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Practicing Flow Motion in Sim

Muscle memory behind setting up an aircraft is an integral part of any professional pilot’s daily routine, whether flying a small or large aircraft.

Cessna 182 Skylane in sim. [Image courtesy Peter James]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots utilize "flow motion" or "flows" as muscle memory patterns to efficiently and safely set up aircraft, complementing official checklists.
  • These flows range from general memory aids like "FATS" (Flaps, Air brakes, Trim, Speed) to detailed, sequential procedures for preflight and startup across various aircraft types.
  • Flight simulators are highlighted as valuable tools for practicing and internalizing these operational flows, enhancing a pilot's real-world skills and efficiency.
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Flow motion or flows—the muscle memory behind setting up an aircraft—are an integral part of any professional pilot’s daily routine whether flying a small or large aircraft.

Over my flying career I learned every aircraft that I have flown is able to have a flow that backs up the official checklist, enabling a pattern that enables a smooth, fast start and finish to every flight all while not missing required items shown on the checklists. 

Peter James

Peter is an experienced Part 135 business jet pilot with a passion for simulators and how they blend with the real world. Learning to fly at age 12, he supplemented his passion and career goals with the early versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator. With the growing realism of all PC simulators today, he frequently uses them for extra proficiency, and loves to show other pilots how great they are.

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