Flight Training - November 2013 - 14

PREFLIGHT»

SUCCESS STORY

For a neophyte, from a neophyte
Encouragement for aspiring pilots
“PITCH CONTROLS AIRSPEED;

KEEPING PILOTS SAFE.
SAFEGUARDING THE
FUTURE OF GA.

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power controls altitude. The
horizontal component of lift is
what turns an airplane.” I find
myself reciting these mantras
on the way home from another
flight lesson per my instructor’s
direction. After having taken
my introductory flight last fall
and loving it, a few months into
ground school, I decided to start
lessons. I have come to learn that
my initial hope of completing
my private pilot certificate
in a few short months may
NAME: Kate Haymes
AGE: 25
be delayed with the changing spring weather, the
EVENT: First solo
variableness of mine and my
WHERE: Bolivar Municipal Airport (M17),
Missouri
instructor’s schedules, and
the availability of the airplane AIRPLANE: Cessna 150
for rent.
“On top of securing a time
and plane for flight instruction, all the information and steps needed to
complete one’s private pilot certificate can be overwhelming for a one who
is starting out in aviation. The acronyms alone can be daunting. Add in suddenly having to become a meteorologist, learning a new alphabet and the
classes of airspace, understanding FARs and chart reading—one can quickly
become wide-eyed.
“After taking a breath and realizing I won’t comprehend it all in one
night, the almost intimidating amount of information I need to acquire
and apply pales in comparison when I see planes fly around and into
Bolivar, Missouri’s M17 airport where ground school and my flight lessons have been taking place. With the help of my ground school and flight
instructors, along with the camaraderie between myself and my peer students, I have gained confidence that my love of flying will end (and begin)
with a certificate!
“Along with finding like-minded pilots at M17, I have been introduced
to many pilots and aviators pursuing several endeavors related to their
passion for flying. It seems when one is passionate about something, it
attracts conversation and encouragement from like-minded passionate
people. Not to mention, in our digital age, innumerable videos, articles,
apps, and other media are available for free to help—in this case, the aviator meet his or her goals.
“For those of you just starting out, don’t dismay! The seemingly endless
large and small bits of information you need to assimilate starts making a
lot more sense once you get airborne and have a few hours under your belt.
Keep your goal in the forefront.”
Share your experience on Flight Training’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
AOPAFlightTrainingMag).

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Flight Training - November 2013

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