Let's Learn to Fly!

By: Heather Monthie PhD CFI
  • Summary

  • Learning to fly can be a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t let the challenge of flying intimidate you – with help, you can achieve your goal! We discuss everything you need to know about learning to fly, from finding the right instructor to mastering the basics of flying. We’ll also talk about the different types of aircraft available for flight training, and how to choose the one that’s right for you. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been flying for years, this podcast is for you! (podcast previously Discover Drones)
    © 2022 Fly Alpha Zulu, Stemia Solutions, LLC
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Episodes
  • How to Ace the Private Pilot License Exam With These Top Study Tips
    Oct 24 2022
    Are you studying for the private pilot license exam? If so, you're in luck! In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best tips to help you ace the exam and some private pilot license study material. It can be tough to prepare for an important test like this, but with the right tools and strategies, you can make it happen. So let's get started! This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, Fly Alpha Zulu may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support! How to Ace the Private Pilot Written Exam with These Study Tips: https://www.letsflyaz.com/how-to-ace-the-private-pilot-license-exam-with-these-top-study-tips/Watch on Youtube (and leave a comment!): https://youtu.be/Ozja0i5x7LA Make a study schedule and stick to it Making a study schedule is a great way to help you stay on track with your studies. There are a few things you should keep in mind when making your schedule: - Make sure to allow enough time for each topic in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). You don't want to try to cram everything into one day and end up overwhelmed. - Build in some flexibility. Life happens, and there will be days when you just can't stick to your schedule. That's okay! Just try to make up the time later in the week. - Be realistic about how much time you can really study each day. If you know you're not a morning person, don't try to force yourself to wake up at 6 am to study. Find a time that works for you and stick to it. - Put your schedule somewhere you'll see it every day. A good spot might be on your fridge or next to your computer. - Set reminders on your phone or calendar so you don't forget when it's time to study. - Find a study buddy who can help hold you accountable. Knowing someone else is counting on you can be a great motivator! https://youtu.be/Ozja0i5x7LA Get plenty of rest and exercise; both help improve focus and concentration Get Plenty of Rest One of the best ways to improve your focus and concentration is to get plenty of rest. When you’re well-rested, your mind is better able to focus on the task at hand. Additionally, getting enough sleep helps to improve your mood and reduces stress, which can also help you to concentrate better. Exercise Regularly Exercise is also a great way to improve your focus and concentration. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects that can help you to feel more alert and focused. Take practice exams - the more you take, the better you'll perform on the real thing Get Familiar with the Format One of the best ways to prepare for the private pilot written exam is to get familiar with the format. This way, you'll know what to expect when you sit down to take the exam. Most practice exams will be in multiple-choice format, so it's important to understand how to answer these types of questions. Answer as Many Questions as Possible Another way to prepare for the private pilot written exam is to answer as many questions as possible. The more questions you answer, the better your chances of doing well on the exam. Additionally, try to answer questions from all different sections of the exam. This way, you can identify any areas that you need to focus on before taking the real thing. Use a variety of Private Pilot License study materials when studying, including textbooks, online materials, and videos Study Guides / Books  Books are a great resource when studying, as they provide comprehensive coverage of a topic. The FAA provides many resources to study free online. You can purchase printed copies as well. When selecting a book, make sure it is based on the current version of the ACS. Videos / Podcasts Videos and podcasts can be a great supplement to your other studies. They can provide another perspective on a topic and help to break up the monoto...
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    18 mins
  • Tips and Tricks for Financing Your Flight Training | Let’s Learn to Fly
    Oct 3 2022
    If you've ever dreamed of becoming a private pilot, you know that the cost of flight training can be prohibitive. But don't let the expense stop you from achieving your goal! In this episode of Let's Learn to Fly, we'll share some tips and tricks for financing your flight training. We'll also provide a few ideas on how to reduce the overall cost of your training. So if you're eager to start flying, let's go! Links mentioned in this episode: Aviation Scholarships https://www.flightscholarship.info/ 61 FAQs answered about getting your private pilot certificate https://www.letsflyaz.com/private-pilot-faqs-free-guide/ *DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial advisor and this is not financial advice. I am someone with many many years of experience in higher education and helping people pay for the education needed to make their dreams come true. I also have my own experience getting screwed over by a flight school and I want to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you! https://youtu.be/hecD5JKZRgw Research your options for flight training  Do your research - there are many different schools and programs to choose fromConsider your budget - how much can you afford to spend on flight training?Make sure the school offers a variety of courses and programs, so you can find the right one for youAsk around - see if anyone you know has any recommendations for flight schoolsCheck out the school's website and review its policies and proceduresSchedule a tour of the school, so you can get a feel for it before making a decision Calculate the cost of flight training and factor in other associated costs  What is the cost of flight training and what factors influence the final priceHow much does each hour of instruction cost, on averageWhat are some common additional expenses associated with flight trainingPacing of your training will influence how long it takes and thus the cost Save up money to cover the cost of flight training  Calculate how much money you will need to cover the cost of flight trainingSave up this money over time, so it's not a burden on you financiallyMake a budget and stick to it so you can reach your goal quickerCut back on unnecessary expenses and put the extra money towards your savingsFind creative ways to make more money, such as taking on extra jobs or selling unwanted items Stay in control of your money, don't buy blocks of flight time upfront Only buy the flight time you need, so you don't waste moneyPay as you go, so you have more control over your financesBe mindful of how much flight time you're using, so you don't get caught off guard by the costDiscounts or payment plansDon't be afraid to negotiate with the flight school on the price of trainingDon't let flight schools walk away with your money Apply for scholarships or grants to help pay for flight training  There are many different scholarships and grants available to help pay for flight trainingDo your research to find the ones that you're eligible forApplying for scholarships can be time-consuming, but it's worth it if you can get free money for flight trainingBe sure to meet all the requirements and follow the instructions carefullyDon't wait until the last minute to apply for scholarships - start early! Get a job at a flight school to offset the cost of training either as a flight instructor or working in another capacity Some flight schools offer discounts or payment plans for employeesWorking at a flight school can also give you a chance to get flight time at a discounted rateIt can be a great way to gain experience in the aviation industryKeep in mind that you may have to work long hours, on weekends, or holidays Use a loan to finance your flight training  You may be able to get a loan from the government or a private lender to help finance your flight trainingMake sure you understand the terms and conditions of the loan before you sign anythingBe aware of the interest rate and how much it wil...
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    27 mins
  • Read VFR Sectional Charts Like a Pro (for drone pilots)
    Sep 30 2022
    Links mentioned in this episode:  How to use the FAA computer testing supplement Part 107 https://youtu.be/SXl6wq2p_PI  SkyVector: www.SkyVector.com  Understanding Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Remote Pilots: https://learn.letsflyaz.com/p/understanding-airspace-for-remote-pilots  Charts can be confusing, but they are your key to flying safely. Let's chat a bit about everything you need to know about reading and using sectional charts. Once you learn how to use charts, you’ll be able to fly with confidence – no matter where you go. You’ll know exactly what airspace is safe for your drone and exactly where you are going at all times. In this episode, we'll give you a crash course on how to read these charts so that you can pass your exam with flying colors! If you're looking to get your drone certificate, you'll need to be able to read VFR sectional charts. https://youtu.be/3ELnT4P9XfQ 1. What are VFR sectional charts?  VFR sectional charts are aeronautical charts that depict visual flight rules (VFR) navigation information for pilots in the United States.  2. How are they used?  Pilots use VFR sectional charts to plan flights at altitudes of less than 18,000 feet above sea level.  3. What information can be found on them?  You can find all sorts of useful information on VFR sectional charts, including but not limited to: airspace boundaries, airports, terrain features, radio frequencies, and navigational aids.  4. How do you read them? Now that we've answered some basic questions about VFR sectional charts, let's get into how to actually read them! Here are some tips: -Start by finding your location on the chart. You can do this by using landmarks or other reference points.  -Once you've located yourself on the chart, take note of the airspace boundaries and any restrictions that might apply to your flight.  -Familiarize yourself with the legend so that you can make sense of all the different symbols and markings on the chart. There are a lot of different symbols on the charts. You don't need to memorize these since they are included in the legend, but it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with them. When you go take the exam, you will be given a testing supplement that has a legend in it. You can get a copy of the testing supplement before the exam so you know what to expect. I have a video that shows you exactly where to find it and how to read it. https://youtu.be/SXl6wq2p_PI How to use the FAA computer testing supplement Part 107 -Print up your area from SkyVector and use a highlighter or pencil to mark up your area with things you're familiar with. This will help you learn your particular area and become more familiar with the airspace around where you plan to fly. I hope that this podcast has helped you with everything you need to know about reading VFR sectional charts! Just remember to start by finding your location, taking note of any airspace boundaries and restrictions, familiarizing yourself with the legend, and marking your planned route. With these tips in mind, you'll be reading these charts like a pro in no time! If you're looking for a deeper dive in learning how to read charts, I would recommend checking out our online course, "Understanding Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots." In this course, I walk you through all the details of the National Airspace System and how to identify all the different classes of airspace on a VFR sectional chart. I also provide a ton of tips and tricks for flying safely in controlled airspace and give you a step-by-step process for requesting airspace authorizations. You can find the course at: https://learn.letsflyaz.com/p/understanding-airspace-for-remote-pilots  https://youtu.be/iHBP2CErozA
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    13 mins

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