills such as aircraft startup, taxiing, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers, and landing procedures. A prospective airline pilot would benefit greatly from the practical experience gained in this course, which simulates real flight conditions, including checklists, radio communication, and circuit training. This course is useful to those who eventually wish to fly a real aircraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Airline Pilot

Flight Instructor

A flight instructor provides training to aspiring pilots in the operation of aircraft, teaching them how to fly safely and effectively. This position requires both a deep understanding of flight principles and the ability to clearly communicate those principles. This course provides practical experience in flight procedures, from startup to landing, including maneuvers like climbs, descents, and turns, which can help build confidence and instructional skills in an aspiring flight instructor. Furthermore, the course emphasizes checklists and radio communication, essential elements that a flight instructor must be able to convey to their students. By practicing in a simulated environment, there is more time to analyze mistakes and hone instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Instructor

Flight Simulation Specialist

A flight simulation specialist designs, develops, and maintains flight simulation software and hardware used for pilot training and research. This role requires a blend of technical skills and a solid understanding of aviation principles. This course, focused on practical flight operation, can help a future flight simulation specialist understand the user's perspective, as well as the flight dynamics being modeled. The course covers all phases of flight, from startup to landing, which can help in the development of realistic and effective simulations. A simulation specialist who has piloted a virtual airplane will have more empathy for the end user.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Simulation Specialist

Aeronautical Engineer

An aeronautical engineer is involved in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of aircraft and aerospace systems. While this role typically requires an advanced degree, an understanding of flight operation can help put theoretical concepts into perspective. Although this course does not delve into the engineering aspects of aircraft, it helps build an understanding of flight from the pilot's perspective. This course can help provide context for the engineer, demonstrating the practical application of aeronautical engineering principles. The course's focus on the operational aspects of flight may be helpful in designing and fine-tuning aircraft for optimal performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aeronautical Engineer

Air Traffic Controller

An air traffic controller is responsible for managing the safe and orderly flow of air traffic, directing aircraft movements to prevent collisions and maintain efficient operations. This career requires a high degree of situational awareness and a thorough understanding of aviation procedures. This course provides insight into the pilot's perspective, especially concerning radio communication and following flight plans, which can help an air traffic controller better understand the needs and challenges of pilots. The knowledge of checklists and radio protocols covered in this course may be useful for an air traffic controller. This course may help the beginning air traffic controller understand what the pilot is experiencing.

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Aerospace Technician

An aerospace technician works on the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft and spacecraft. As this course focuses on flight operation, it may be useful in understanding the operational aspects of an aircraft. While this role does not require flight skills, understanding the procedures a pilot follows and the systems they interact with can assist the technician. The knowledge of the operational aspects of the aircraft, gained in this course, may be valuable when performing maintenance tasks. A technician who has an understanding of flight may have a deeper appreciation for the technology.

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Aviation Safety Officer

An aviation safety officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations and procedures within the aviation industry. This role includes investigating accidents, identifying hazards, and developing strategies to mitigate risks. This course allows the aviation safety officer to acquire a pilot's perspective on flight operations, which can potentially be useful when evaluating safety protocols. The course content, which covers checklists, radio procedures, and flight maneuvers, may help the officer gain insight into the daily challenges faced by pilots. This course may be useful in understanding how accidents occur.

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Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot

An unmanned aerial vehicle pilot, also known as a drone operator, remotely controls unmanned aircraft for various purposes, including aerial photography, surveillance, and delivery. This course teaches the fundamental principles of flight, including takeoff, in-air maneuvers, and landing, using a flight simulator, which may be applicable to remotely piloted aircraft. Though remote control and manned flight are different, the underlying principles that this course provides are useful to many different kinds of pilots. Practicing checklists and procedures may be helpful for any pilot, even of remotely controlled aircraft. This course may be useful for aspiring drone pilots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot

Aviation Journalist

An aviation journalist reports on news and trends within the aviation industry, including topics such as aircraft technology, airline operations, and aviation safety. This role requires both strong writing skills and an understanding of aviation operations. This course may help the aviation journalist understand the pilot point of view. The practical experience this course provides may allow the journalist to explore technical and operational challenges faced by pilots. The course emphasizes flight procedures and may help the journalist to write more informed and engaging content about aviation.

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Airport Operations Specialist

An airport operations specialist is responsible for the daily operations of an airport, including ensuring safety and efficiency. This role requires an understanding of aircraft movements and airfield procedures. As this course covers the basic phases of flight, it may be useful in understanding the pilot's perspective. The checklists and radio procedures taught in the course may be useful for an airport operations specialist who intends to support airline activity. Though this role is not specifically about flight, it may be relevant for those who work with flight. This course may be helpful.

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Logistics Coordinator

A logistics coordinator manages the movement and storage of goods, often involving air transport. Although this course does not directly cover logistics, exposure to aviation through this course may provide valuable insight into the complexities of air transport operations. The course's focus on navigation, checklists, and communication protocols may be useful in understanding the details of aviation operations. This role is not about aviation, but this course may be helpful and may broaden one's perspective on logistics. This course may be useful to aspiring logistics coordinators.

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Travel Agent

A travel agent assists clients in planning and booking travel arrangements, including flights. While this role does not involve flying an aircraft, understanding the basics of flight operations may help the agent better understand the needs of clients. This course provides exposure to aviation concepts, such as checklists and in-flight procedures, which may prove useful in travel planning. This course may help a travel agent make more informed recommendations to clients. While this role is not part of the aviation industry, a course on flight may provide useful background information. This course may be helpful.

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Software Developer

A software developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. While this role is not directly related to aviation, this course may be useful for software developers interested in creating aviation-related simulations or applications. The course focuses on the practical aspects of flight operation, which may provide a valuable user perspective for a software developer. The developer might appreciate the importance of the procedures, checklists, and maneuvers described in this course. This course may be a useful reference when creating flight-related software. This course may be useful.

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Data Analyst

A data analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to identify trends and insights. Although not directly related to aviation, this course may be useful for analysts working in aviation-related fields, providing context for the data related to flight operations. The course's focus on flight procedures is a good way to learn the background behind the data. A data analyst might have an easier time understanding datasets that include flight data. This course may be useful to a data analyst who works on aviation data. This course may be helpful.

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Business Manager

A business manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a company, often making decisions related to resource allocation, budgeting, and strategic planning. Though this role is not directly tied to the aviation industry, the organizational skills and procedural knowledge learned in this course may be useful. The manager may learn about the importance of checklists and planning. This may be useful in running a business, especially in one where safety is paramount. This course might be useful in helping a business manager think about workflows. This course may be helpful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learning To Fly an Airplane: Beginner.

Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of...

Save

Classic in aviation literature. It provides a deep understanding of the mechanics of flight and how to control an airplane using the 'stick and rudder.' It is highly recommended for aspiring pilots and will add depth to the concepts taught in the course. It is considered essential reading for anyone serious about learning to fly.

Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of...

Hardcover

The Killing Zone, Second Edition

Save

Analyzes common causes of aviation accidents, particularly during the critical phases of takeoff and landing. It provides valuable insights into risk management and decision-making in flight. While not a textbook, it serves as excellent additional reading to improve safety awareness and judgment. It is especially helpful for understanding the human factors involved in aviation incidents.

The Killing Zone, Second Edition

Paperback

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The Killing Zone, Second Edition

Kindle Edition

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