Flight Training/Pilot Resources

Documents and links to accelerate your flight training

The following links are resources that my students use to help them on your journey. Some are intended to be used in “Checklist” format. A good example is an airworthiness checklist. This is a perfect example. Why would you evaluate airworthiness without a checklist? Checklists are an emphasis area, and are absolutely used in the military and the airlines.

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED A PDF READER AND MICROSOFT OFFICE OR GOOGLE DOCS TO USE AND EDIT THESE FILES! ‘Google Docs’ work well, and is FREE.

NOTE: CHECKLISTS ARE CRITICAL, AND USE IS MANDATORY in training, the check ride and beyond. They can also be a HUGE help during a check ride. You should memorize them, so when the examiner asks about an item you can tell them from memory, then back it up with a checklist. Examiners will really appreciate the professionalism!

AIRSPACE

Below is a ‘Cheat Sheet’ for airspace. The ‘Airspace Triangle’ is super helpful for cloud clearances. Some students make sure they can write it from memory. The top sheet can be done the same way. If you can write the colored chart from memory, you’ve got airspace down!

NOTE: HAVE THIS SHEET OUT WHEN YOU PLAN YOUR FLIGHT. REFERENCE IT TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE AUTHORIZED, MEET THE CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, AND YOU PLANE IS EQUIPPED TO FLY IN THE AIRSPACE YOU PASS THROUGH.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Below is my Risk Management and Aeronautical Decision Making checklist. This can be printed out in kneeboard format. Learn to use it by reading about the items in the Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, then use it each flight. When you go to your checkride, slap it down on the table for the flight planning portion. It will make you safer, will impress your instructor and examiner, and set you up for success in the future!

AIRWORTHINESS

Determining Airworthiness is a critical task on every flight. My club does a great job of e-mailing pilots this data before each flight. Still, it’s important to use a checklist. The one below is gold… Print it in Landscape, fold it in half to kneeboard size. For bonus points, laminate it along with Risk management and the airspace triangle! Lay it out on the desk as you plan your flight or meet with the examiner.

A pre-solo questionnaire is required before you solo, and should be filled out for each variant you fly. V-Speeds and operational limitations should be memorized.