The practical training for the LAPL or PPL for aeroplanes is the core of pilot training alongside the theory. We provide links to good videos and articles.
During the practical training, you are gradually taught the various aspects of flying. In addition to the actual flying of the aircraft, this also includes things like navigation, radio communication, weather, airspace, collision avoidance and much more. At the beginning, you are literally overwhelmed by the many tasks you have to complete "simultaneously". Over time, however, more and more tasks become part of your "muscle memory" and you create more and more mental space.
In our experience, it has proved very useful to follow up in one way or another what has been learnt in the practical flying lesson:
- Diary: It can be a good idea to create a training diary and write down what you have learnt. This will help you memorise it even better and you can always refer back to it later.
- Couch flying: To internalise hand movements and actions, it makes sense to replay the flight on the couch. Go through the flight in your mind and mentally replay the hand movements and actions. This can also be useful for flight preparation.
- Flight simulation: Nowadays there is very good software such as Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane that makes it possible to simulate flight situations and practise various aspects
- Consolidation of specific flight situations: The various phases of a flight, from take-off and en-route to approach and landing, require different skills and procedures. Here you should refresh and deepen your knowledge again and again.
This article is intended to help with the latter. After intensive research, we have put together some good articles and videos for the various phases of a flight. These provide valuable tips and help you to continuously improve your own skills. This is not only interesting for prospective pilots, but also as a refresher for experienced pilots. We will be adding to this list over time.
Software utilisation
Nowadays, it is advisable to use appropriate software for flight planning and flight execution. Three apps that are used very frequently are
We provide an overview of the functions of these three providers in the Pilot Hub. You can find the article here.
Takeoff
A short article on rules of thumb for calculating the take-off distance: Rules of thumb TakeOff Performance
Video about the density altitude and the influence on the takeoff: Density height and takeoff
Airwork
Video on the subject of "Power-On Stalls": Power-On Stalls
Video about using the compass and compass turns: Compass turns
Approach and Landing
Good video describing the different phases and what to look out for: Different phases of the landing
The importance of trimming even when landing: Trimming for landing
10 good tips to improve your landing: Landing - 10 tips
Short article including video when the flare should start: Flare
Video on three common mistakes during take-off: Error Go-Around
What to look out for in a "short-field landing": Short-Field Landing