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There Is Definitely an Art to the Intro Flight

Moms, dads, and grads often enter the world of aviation this time of year as the weather gets nicer.

A first flight can turn into pilot training.
A first flight can turn into pilot training. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Flight schools and CFIs should thoroughly prepare for intro flights by gathering customer weight/contact info, performing pre-flight checks (partially before customer arrival), and setting expectations for safety and comfort, including weather considerations.
  • During the flight, CFIs should gradually introduce customers to controls while managing critical phases (takeoff, landing, radio), explain instruments, personalize the route, and be prepared for potential motion sickness.
  • After the flight, CFIs should encourage aspiring pilots by providing information on the training process, confirming that intro flight hours count towards certification, and suggesting the acquisition of a pilot logbook.
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Intro Flight Season approaches. From May to the end of June you can expect to see an increase in the number of moms, dads, and grads coming to flight schools for their first taste of aviation.

Here’s what to expect.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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