VFR Pilot Communications Training
As a student pilot, you may find it daunting, or even overwhelming at first, to learn ”Aviation Speak”. Cockpit Radio Communications are vital to safe flying, and all pilots must learn to effectively communicate with ATC (Air Traffic Control) and other air traffic.
COMM1 Radio Simulator
COMM1 Radio Simulator is training software designed to help pilots learn proper Radio Communications. COMM1 was created by pilots for pilots. It’s an amazing way for student pilots to learn and practice pilot communications from the safety and privacy of their own home.
COMM1 training lets you experience real flight situations through high-quality audio and graphics, and you can pause, replay and practice over, and over until you have mastered pilot communications
Personal Review
As Editor of LearnToFly.ca, I personally reviewed the COMM1 VFR Radio Simulator package this week. I had previously heard a lot of good things about this training software, and I was eager to receive the COMM1 package.
Almost 7 Hours of Comm Training
I began at lesson 1, and as I progressed through the lessons, I really began to appreciate what a great training resource COMM1 really is. It’s very thorough, and COMM1 includes almost seven hours of Communications Training!
COMM1 VFR Radio Simulator is a proven tool for getting you up to date on communicating professionally with ATC, Flight Service, Flight Watch, other aircraft, and other ground personnel. COMM1 includes 6.5 hours of training based on actual real world flying situations and the required dialogue with ATC.
COMM1 Multimedia Headset ATC-2CVM
I used the official COMM1 ATC-2CVM Headset with the COMM1 VFR Radio Simulator software. The multimedia headset has a built-in boom microphone for easy, hands-free talking as you progress through the practice lessons. The headset with boom mic helps you feel like you are actually communicating with ATC as you request clearances and interact with recorded ATC messages. It’s very realistic, effective and fun!
Pilot Seat
The COMM1 ATC-2CVM Headset puts you in the Pilot Seat, anytime, and anywhere. The headset is adjustable, and with the attached microphone you can transmit and receive rich audio as you simulate radio communications with ATC, directly from your computer.
Wearing the headset, distractions are minimized and your comm training experience is greatly enhanced. The COMM1 headset includes a 6-foot-long cord with clip. The headset has a volume control and also a microphone on/off switch.
VFR Radio Communications - Training and Experience
COMM1 VFR Radio Simulator is ideal for student pilots, learning about Pilot Communications for the very first time. But, it’s also great for seasoned pilots, to help them brush-up on proper Pilot Communication etiquette and procedure. COMM1 will help any pilot (student or seasoned) to become more confident and proficient with pilot radio communications.
Study on the Go!
Study for the Transport Canada PSTAR Exam anywhere, anytime, using the new PSTAR Exam App for your mobile device. Study conveniently whenever you want, and wherever you want.
iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android
The PSTAR Exam mobile application is available in either iOS or Android versions. Choose from the PSTAR Exam App for your iPhone, your iPod, your iPad or your Android phone.
- PSTAR iPhone/iPod App
- PSTAR iPad App
- PSTAR Android App
The PSTAR Exam
The Transport Canada PSTAR Exam is the Pre Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) that all student pilots must pass before they can make their first Solo flight in an airplane. In fact, student pilots must earn a grade of 90% or higher to pass the test.
Multiple Choice Questions
The Transport Canada PSTAR Exam is made up of 50 multiple choice questions, and the student pilot must be able to answer at least 45 of the questions correctly to score 90% or higher. This may seem daunting at first, but Transport Canada publishes a list of 192 potential exam questions. All questions on your PSTAR Test will be taken from the published pool of potential PSTAR questions.
PSTAR Exam App
This new PSTAR Exam App will help you prepare for the test by challenging you with sample questions taken from the potential exam questions.
14 Categories
The Transport Canada PSTAR Exam questions are divided into fourteen categories. The pool of approximately 200 sample questions are all included in the PSTAR Exam App, and these are categorized using the same T.C. categories.
Select a Category
Using the PSTAR Exam App, the user simply taps on a category to begin answering questions in a particular category from the 14 Transport Canada PSTAR exam question categories. The app allows the user to go through each section separately and answer question by question.
The database includes the exact same questions you will find on the real PSTAR Exam. The 192 Transport Canada questions, from the 14 categories are all included. This app is pre-loaded with all current questions taken from the official Transport Canada Study Guide, TP 11919.
Practice Exams
Take a Practice PSTAR Exam anytime with the app. The Practice Exams are based on a random selection of 50 questions from the Transport Canada database. The PSTAR Exam App automatically grades your answers, and it keeps track of your results. You may take unlimited practice exams, until you are confident you will Ace the Transport Canada PSTAR Exam. When you are consistently scoring 90% or higher, then you are ready for the real exam.
Immediate Results
The PSTAR Exam App gives the user immediate results. The user sees the correct answer immediately after they answer a question. This immediate cognitive feedback helps to reinforce correct answers, and it helps users to identify their mistakes. The user does not have to wait until the end of a practice exam to see if an answer is correct or not. The app is a great tool for learning and it also helps to gauge your preparedness for the actual PSTAR exam.
Graphical Interface
The graphical interface helps to immediately identify correct answers as the user takes practice PSTAR exams, or browses questions by category. The surface based navigation is very intuitive, and the PSTAR Exam App has a great, easy to use, and user friendly design.
Student Pilots
The PSTAR Exam App is designed for Student Pilots preparing for the Transport Canada PSTAR Exam before they perform their first solo. It’s a must have app for every student pilot in Canada.
As a student pilot, you want to spend as much time flying, and this app will help you learn quickly. Spend less time studying and more time flying!
PPL and CPL Exams
The PSTAR Exam App is also a great refresher study tool for students preparing for their Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam, and also for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Exam candidates.
Air Regulations
Student pilots, as well as very seasoned pilots should always be familiar with the Transport Canada “Canadian Aviation Regulations” (CARS) published for air safety. These Air Regs are part of the required Pilot Knowledge Base (KB), and the PSTAR Exam App is a great and handy way for pilots of all experience levels to keep sharp.
Waterloo Airport
The 2012 Waterloo Air Show is being held on the weekend of June 2 & 3, 2012. Located at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, the Waterloo Airshow is an amazing event for the entire family.
Amazing Air Show
As editor of LearnToFly.ca, I attend a lot of aviation events and air shows, and the Waterloo Air Show is always one of my favourite air shows in Canada. I loved the 2011 Waterloo Air Show, and 2012 promises to be another fantastic show.
Close to the Flight Line
The spectators are very close to the Flight Line, and you get to see the aircraft taxi to the runway, and also take-off and land. This is a great bonus, providing the crowd with an up-close and personal view of the warbirds, jets, specialty aircraft, homebuilt planes, and vintage airplanes as they perform before the crowds. The close proximity to the flight line makes for a fantastic aviation event, that you do not want to miss!
CF-18 Hornet
The CF18 Demonstration Team is always a great performance at the Waterloo Air Show. Pictured here, you see this spectacular take-off of the CF-18 at the 2011 Waterloo Air Show. Back again for the 2012 air show, the CF-18 Demo Team will be one of the highlights of the show.
The True North Strong and Free
The 2012 CF-18 Demo Team’s theme is: ‘The True North Strong and Free’. This theme was taken from the lyrics of Canada’s National Anthem, ‘O Canada’, and the theme is a great symbol for Canada’s Sovereignty and freedom.
CF-18 Paint Scheme
Each year, the CF-18 Hornet flown by the Demo Team at air shows across Canada, has a custom paint scheme to emphasize the year’s mission theme. This year’s CF-18 paint scheme will display tail and dorsal art featuring 13 distinctive snowflakes. These unique snowflakes represent Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. These 13 snowflakes also represent the 13 Air Force Wings located across the country from Gander, Newfoundland to Comox, British Columbia. The 2012 CF-18 Demo Team pilot is Canadian Forces Capt. Patrick “Paco” Gobeil.
Canadian Forces Snowbirds
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are always a crowd favourite at air shows, and the Snowbirds are back again for the 2012 Waterloo Air Show. Typically, the Snowbirds “close” the show with a dramatic and exciting performance to be enjoyed by the entire family.
Snowbirds Video
The CF Snowbirds are a high energy performance, and the air show crowd goes wild as this precision flying team performs amazing formation flying overhead. Watch this video of the Snowbirds Formation Flying for a taste of what you will experience at the Waterloo Air Show.
The Snowbirds are an incredible 9-plane aerial aerobatics performance that will dazzle audiences of all ages. Don’t forget to stick around after their performance for autographs from the pilots and crew.
Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show
The Waterloo Air Show is more than just an air show performance. It’s also an Aviation Expo with many exhibits and static aircraft on display for the visitors to walk around. It’s a great opportunity to take amazing photos of some fantastic airplanes including many vintage and military aircraft.
Chat with owners, pilots and crew, as you walk through the many aviation exhibits and visit static aircraft displays on the field. In previous years, the show was called the “Waterloo Aviation Expo and Air Show”. Now that the show is simply called the “Waterloo Air Show”, it’s important to remember there is still a wonderful “Aviation Expo” component of the show that is open during the entire day. So, come early, and enjoy the Aviation Expo, before the Air Show performance begins.
2012 Webster Trophy
Have you got what it takes to be Canada’s next Top amateur Pilot?
The 2012 Webster Memorial Trophy Competition is open to Amateur Pilots in Canada. It’s a great way for pilots to have fun, sharpen their piloting skills, and meet other great pilots from across Canada. Best of all, they may be crowned the Top Amateur Pilot in Canada for 2012.
2011 Webster Winners
Congratulations to all the 2011 Webster Competition Finalists, but special congratulations go to the Top Two Winners:
1) Kevin Aalders – Centennial Flight Centre
2) Justin Mailman – Moncton Flight College
What to Expect
Webster Competitors will be evaluated and ranked, and the Top 9 Finalists, representing their respective regions across Canada, will be flown to Ottawa in August 2012 for an exciting week of aviation.
Webster Week – More than Just a Competition!
Many pilots have already joined the competition for 2012, but more are encouraged to get involved, and join the competition as soon as possible. Pilots will compete regionally in the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition, and then the nine regional finalists will be invited to “Webster Week” in Ottawa.
On June 16, 2012, the Top Nine Regional Finalists will be announced, and they will be the lucky 9 pilots who will experience Webster Week. They will all travel to Ottawa in late August 2012, and they will challenge one another for the coveted title of Canada’s Top Amateur Pilot for 2012.
80 Years
This year will be particularly exciting as the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition celebrates its 80th Anniversary. Established in 1932, the Webster Trophy Competition turns 80, and 2012 will be another milestone in the Webster legacy.
Ottawa, Ontario
Webster Week begins with the nine finalists arriving in Ottawa by the evening of Monday August 13, 2012. The 9 finalists will be flown to Ottawa, courtesy of Air Canada.
Air Canada
Air Canada has been a proud sponsor of the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition for many years, and Air Canada provides free flights to the nine finalists. In the past, many finalists have had their name announced during their flight to the competition. The Air Canada Captain announces to the flight passengers that a Webster finalists is on board and the captain then provides a brief description of the Webster Trophy Competition.
Arrival in Ottawa
Upon arrival in Ottawa, the nine finalists will be met by Webster Team members or volunteers who will escort the finalists to the hotel. Once settled in, the finalists will meet with the other competitors and Webster representatives for an informal get acquainted evening.
The finalists will be full of excitement and enthusiasm as they begin Webster Week, and they will no doubt feel a little nervous about their participation in the national finals of the Canada wide competition. The Webster Week experience for the finalists will be one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.
Fellow Competitors
As fellow competitors, in the Webster Competition, the nine finalists will begin to bond as close friends as they share experiences together. At first, they may be reserved and perhaps shy around their fellow competitors, but they will become the closest of friends by the time they go home one week later! They also enjoy the opportunity to meet and bond with past Webster finalists who come for the Awards Banquet weekend at the conclusion of the competition.
Co-Op Positions Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA) of Sudbury, Ontario announces optional Co-Op positions for Career Pilot Program.
Students in the DAA Career Pilot Program will now be given the incredible opportunity to build valuable flying experience in real world flying operations. This co-op opportunity will provide students with right-seat (co-pilot) flying experience in addition to the flight training curriculum already incorporated in the Career Pilot Program.
Fall 2012
The DAA Career Pilot Program is scheduled to begin in Fall 2012, and applications are already being accepted. Prospective students should contact Discovery Aviation Academy to learn more about this exciting pilot training program.
Sudbury, Ontario
Discovery Aviation Academy is located in Sudbury, Ontario, at the Greater Sudbury Airport (CYSB). They have a modern, 13,000 square foot facility, constructed in 2010. DAA is part of Discovery Air, a large Canadian Air Operator. DAA has a fleet of single engine and multi-engine aircraft to provide students with a wide selection of training aircraft providing a broad range of flight training options.
Discovery Air Fire Services (DAFS)
Discovery Air, the parent company of Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA), operates Discovery Air Fire Services (DAFS).
DAFS was recently awarded an important contract to provide six Aerial Detection Observers to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
Fire Detection Pilots – Bird Dog
In Northern Ontario, aerial fire detection is extremely important to monitor and detect forest fires in remote areas that are seldom accessed by the public. Fire Detection Pilots fly Bird Dog missions as they scout for potential forest fires.
Aerial observers provide early detection of forest fires, and the Bird Dog pilots can help provide detailed and accurate forest fire information directly to the MNR Fire Services team.
Forest Fire and Emergency Services
DAFS works directly with the MNR, and DAFS’ Fire Detection Pilots are an important and integral part of the Forest Fire and Emergency Services in Ontario.
Co-Op Opportunity
Discovery Air Fire Services (DAFS) will use their contract with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to provide students from DAA’s Career Pilot Program with this incredible co-op opportunity. Students enrolled in the DAA Career Pilot Program may be eligible to participate in the optional summer co-op placement.
Cessna 337 Skymaster
Co-Op Students will be given the opportunity to fly in the right seat of the Cessna 337 Skymaster. The co-op students will build time in a real world flying experience as they work as Aerial Detection Observers to help spot fires in Northern Ontario. Co-op students will fly Bird Dog missions to help spot fires and to support MNR by providing vital information needed for the timely and accurate dispatch of suppression resources to fire locations.
Eagle Flight Services
Learn to Fly at Eagle Flight Services in Collingwood, Ontario. Conveniently located at the Collingwood Regional Airport (CNY3), Eagle FS offers a full range of Flight Training options.
Eagle Flight Services is located in the original terminal building at the airport.
Flight Training Earn your wings at Eagle Flight Services. Flight Training is provided for various pilot licenses, permits and ratings. Eagle FS strives to make learning to fly both fun and a friendly experience.
Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP)
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
VFR-OTT (Visual Flight Rules – Over The Top)
Night Ratings
Tailwheel (Tail Dragger) (instructor available)
Float Endorsement (instructor available)
Save $40 Discount Coupon! Save $40 off your first Flight Lesson at Eagle Flight Services.
Learn to Fly with Eagle Flight Services, and save money with this discount coupon complements of LearnToFly.ca
Introductory Flights
Eagle Flight Services also offers Introductory Discovery Flights. This is a great way for aspiring pilots to take an Intro Flight to discover the thrill of flying.
During the Intro Flight, your qualified Flight Instructor will explain the basic controls of the airplane, and you will have an opportunity to fly the plane. Your demo flight is a great opportunity to have all your questions about Flight Training answered as you experience the sensation of flight in a small training aircraft.
Only $88 – WOW!
Introductory Flights at Eagle Flight Services start at only $88 (plus HST), and they make a great gift for the aviation lover or future pilot you know. (Please confirm rates directly with Eagle FS. Rates are subject to change without notice) Book an intro flight at Eagle Flight Services, and discover what it’s like to learn to fly!
Full Motion Flight Simulator
The Brampton Flight Centre (BFC) has a modern, full motion, flight simulator for advanced flight training. The simulator is very realistic and fun to fly, but more importantly, it’s a great training device for student pilots learning to fly. It’s also great for existing pilots to practice, improve, and upgrade their current piloting skills. BFC’s Flight Simulator is the advanced Redbird FMX Flight Simulator.
Redbird FMX Sim
When you climb inside the Redbird FMX unit, it feels just like a regular cockpit. The Redbird FMX is a full motion simulator, mounted on a gimbal system. The full motion simulator provides realistic motion to simulate the pitch, roll and yaw you might experience in a real aircraft.
The realistic motion of the unit, coupled with the excellent video and audio, generates the sensation and realism of true flying. The Flight Controls and Cockpit Instruments are extremely realistic. After a few minutes, you forget your are even in a flight simulator, and it feels like you are really flying.
Save Money
Your Flight Instructor can guide you through flight exercises and air-work in the Redbird FMX Flight Simulator for much less money than it would cost to accomplish the same training in a real aircraft. Flight Training in a real aircraft is subject to weather delays and flight delays. Don’t wast time sitting on the tarmac, waiting to get in the air. In the flight simulator, you don’t have to worry about weather, ground delays, or waiting for other traffic. In an instant, you can be in the “Practice Area”, ready to begin air exercises immediately, without any costly air time flying from the airport. You may initiate or resume training from any point in a flight exercise, and you may repeat tasks over and over until you are comfortable with your performance. Your Flight Instructor can pause the simulator anytime to provide instruction, feedback or constructive criticism.
Video: Take a Flight in the Redbird FMX Simulator at Brampton Flight Centre (BFC)
BFC Flight Instructor Jon Isaac demonstrates the Redbird FMX Simulator
Jon Isaac, CASO
BFC Flight Instructor, Jon Isaac, takes us for a flight in the Redbird FMX Simulator. Jon is the Company Aviation Safety Officer (CASO) at the Brampton Flight Centre, and he was our demonstration pilot for this video tour of the Redbird Sim.
Piper Seminole Twin Engine Trainer
The Redbird FMX Flight Simulator may be configured for many different cockpit types. At BFC, they have modules to allow the Sim to be configured as a Cessna 172, Garmin G1000 (Glass Cockpit) Cessna 182, and the Piper Seminole Twin Engine Trainer. The day we took our demo flight with Instructor Jon Isaac, the Redbird FMX Sim was already pre-configured for the Piper Seminole Twin.
Brampton Airport Circuit
We flew one simulated circuit from the Brampton Airport (CNC3) in the Piper Seminole Twin. Jon started the simulator with us on Runway 15 at Brampton. Elevation at Brampton (i.e. Ground Level) is 935 Feet Above Sea Level (ASL), and circuit height is 1,700 Feet ASL. (For many airports, the Circuit Height is usually about 1,000 feet above ground level, but at Brampton, the circuit height is closer to 800 feet above ground level due to close proximity to high traffic airspace nearby)
Flight Instructor Jon Isaac demonstrated how the flight simulator may be paused during training to allow the instructor and student to discuss the training exercise mid-flight, and to make configuration changes to enhance flight training. Jon also changed the weather conditions, and put us in the middle of some moderate rain showers to allow us to experience various weather environments at the touch of a button. Jon also explained the incredible benefits of advanced pilot training scenarios such as simulated instrument and engine failures. This allows the pilot to be well prepared for potential in-flight emergencies he or she might encounter in their aviation careers.
During our demo flight in the Redbird Sim, Jon emphasized many of the benefits of Simulator based training, and he explained some of the many features of this Advanced Aviation Training Device.
AATD
The Redbird FMX Flight Sim is a Transport Canada Approved, and FAA Approved, Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). Both in Canada (Transport Canada), and in the United States (FAA), this AATD may be used for flight training exercises and some of the hours logged in this simulator may qualify for your flight training pilot licence requirements.
Bachelor of Applied Business
Earn your Bachelor of Applied Business (Global Business Management) and also your Commercial Pilot Licence in four years.
The Brampton Flight Centre (BFC) and Sheridan College Partnership Program is designed to provide Ab Initio (From First Principles) Flight Training in conjunction with a Global Bachelor’s Degree.
Brampton Flight Centre
The Brampton Flight Centre (BFC), located just north of Brampton, in Caledon, Ontario, is one of Canada’s top aviation schools. BFC, a world class flight training facility, is approved as a Private Career College by the Ontario Ministry of Training. BFC is internationally respected, and thousands of pilots have been trained at the Brampton Flying Club. BFC has trained thousands of qualified pilots since its inception in 1946. They’re a Transport Canada approved Flight Training School and also a member of the Airport Transport Association of Canada (ATAC).
Sheridan College
Sheridan College, Davis Campus, Brampton, Ontario, has partnered with the Brampton Flight Centre to provide a four year Global Business Management Degree coupled with the BFC Professional Commercial Pilot Program. Sheridan College is well recognized for its Business Programs, and Sheridan’s Global Business Management Bachelor of Applied Business Degree is a great foundation for a Global career.
Global Aviation Careers
The Sheridan/BFC Program will produce highly trained Commercial Pilots with a solid background in Global Business Management. Successful graduates will be well prepared for the increasingly Global environment of Airline Pilots and Aviation professionals. The recognized degree foundation paired with the advanced Pilot Training will help prepare the candidates for “Right Seat” opportunities with Airlines in Canada and well beyond.
Video: Sheridan College and Brampton Flight Centre Partnership Program
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky and Allan Paige sign the Sheridan/BFC Partnership Agreement
Flight Training Curriculum
Students in the Sheridan/BFC degree program will receive advanced flight training including ground school, flight simulator training and a minimum of 200 hours of cockpit experience. The graduating student will earn their Business Degree in addition to many pilot licences and ratings:
Private Pilot Licence (Ab Initio Training)
Commercial Pilot Licence
Night Rating
Multi Engine Rating (i.e. Twin engine)
Group One Instrument Rating
Multi Crew Training
Advanced Airline Training
Frozen ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) Exams
Course Title: Bachelor of Applied Business (Global Business Management)
- Combined Business Degree and Aviation Program
- Sheridan Course Code: PBGBM
- Four Years
- Bachelor’s Degree
- September and January Starts
- Location: Davis Campus (Sheridan Brampton) and Brampton Flight Centre
- Video: BFC & Sheridan Partnership Announcement
Aspiring Pilots The new pilot program is ideal for aspiring pilots. Sheridan College and Brampton Flight Centre will work together to provide students with a solid business education and Bachelor’s Degree coupled with extensive flight training. The program is expected to produce highly trained pilots with a deep knowledge base to prepare them to immediately work in the industry.
According to Rob Carney, Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) at BFC, graduates will be well prepared for ”Right Seat” (Co-Pilot) jobs with airlines. This is great news for the aviation industry, as a shortage of pilots is expected to create a significant demand for well trained, knowledgeable pilots in the very near future.
Type Training
Next Level Flight Training (NLFT) of Milton, Ontario provides flight training for various pilot licenses and aircraft types. NLFT will help you achieve your Next Level of Flight Training.
If you have ever dreamed of flying a Taildragger (Tail Wheel Airplane), then NLFT can help you earn your endorsement. Next Level Flight Training provides training for many different ratings and aircraft types in addition to the Taildragger rating.
Types of Flight Training
Many types of flight training are provided including advanced, type check-outs, insurance renewals, multi, IFR, tailwheel and unusual attitude. NLFT mostly caters to individual owners wanting to get more out of their investments. If you are looking to advance your flight training, or experience new levels of flight training, NLFT can direct you.
Burlington Executive Airpark
New Level Flight Training operates in the Burlington Executive Airpark (CZBA) area, and they can work with you on specific flight training exercises, or they can fly training missions.
Tailwheel Training will help pilots to improve their flying skills, and better prepare them for the many tailwheel airplanes still in use today. Tailwheel airplanes are used for Bush flying, glider towing and many aerobatic airplanes. Most warbirds and other vintage airplanes are also taildraggers, and tailwheel training will help you to expand your aviation skills and opportunities.
NLFT Tailwheel (Classic) Training
Piper J3 Cub
Super Cub
Bellanca Citabria
Decathalon
Aviat Husky
Stinson Reliant
Advanced Flight Training
In addition to Type Ratings such as Tailwheel endorsements, NLFT offers a wide range of flight training programs. From Ultralights to technically advanced aircraft including high performance aerobatic airplanes and twins, Next Level Flight Training has the program for you.
Flight Training Programs
Choose from multiple flight training programs including: Basic, Advanced, Tailwheel, IFR, and Unusual.
Unusual Aircraft
The Unusual Program provides pilots with a unique opportunity to learn to fly some of the more unusual aircraft including: hang gliders, paragliders, ultralights, homebuilts, warbirds, helicopters and aerobatic aircraft. Expand your horizons with flight training beyond the standard General Aviation aircraft used for training today.
The Ultralight, LSA and Homebuilt categories are great fun and many opportunities exist for additional flight training in these unique and often overlooked aircraft types.
HASEL Checks
Student Pilots are trained by their flight instructor about the importance of Pilot Checklists. And, the HASEL Check is an important checklist used by pilots before practicing flight manoeuvres such as slow flight, stalls, spins, spiral dives and steep turns.
Memory Aid
Like many pilot checklists, a mnemonic is used as a memory aid to help the pilot remember each item on the check list. Similar to the IM SAFE Pilot Checklist, each letter of the “HASEL” checklist is used to represent an important item on the list. The pilot uses the ‘HASEL’ mnemonic, and it helps him or her to remember to perform each of the required “Checks” before initiating a flight manoeuvre such as a Stall.
The pilot goes through each item, in order, and the ‘HASEL’ memory aid ensures an item is not skipped or forgotten.
Safety
The main purpose of the HASEL Checks is safety. Prior to practicing an unusual flight attitude or exercise, the HASEL checks help to ensure everything is safe and ready for the flight exercise to begin.
H.A.S.E.L. Checklist
H – Height
A – Area
S – Secure
E – Engine
L – Look out
Easy to Remember
As you can see, the HASEL Memory Aid makes this checklist very easy to remember. When flying, and you are about to perform a flight training exercise, you can easily recall the five items and perform each check. Let’s look at each of these check items in a bit more detail.
HEIGHT
The first Letter in the HASEL Checks is H for HEIGHT. Unlike stunt pilot Kent Pietsch, pictured here in his Interstate Cadet airplane, it’s very important to have sufficient altitude prior to attempting any unusual flight manoeuvres.
Trained stunt pilots may perform amazing stunts close to the ground, but all other pilots, must always remember that altitude is critical. You absolutely need a safe altitude to recover from the flight exercise, and height above the ground is very important. Make certain you have enough altitude above the ground to safely and easily recover from a stall before getting too low. A bare minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) is required, and for additional safety, higher altitudes are strongly suggested. (Many instructors will suggest 3,500 feet or even 5,000 feet AGL) Your height above terrain must be sufficient to allow for full recovery well above the ground!
Many flight manoeuvres will cause a loss of altitude. After fully recovering from the manoeuvre, you want to be well above the ground, so plan ahead, and provide yourself lots of altitude for recovery.
AREA
A is for Area. Ensure the Area below you is safe for conducting flight exercises. Always be certain you are not over built-up areas. A clear and open area is suggested, and ideally there will be a safe place for landing nearby in case of emergency. Make certain the area is clear with no other traffic.
SECURE
The letter S in HASEL stands for Secure (or Security or Safety). Make sure all seat belts are securely fastened and all items including baggage are properly stowed. During an unusual flight attitude, you may find people and items are bounced around. A tight seat belt will keep you from bumping your head and injuring yourself, or potentially knocking yourself unconscious! All loose objects in the airplane must be safely secured to prevent an object from suddenly becoming a fast moving projectile inside the cockpit. All occupants and articles must be secure.
ENGINE
E is for Engine. Check Engine Temperatures, Carb Heat, Pressures, Tachometer, etc.
Turn Carburetor Heat on for a few seconds to clear any potential icing in the carb. Check for ice. Check all Cockpit Instruments to ensure the engine readings are all in the correct and normal range. Turn on fuel pump and other accessories as required.
Scan all cockpit gauges and be certain everything related to the Engine is operating correctly.
LOOK OUT
L is for Look Out. Scan for any possible air traffic, and ensure the entire area is clear. Look in all directions including above and below. Make certain you are clear of any other traffic including below your position.
It’s important to Look all around to avoid any potential traffic that may be encountered during your flight exercise. Make certain there are no aircraft around you or approaching your position.
Look out in all directions as you scan for traffic. It’s wise to do a complete 360 degree turn or 90 degree clearing turns as you look for any potential traffic, obstacles or issues that may be nearby. If you make a 360 degree turn, typically a turn to the left is preferred to provide a better view of the area below you. A series of 90 degree clearing turns may also be used. You may finish your HASEL Check with a couple of 90 degree clearing turns. First to the right and then to the left (or vice versa) to make absolutely certain there is no possibility of conflicting traffic in the area.
VFR Pilot Communications Training
COMM1 Multimedia Headset ATC-2CVM
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