After a lengthy hiatus, we are back with the long-awaited episode on my top PPL checkride tips. Sorry for the delay, folks – but this one has been worth the wait. The second topic of this show is getting back into flying after a break. Due to the New England winter (and some other stuff), … Continue reading "Episode 9 – Checkride Tips and Rusty Pilots"

Happy New Year! In this special episode, I share with you the story of my first FAA checkride for my private pilot certificate. In many ways, the days leading up to the checkride were very stressful and nearly caused me to cancel my date with my DPE. Listen now to hear all about my check ride adventure, and hopefully you can learn from some of my mistakes!

In Episode 7, we venture into the word of takeoffs and landings. Do you know your short fields from your soft fields? Your Vx from your Vy?

Listen to find out my top tips for making that perfect landing, and how to gain those stick and rudder skills you'll need to pull it off. 

I also share some exciting news about my private pilot checkride. Enjoy! Please email any questions to [email protected].

In Episode 6, I explain the six main flight instruments that make up the classic 'six pack'. I explain what each instrument shows you. I go into the basics of how each instrument works, and the inherent limitations of the instruments that every student pilot should know.

In Episode 5, we explore the standard airport traffic pattern, why we use it, and how to fly it. As you'll be flying close to other aircraft, competing for airspace, it is essential to learn how to fly the pattern accurately and safely.

Are you a little rusty on the basic principles of flight for fixed wing aircraft? Episode 4 of Plane Spoken goes through the fundamentals from a pilot's perspective.

Episode 3 is here! This week, we go over the basics of ground school, and I give you three essential book recommendations to form the 'core' of your studies. I have the best flight lesson of my life (night training), and we explore the ACS - the syllabus of all Private Pilot checkrides - so you know what to expect. 

Download your free copy of the ACS from the FAA here.

Read my review of Bob Gardner's "The Complete Private Pilot" here.

The Aeronautical Information Manual can be downloaded from the FAA here.

The Federal Aviation Regulations are available online here

This week, I answer all of the questions you might have if you want to learn how to fly.

I cover topics such as which certificate to go for, how to choose a plane to learn in, what you can expect from the exams, and my tip of the week ... how to chose a flight instructor.

This is the pilot episode of Plane Spoken. Are you interested in learning how to fly, but don't know where to start? This 10 minute podcast will tell you everything you need to know! After listening, if you have questions about how to get started with flying, or want to know more about what it takes, email the show. In Episode 2, we'll be going through listener questions. Thanks for listening!