PA-46 Training Ensures One Can Safely Operate The Piper Aircraft

By Judy Sullivan


Since the days of Greek mythology more than 2000 years ago, man has dreamed of and written about the ability to fly, a capability ushered into the world by the Wright Brothers in 1903. Since that time the world of aviation has opened to an increasing umber of people for a growing variety of purposes. As the skies become ever more crowded, the requirements for becoming a licensed pilot increase, and PA-46 training will help you gain them.

The flying machines themselves have become more sophisticated and powerful, and therefore more difficult to operate safely. The popularity of flight has ensured the computer gaming world became involved, and now available programs replicate flying very well. Similar simulations are used professional pilot instruction as well, as operating a simulator is far more cost effective than flight hours.

This is not to downplay the video games, many are powerful enough to accurately replicated the skills needed for flying a plane, and give the flight candidate a head start. But the body of knowledge necessary before one can be licensed is extensive, because flying is inherently dangerous. If one gets into a bad spot in the air, there are far fewer options than one would have in any terrestrial based mode of transportation.

The study of aerodynamics provides an understanding of performance and limits the individual can expect a plane to exhibit, and they vary by aircraft. The piper pa46 series aircraft is one of only three single engine aircraft with a pressurized cabin, allowing flight at higher altitudes. This requires a greater knowledge of atmospheric conditions and the effects on the human body should pressurization fail.

One must also know more about the vehicle itself, because if something goes wrong, there is simply much less one can do. Checklist discipline to carefully asses each part of the plane, from the landing gear to the proper and back to the tail, everything should be checked before every flight. Far better to discover a problem on the ground, even if it cancels the flight.

Flying is no longer an open sky, do as one pleases environment, there are rules which vary depending on the type of plane, altitude of flight and weather conditions. The rules are there for safety, and to ensure the pilot is ready for flight. Alternate airfields, special use airspace and routes of flight need to be coordinated and indicated on a flight plan before lift off.

The notion of other aircraft is not one that fliers can avoid, except in certain circumstances, usually in reserved airspace. The days when the big sky, little aircraft theory of aircraft avoidance are long gone, especially around airports, so knowing where they are along the route of flight is also important. Communication is also important, as it serves the link should an emergency occur, and so that ground based controllers can pass on information, advice and commands.

More than any other mode of transportation, preparation is critical for air operations. Flying is great fun and can be a profitable enterprise, but one must be prepared. Most private pilot candidates begin with a small aircraft, and the knowledge gained through PA-46 training can help to prepare one for almost any aircraft.




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