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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:

  • "Flow motion" refers to the muscle memory routines pilots use to efficiently set up aircraft, serving as a critical backup to official checklists for smooth and error-free operations.
  • These operational flows are adaptable across all aircraft types, from general aviation planes to large jets, helping pilots ensure all required items are addressed and providing a mental "catchall" against missed steps.
  • Flight simulators are highly valuable tools for pilots to practice and internalize these complex sequences, significantly aiding real-world proficiency and type rating preparation.
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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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