Training and Safety

Welcome Microsoft Flight Simulator Users!

Are we having fun yet? If you've spent any time on Microsoft's Flight Sim you know what fun is. With throttle in one hand and joystick in the other, you can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment while piloting several thousand pounds of simulated sheet metal from airport to airport. Yes, it's fun - a different kind of fun. In fact, most folks don't use the word play when operating Flight Sim. Instead, they refer to their behavior as flying, and for good reason, too.

Given the sophistication of this software, each sitting offers you the opportunity to acquire real world flying skills. Sure, simulators aren't the real thing, but they're close. Flight Sim can provide you with skills that are directly applicable to flying actual airplanes. If you've completed any of the tutorials accompanying Flight Sim, then you know what I mean. You're able to do steep turns, recover from stalls and land. Friends, this isn't luck. You're flying...well, at least electronically. So why not take the next logical step? How about flying the real thing?

Once you've selected a flight school, for a typical cost of $59 to $99 you can take an introductory flight in an actual airplane with a certified flight instructor. And, if you want to, the instructor may let you take the controls and do most of the flying yourself.

Don't be surprised if the world as you know it changes instantly with your first application of throttle. As you accelerate, a panel of needles will begin to dance and signal the airplane's readiness to separate from earth. Just like in the simulator, you'll ease aft on the control stick and watch the magic begin. Yes, there's a sense of familiarity as you look outside, but unlike the simulator, the graphics are a whole lot better (and your smile is a lot bigger too!).

This, however, is just the beginning. Within 15 to 20 hours of flight instruction, it's possible to solo an airplane. And a few short months after that, you could be a licensed private pilot capable of bringing others along to share in the excitement.

The good news is that most anyone can learn to fly. Over a 25 year period I've taught many people from all walks of life: plumbers, teachers, housewives, doctors and high school students. Most didn't have exemplary physical skills, nor were these skills necessary. Desire is the only prerequisite.

The sad news is that some folks are unaware of how easy AOPA makes it for you to learn about flying. So let us help make your dream a reality. All the information you need to get started is found in these pages. Click on Getting Started on Learning to Fly. Read the article. It gives you a good understanding of what flight training involves. After you're done, read a few more articles on this page. Every bit of information you need is here, from finding a flight instructor to locating a good flight school. Please bookmark this page and return to it often. It's a tremendous information resource that you'll want to use to your advantage.

May you always land as soft as a butterfly with sore feet. — Rod Machado