Lydd Aero Club - First Flying Lesson

THE FIRST FLYING LESSON

Whether the decision to take a flying lesson is to commence a career in aviation or simply to experience the sensations involved in piloting a light aircraft, the lesson format will be the same.

Before the lesson commences the instructor will have carried out an external pre flight inspection of the aircraft to ensure that it is completely serviceable.

The lesson will start with a pre-flight briefing. The instructor will then discuss with the student the area over which the lesson will take place, describe the flying controls, their effects on the aircraft in flight and on the ground, and answer any questions from the student.

To assist the student to assimilate the information by having
some prior knowledge, the controls are briefly described:

THE AILERONS
These are the movable surfaces situated at the outer trailing edges of the wings.
Moving the control column left moves the ailerons, causing the aircraft to roll to the left, and vice versa.
The ailerons move in opposite directions to one another.
The ailerons control 'roll'.

THE ELEVATOR
This is the moveable part of the horizontal tailplane which, when the control column is moved forward, causes the nose of the aircraft to pitch down.

Conversely, when the column is moved backward, the nose of the aircraft pitches up. The elevator controls 'pitch'.

THE RUDDER
This is the control surface on the vertical fin, and is operated by use of the rudder pedals. In flight, press the left pedal and the nose of the aircraft moves to the left; press the right pedal and the nose of the aircraft moves to the right.

This movement of the nose position in flight is known as 'yaw'. On the ground the rudder pedals operate the nosewheel steering.

GETTING INTO THE AIR
Having seated the student comfortably in the left (captains') seat, the instructor will explain the checks and procedures as he starts the engine and taxies to the holding point for the runway in use. After further checks he will enter the runway and line up, ready to take off.

Shortly after take off, the instructor will invite the student to 'follow through' on the controls to appreciate the degree of input required. After that there will be an opportunity for the student to operate the controls, under the instructor's supervision, to experience the effects of the controls as described.

The shorter lessons will normally remain in an area bounded by the towns of Rye, Ashford and Dymchurch. The longer ones may extend toward Beachy Head, Maidstone, Dover or Canterbury. There are also opportunities to further extend the lesson and land at another airfield before making another take off and return flight to Lydd.

THE RETURN
The instructor will position the aircraft to enter the 'circuit' prior to commencing an approach to land and once again may invite the student to 'follow through', or take part in bringing this first lesson to a gentle landing and return to the flying club. There will be a short post flight briefing and a certificate marking the event will be presented to the student.

Having completed a first lesson, now is the time to purchase a pilots log book and enter the details of the flight as a permanent record. To this may ne added the hours, leading to the day when the entry in the 'Pilot in Command' section is 'SELF'.

For more information, or to apply for a flying lesson, CLICK HERE