What Happens in a Helicopter Flight Lesson?
Getting a flight licence requires lessons ... many of them. So what does a flight lesson actually entail? Generally, aviation training involves either a ground lesson, or a flight lesson or a combination of the two.
Ground lessons are tutorials in which relevant knowledge is communicated and assessed - this is often related to the aircraft systems, aerodynamic principles, meteorology or aspects of aviation regulations and law.
Flight lessons involve operating an aircraft in order to undertake a period of airborne instruction or skills development. There are multiple components of a flight lesson, and each is critically important to the learning process.
Preflight Briefing
Your instructor will discuss the planned lesson, including any theorectical knowledge and airmanship related to the lesson. This briefing may be quite involved including a classroom presentation, or it may be brief, depending on what skills are being introduced or revised.
You will have an opportunity to ask any questions you have related to this lesson or any previous lesson.
Aircraft Preparation
Initially this will be performed and demonstrated by your instructor. A preflight check of the aircraft is performed and the aircraft is refuelled if required. Over time you will start undertaking these tasks yourself. Every aircraft is thoroughly inspected by an instructor at the start of the day, independent of any student checks.
Airborne Lesson
This is where you go flying to learn the new practical flight skills for the lesson and practice your airmanship skills (decision making,
navigation, communication etc). Most lessons have a flight duration of around an hour, increasing to longer durations for navigation flights towards the end training. Flights will be shortened where necessary (e.g. some early flight sequences can be mentally taxing and students may fatigue rapidly).
Flight Debriefing
Your instructor will review the flight with you, pointing out strengths and areas for improvement.
You will have an opportunity to ask any questions
arising from your lesson. Your instructor will indicate what your next lesson will be, any special booking requirements, and any relevant reading or preparation for you to do at home to get the most out of your next lesson.
