First Flight - What should I know?

[Bryan Porter]

Salutations All,

After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.

Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
should ask when I get there, etc?

Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!

Regards,
Bryan Porter

[Gig 601XL Builder]

There is only one good piece of advice. Chill out and enjoy it. The intro
flight is just a sightseeing tour where you get to play with the controls.

Have fun.


After it's done decide if you get along with your instructor. If not get
another one.


"Bryan Porter" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Salutations All,
>
> After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
> the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
> Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
> swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
> this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
> Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
> Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
>
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
> up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
> things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
> work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
> should ask when I get there, etc?
>
> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>
> Regards,
> Bryan Porter
>

[Bob Gardner]

If the introductory is meant to get you into training for a pilot
certificate, as most are, your questions should be concerned more with the
school/FBO than with the airplane. Insofar as the airplane is concerned,
relax and enjoy the ride...the Katana is a fun airplane.

As far as the school is concerned, just open your eyes...is the office
businesslike? Are the airplanes...as far as you can tell visually...clean
and in good repair (no hamburger wrappers in the back seat, no duct tape
holding things together)? The key to success is the instructor/student
relationship, so you need to zero in on how you and the demo pilot get
along. Does s/he "kick the tires and light the fires," or does s/he explain
what to expect in simple terms, pre-flight the airplane in your presence,
use checklists, etc.

Expect to be low-balled on the cost, and pretty much ignore it...the bane of
every flight school's existence is the student who visits every school on
the airport looking for the cheapest training. Like anything else, you get
what you pay for.

Bob Gardner

"Bryan Porter" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Salutations All,
>
> After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
> the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
> Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
> swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
> this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
> Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
> Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
>
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
> up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
> things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
> work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
> should ask when I get there, etc?
>
> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>
> Regards,
> Bryan Porter
>

[Jim Macklin]

Pay attention to what it looks like, the relative position
of the nose of the airplane to the horizon and just where
the horizon is on the windshield. Relax and listen to the
sounds and your body's sensations.

That will make the next flight more productive because
you'll know what it should look like.


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.


"Bryan Porter" > wrote in message
ups.com...
| Salutations All,
|
| After years of playing in Microsoft Flight
Simulator/X-Plane, reading
| the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the
window of
| Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips,
I've finally
| swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first
introductory flight is
| this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of
St. Louis
| Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm
scheduled in a
| Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
|
| Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up,
but what
| things should I know? Is there really anything, or should
I just show
| up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software
engineer, so most
| things in my business require a lot of upfront planning,
reading, and
| work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar
with? Questions I
| should ask when I get there, etc?
|
| Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
|
| Regards,
| Bryan Porter
|

[Mark Hansen]

On 01/09/06 13:09, Bryan Porter wrote:
> Salutations All,
>
> After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
> the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
> Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
> swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
> this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
> Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
> Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
>
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
> up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
> things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
> work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
> should ask when I get there, etc?
>
> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>
> Regards,
> Bryan Porter
>

First, Congratulations for taking the most important step: That first
lesson. There's really nothing you need to do to prepare for this, other
than relax and look forward to it. Your instructor will discuss all the
pertinent information with you, and will even let you do a lot of the
flying (except for those cases where you prefer not to, of course).

That first take-off can be quite exciting, and you'll likely never
forget it!

Once you've had a chance to talk to your instructor, he/she will tell
you what is expected of you before each lesson. You will want to be
studying what you've learned, what you're going to do next, and preparing
for the knowledge test. There's a lot of information available to help
with this, so see what you're instructor wants you to do, then just go
do it.

The biggest point I can make about the various stages of flight training,
is that they are never as big a deal as they initially seem. For example,
you may have the following concerns early in your training:

- Will I ever be able to land this airplane without help from the CFI?

- Will I ever be able to learn all I need to pass the knowledge test?

- Will I ever get a handle on radio communications?

- etc.

Trust me when I say that these all come together in their own time. As
long as you stick with it, you will do just fine.

And, of course, you can come back here for help or a shoulder to cry on
any time!

Best of luck and please come back and let us know how your first lesson
goes!

By the way, for student issues, rec.aviation.student is probably good
enough, but as these are free-form groups, you can cross-post if you
feel it is needed. There are a lot of folks on the .student group.

--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane
Sacramento, CA

[Gene Whitt]

Gig,
I would suggest that you go to my web site www.whittsflying.com and from
the home index page search for the word, 'recorder' This tells you how to
make a short patch cord with a splitter that will allow you to connect a
recorder (tape or digital)into the aircraft intercom. You are going to be
totally overwhelmed with all that is said and done. for a few flights.
Recordings will enable you to play back everything the instructor said
prior, during and after the flight.

Knowing that the recorder (tape or digital) is running will allow you to
relax and enjoy the venture without undue concern about remember it all.
Additionkally you can use the tape to write out all the questions you should
have asked. I doubt that there is a single pilot who doesn't regret not
having such a recording. to add to his regret collection that includes not
having started flying sooner.
Gene Whitt

"Bob Gardner" > wrote in message
...
> If the introductory is meant to get you into training for a pilot
> certificate, as most are, your questions should be concerned more with the
> school/FBO than with the airplane. Insofar as the airplane is concerned,
> relax and enjoy the ride...the Katana is a fun airplane.
>
> As far as the school is concerned, just open your eyes...is the office
> businesslike? Are the airplanes...as far as you can tell visually...clean
> and in good repair (no hamburger wrappers in the back seat, no duct tape
> holding things together)? The key to success is the instructor/student
> relationship, so you need to zero in on how you and the demo pilot get
> along. Does s/he "kick the tires and light the fires," or does s/he
> explain what to expect in simple terms, pre-flight the airplane in your
> presence, use checklists, etc.
>
> Expect to be low-balled on the cost, and pretty much ignore it...the bane
> of every flight school's existence is the student who visits every school
> on the airport looking for the cheapest training. Like anything else, you
> get what you pay for.
>
> Bob Gardner
>
> "Bryan Porter" > wrote in message
> ups.com...
>> Salutations All,
>>
>> After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
>> the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
>> Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
>> swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
>> this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
>> Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
>> Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
>>
>> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
>> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
>> up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
>> things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
>> work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
>> should ask when I get there, etc?
>>
>> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>>
>> Regards,
>> Bryan Porter
>>
>
>

[Gig 601XL Builder]

"Gene Whitt" > wrote in message
...
> Gig,
> I would suggest that you go to my web site www.whittsflying.com and from

I believe you meant to spell that "Bryan" instead of "Gig".

[Gene Seibel]

Welcome to St Louis skies and enjoy. I fly out of St Louis Regional
across town.
--
Gene Seibel
Gene & Sue's Aeroplanes - http://pad39a.com/gene/planes.html
Because we fly, we envy no one.

[[email protected]]

On 9 Jan 2006 13:09:42 -0800, "Bryan Porter"
> wrote:

>Salutations All,
>
>After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane

Forget all you've been doing with the Flight Simulator and look out of
the window.

The first thing I was told when flying was stop looking at the
instruments. You need to use the instruments with FS but you fly a
plane with most of the time looking out!

[Doug]

Enjoy trying to figure out how to do it!!!!

[Cecil Chapman]

Just one tip.... open your eyes wide and relish every moment of it! ;) If
it is a 'fit' for you,,, well, it will stir you as likely nothing else has
before! :) Have fun on that first flight!

--
--
=-----
Good Flights!

Cecil E. Chapman
CP-ASEL-IA

Student - C.F.I.

Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the
checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond!
Complete with pictures and text at: www.bayareapilot.com

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery -

"We who fly, do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with
this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"
- Cecil Day Lewis -

[Chris Colohan]

"Bryan Porter" > writes:
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
> up expecting a good, relaxing time?

My first intro flight in a Katana was on a beautiful, sunny summer
afternoon in Pittsburgh PA. If you can avoid it, don't do that. :-)

In particular, you will probably have more fun on your first flight if
you are flying in smooth air -- a Katana is very light, so on a sunny
summer afternoon it will bounce around in thermals like a ping pong
ball. You will get a much smoother (and probably more fun!) ride on
an overcast day with high ceilings, or if you go early in the morning
before thermals have really gotten a chance to get started.

If you _do_ go on a sunny afternoon, be prepared for a bit of
turbulence as you fly around admiring the beautiful views you get from
that plane. And have fun!

Chris
--
Chris Colohan Email: PGP: finger
Web: www.colohan.com Phone: (412)268-4751

[zatatime]

On 9 Jan 2006 13:09:42 -0800, "Bryan Porter"
> wrote:

>Salutations All,
>
>After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
>the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
>Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
>swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
>this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
>Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
>Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
>
>Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
>things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
>up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
>things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
>work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
>should ask when I get there, etc?
>
>Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>
>Regards,
>Bryan Porter


Enjoy it! Soon enough you'll be head down focused on managing the
airplane. For this one just enjoy the ride!

Happy Flying.
z

[City Dweller]

I would recommend reading just a little bit about basic aerodynamics. There
is plenty of information on the internet, no need to buy/borrow books.

Read up on:

- The 4 forces of flight (lift, weight, drag and thrust);
- Angle of attack and stalls;
- The trim wheel.

Have fun! You are lucky to start out in a Diamond, it is a great airplane (I
fly the Star myself).

-- CD


"Bryan Porter" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Salutations All,
>
> After years of playing in Microsoft Flight Simulator/X-Plane, reading
> the rec.aviation newsgroups, and staring longingly out the window of
> Southwest Airlines 737's whenever I go on business trips, I've finally
> swallowed hard and taken the plunge - my first introductory flight is
> this Saturday with Skyline Aeronautics out of Spirit of St. Louis
> Airport (KSUS) in St. Louis, MO. The scheduler said I'm scheduled in a
> Diamond Katana two-seater, tail number 227RD.
>
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
> up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
> things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
> work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
> should ask when I get there, etc?
>
> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>
> Regards,
> Bryan Porter
>

[Tom]

Have fun Brian. That is what you need to do. I am a computer guy as
well and I was over ready and prepared for the 1st flight. Just have
fun. If it ain't fun it's harder to shell out the $$$$.

Tom
PP-ASEL

[Wizard of Draws]

On 1/9/06 4:09 PM, in article
om, "Bryan Porter"
> wrote:

>
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know?

You should know that this is a damned expensive hobby.

But that aside, have fun and enjoy the journey. You are in line for a lot of
"firsts" that most of humanity has not and will not experience. Your first
solo, first solo cross-country, first checkride.
It's hard work and a lot of study, but it's worth it.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.cartoonclipart.com

[[email protected]]

On 9 Jan 2006 13:09:42 -0800, "Bryan Porter"
> wrote:

snip

>Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
>things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
>up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
>things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
>work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
>should ask when I get there, etc?

Try to relax and enjoy the ride. People in the aviation groups can
tend to blow a bunch of crap about "computer flying".

Speaking from personal experience, if you are comfortable in the
airplane, and comfortable with your instructor, flying the real thing
can be a heckuva lot easier than running a sim.

The feedback tends to be a little more realistic for some reason.

Remember my first night landing-was utterly fascinated by the fact
that I could get properly lined up with the runway just like I did in
the old F-19 game I spent way too much time playing.

Have fun!

TC

[George Patterson]

Bryan Porter wrote:

> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what
> things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show
> up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most
> things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and
> work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I
> should ask when I get there, etc?

Well, relaxing may not be the word for it, but no preparation is necessary for
your first flight. It's like the first day of class as a freshman. The
instructor will handle everything. All you have to do is remember most of it for
next time.

George Patterson
Coffee is only a way of stealing time that should by rights belong to
your slightly older self.

[Ramapriya]

Bryan Porter wrote:
>
> Obviously, I'm nervous and excited about my first time up, but what things should I know? Is there really anything, or should I just show up expecting a good, relaxing time? I'm a software engineer, so most things in my business require a lot of upfront planning, reading, and work. Is there anything I should make myself familiar with? Questions I should ask when I get there, etc?
>
> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!
>
> Regards,
> Bryan Porter

Hi Bryan,

Don't know which aircraft you're flying, but my first flight was in an
Airbus A320, from the jumpseat, so I didn't exactly do what you're
gonna be :o)

What did I do? I missed no detail, including what the Flight Dispatcher
had to say to the pilots after the luggage was loaded, and wasn't shy
of asking questions; of course, it helped that the two pilots were the
very amiable type. I did a bit of rolling during cruise using the
Autopilot knob, and wished they let me do some pitching too.

Without having done what you're embarking on, I'd simply say - have fun
while making it as educative as possible. I bet getting the correct
rotation technique itself, without making the attitude stall the wing,
would be one heck of a start!

Have fun,

Ramapriya

[John Gaquin]

"Bryan Porter" > wrote in message
>
> Any advice anyone could give would be most appreciated!


Bryan....
Don't think, don't prepare, don't analyze. You probably spend 80 hopurs a
week doing that, and if you try it in the airplane, it just becomes more
work. Just go for a ride and let it wash over you. There's no need to rush
things, and it will be very easy to fall into the trap of obsessing over
numbers or turning this whole learn-to-fly thing into just another project
management exercise. Some of your finest, most valuable learning will occur
through absorbtion, if you let it.

[The Flying Scotsman]

Ramapriya,

I really hope they didnt allow you to pitch the A320 airbus as you
think that altitude stalls the wings :)

Lack of speed and critical angle of attack stalls wings, nothing to do
with altitude, unless your so high it freezes them.

Anyway dude, Have a really cool Intro flight, you dont need to learn
anything, just chill out and enjoy your flight, DONT LISTEN TO
RAMAPRIYA !!!

As for rotation techniques, HA HA HA im not even going down that road
:)

[Ramapriya]

The Flying Scotsman wrote:
> Ramapriya,
>
> I really hope they didnt allow you to pitch the A320 airbus as you
> think that altitude stalls the wings :)
>
> Lack of speed and critical angle of attack stalls wings, nothing to do
> with altitude, unless your so high it freezes them.
>
> Anyway dude, Have a really cool Intro flight, you dont need to learn
> anything, just chill out and enjoy your flight, DONT LISTEN TO
> RAMAPRIYA !!!
>
> As for rotation techniques, HA HA HA im not even going down that road
> :)


I didn't ever claim to be anything, so it's best if folks didn't listen
to me. But reading what I wrote is another matter, especially when you
look risible by mistaking 'attitude' for be 'altitude'.

Or was it just a pint too much of Tenants? ;)

Ramapriya

PS: Didn't realize that rotation techniques really that much of a
laughing matter :\

[kontiki]

Congratulations Bryan on taking the plunge... something tells me you
will end up being an excellent pilot.

Just enjoy it.. take in the whole thing and don't worry about learning
every detail on that first flight. Just enjoy the ride!

Good luck and keep the greasy side down.

[tjd]

Like everyone else said, just try to relax and enjoy it, and pretend
the instruments don't exist and look outside. I remember thinking I
was "prepared" for my first flight (1 year and 1 day ago), having spent
years reading books, playing FS, and... well, you'll see soon enough
:)

But in short, nothing you know is likely to be too relevant to your
first flight - maybe having some vague idea about pulling back on the
yoke (er, make that "stick" in a katana) to go up. Otherwise, I found
myself completely unprepared for the actual sensation of flying. I
mean that mostly in a good way - although I won't lie, I had some, uh,
let's say, "doubts" soon after takeoff (thankfully *not* committed to
tape :). After I relaxed a little, the sheer terror of what was about
to happen to my bank account set in, but the flying was (and still is!)
fantastic! Have fun!

[The Flying Scotsman]

Oh Calm down, It was only a little joke meant to get your knickers in
a twist.... hahah

not had Tennants Lager for a while, miss it more than my woman though
!!!!

Being in the jumpseat in an Airbus A320 is a cool experience, even so
learning to bank it left or right.

Why have you never been for a test flight anyway?

Barry

[The Flying Scotsman]

Oh Calm down, It was only a little joke meant to get your knickers in
a twist.... hahah

not had Tennants Lager for a while, miss it more than my woman though
!!!!

Being in the jumpseat in an Airbus A320 is a cool experience, even so
learning to bank it left or right.

Why have you never been for a test flight anyway?

Barry