Chapter Summary.

This chapter discussed some of the concepts and goals of primary and intermediate flight training.

It identified and provided an explanation of regulatory requirements and the roles of the various entities involved.

It also offered recommended techniques to be practiced and refined to develop the knowledge, proficiency, and safe habits of a competent pilot.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Flight Training

Introduction.

The overall purpose of primary and intermediate flight training, as outlined in this handbook, is the acquisition and honing of basic airmanship skills.

Airmanship is a broad term that includes a sound knowledge of and experience with the principles of flight; the knowledge, experience, and ability to operate an aircraft with competence and precision both on the ground and in the air; and the application of sound judgment that results in optimal operational safety and efficiency.

Learning to fly an aircraft has often been compared to learning to drive an automobile.

This analogy is misleading.

Since aircraft operate in a three- dimensional environment, they require a depth of knowledge and type of motor skill development that is more sensitive to this situation, such as: 

Coordination–the ability to use the hands and feet together subconsciously and in the proper relationship to produce desired results in the airplane.

Timing–the application of muscular coordination at the proper instant to make flight, and all maneuvers, a constant, smooth process.

Control touch–the ability to sense the action of the airplane and knowledge to determine its probable actions immediately regarding attitude and speed variations by sensing the varying pressures and resistance of the control surfaces transmitted through the flight controls.

Speed sense–the ability to sense and react to reasonable variations of airspeed.

An accomplished pilot demonstrates the knowledge and ability to: 

Assess a situation quickly and accurately and determine the correct procedure to be followed under the existing circumstance.

Predict the probable results of a given set of circumstances or of a proposed procedure.

Exercise care and due regard for safety.

Accurately gauge the performance of the aircraft.

Recognize personal limitations and limitations of the aircraft and avoid exceeding them.

Identify, assess, and mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.