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