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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 muscle memory patterns to efficiently configure aircraft, supplementing official checklists and ensuring critical items are addressed.
  • Memory aids like "FATS" (flaps, air brakes, trim, speed) serve as mental catchalls to back up checklists, preventing errors during complex flight preparations.
  • Flight simulators are invaluable tools for developing and practicing these intricate cockpit flows, enhancing a pilot's real-world operational readiness.
  • The article provides practical examples of systematic flows, from preflight checks in a Cessna 182 to a comprehensive "cold and dark" startup sequence in a business jet.
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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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