So, you’ve already had your trial instructional flight and you’re ready to take your first flying lesson – an exciting step into the world of aviation. As you prepare for this adventure, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and perhaps a touch of nervousness. Don’t worry; we’re here to walk you through it all.
When you arrive at the flying school, you’ll get to meet your instructor, who will guide you through some paperwork so we suggest you arrive 15min early to get a head start. It’s all necessary documentation as part of ensuring your safety and compliance with aviation regulations. If you’re learning to fly with us at Curtis Aviation (Camden Airport, South-West Sydney), you can rest assured we’ll be doing our utmost to make easy for you.
Once the paperwork is out of the way, your instructor will provide you with a pre-flight briefing and introduce you to the aircraft you’ll be flying. They’ll give you a rundown of the cockpit layout, including the controls, instruments, and safety features. Take this opportunity to ask questions and familiarise yourself with the plane – it’s your first step towards becoming a pilot. At Curtis Aviation, our ACA Citabria is one of the most popular aircraft types to learn in.
Before takeoff, your instructor will handle the pre-flight checks and taxiing. As you prepare for departure, they’ll explain the basics of flying, such as
- how the aircraft controls work and
- what to expect during the lesson.
Pay close attention – this knowledge will come in handy once you’re in the air.
Once airborne, you’ll experience the thrill of flight first hand. Your instructor will guide you through various manoeuvres, from climbing and descending to making turns and maintaining straight and level flight. They’ll provide guidance and feedback as you practice these skills, helping you gain confidence with each passing minute.
Throughout the lesson, don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification if something isn’t clear. Flying can be complex, especially for beginners, but your instructor is there to help you every step of the way.
As your lesson comes to an end, your instructor will talk you through the landing procedure. Landing can be one of the more challenging aspects of flying, so they will take over the controls. Focus on observing and learning – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice landings in future lessons.
Finally, as you taxi back to the hangar and shut down the engine, take a moment to reflect on your experience. You’ve just completed your first flying lesson, and the journey ahead is full of possibilities. Your instructor will also conduct a debrief after the flight to run through important learnings and answer questions.
Whether you’re pursuing a career in aviation or simply exploring a new hobby, you’re off to a fantastic start.
So, embrace the adventure, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the freedom of flight. Your journey as a pilot has just begun, and the skies await your exploration. Safe travels, and may your future flights be filled with clear skies and smooth landings.
And, above all, have fun.
At Curtis Aviation we have been teaching private adventurers and future commercial pilots to fly for over 25 years. To find out more about your first lesson or how we can help you achieve your flying goals, no matter how big or small!, call our friendly team today.
We look forward to flying with you!
Check out our article How to Get a Private Pilot Licence or our on-demand webinar replay Get Your Private Pilot Licence for helpful information and insights about getting a pilot licence, including minimum requirements.
