Understand the weather

So just a quick tip for you who are just starting out. If you are starting your air lessons now, you should have a good understanding of the weather and how stuff happens it meteorology.

I spent all day planning my long cross country only to find out that the next Taf comes out and won't allow you to go. Sometimes you have to be patient and when you do, the weather still doesn't always work out for you. Got to look at the surface analysis, and GFA's and predict whats going to happen. Look at the Temperature Dewpoint spread, and points along your route.

You also have to be patient. The weather may clear up, it may not.

Getting Started: Books

So, you are interested in flying. You visited your local flying club and watched all sorts of planes take off. You day dream thinking that you would like to do that someday. Well you can! If anything that I can tell you is that flying is a piece of cake. Its the dedication and the hard work that you have to put into it is the hard part.

Some good places to start for learning from books is the "FTGU". From the Ground Up (ASA Training Manuals) is a book that basically has everything in it you need to know! The image you see on the left here is the ASA version( American ). This book contains everything you need to know about planes, avation, CARS (Canadian Aviation Regulations) and much more. Reading this you will learn about Aircraft Engines and how they work, the principles of flight and even meteorology! So if you want to learn more I suggest picking this book up!

Although, every country has its own rules and books, so once you have some knowledge to fall back on, you will have to look into those as well.

Another book that is really interesting and where Transport Canada takes a lot of questions for their exams is the Air Command Weather Manual. This book has many graphics and illustrations to explain all sorts of things. Its full of knowledge, and has stuff that even if you are an experienced meteorologist, you will have something to learn.

One last book I would like for you to be aware about. Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics by HC 'Skip' Smith goes into great detail about the principles of flight. So if you always asked your self the question, how do airplanes fly? Well this book well tell you everything you need to know and then some!

With all that said, take your time and take a look at these books. The FTGU is great for first timers to get introduced into flying. The other two are more advanced and will prove some used down the road to improve your knowledge about flying, the principles of flight and meteorology!

So you want to fly?

So you want to start flying? Maybe just for fun or a career, but in the end, you just want to start flying. Where to start and what to do? All the questions can be answered by you! Does not matter if you always dreamed of flying since you were a little boy or girl, or just got interested right now. I will try and steer you in the right direction.

Where to Start?
Well, you can start anywhere really. You can find a school, and register and start soon as you can. Or you can take your time, visit any local airport and ask questions. See if there is any local flight clubs and check it out.

If you are at a young age, the best place to start is Air Cadets. You will gain knowledge and experience towards aviation. If you strive hard you can achieve your Glider Pilot License and your Private Pilot License for free!

You don't have to stop there. Check out any online guides, or local libraries for getting started in an aviation world. It may look hard but with the correct sources of information and references, you will be a pro in no time at all.

I will keep posting other tips in the future, so keep checking!