Qualities of a Good Pilot 2

2. BEING MODEST
Whether you are getting checked out with 100 hours flight time or 1000 hours in your logbook, being modest is an important trait for pilots to pocess. Even a very-high-time instrument pilot with thousands of hours in high performance singles and light twins can slowly loose some of the flying basics after being away from flying for a few years.

Nearly all of the examples we’ve gathered about good pilots contain a common thread of that person not talking “all that much” about his or her specific accomplishments and skills. These pilots do, however, acknowledge their own mistakes (neither dwelling on nor making excuses), compliment others’ abilities and seldom put down fellow pilots. As our grandmothers’ always preached, “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.”

Qualities of a good pilot

Hi everyone,

We're going to start a progressive blog about qualities of good pilots. As time progresses we will continue posting about more qualities each pilot should strive to achieve.


1. THOROUGH
Performing a complete preflight inspection (in and out of the cockpit) and using a checklist are two basic disciplines that are characteristic of a good pilot. . Whether using a laminated card, a panel-placarded list or even well-practiced mnemonics, a consistent process is the best way to defend yourself from preventable mistakes. Even between short flights, performing a simple walk around before departing will ensure that your prop lock is off and the cowl plugs are removed, and that you’re not going to taxi with the asphalt securely attached to your tie down ring.

Weather briefings and flight planning are the other basic tasks ingrained early on in training. But, for some reason, many pilots believe they can save time by “winging it” or by simply depending on the GPS. It is this lack of planning that leads to mistakes being made.

Stay tuned for post number 2 coming fairly soon!

Spring is in the Air...You Shoud be too!

Spring is in the air and you should be too! Book a Discover Flight Today!

We offer our 30 minute Discovery Flight at a special rate of $65.00 + HST. The Discovery Flight is an introductory lesson that will allow you to experience the thrill of flying without having to make any commitments to flight training! You will get to sit in the left-seat and will even have control of the aircraft during the flight. Call today to book a lesson.

905-336-4010

Make Flying Your New Years Resolution!!!

It might be winter meaning a greater number of bad weather days and a shorter period of daylight during the day; but don't let winter bog you down. There is still many perfectly great days for flying and since we are traditionally less busy during the winter, our schedule is wide open to accommodate you :)

We did our annual end-of-the-year cleanup the other day, moving all inactive logbooks into the hanger. It would be so nice in 2011 to see some of those inactive students return and finish off their goals of obtaining a Private Pilot Licence. We know everyone has busy schedules and sometimes things happen in life that make us put off flying for awhile. Whether it has been a year since you last flown, or 10, it is never too late to pick it up again and you can still count your hours towards your licence. This year make flying your new years resolution! Spectrum Airways is always happy to see returning faces.

Jennica

Happy Holidays

On behalf of all the staff and instructors at Spectrum Airways we would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday.

Ancaster High Flys High at Spectrum

On Wednesday Spectrum Airways welcomed Aviation Technology Major students from Ancaster High School. The school is the first secondary school in the province to offer the Aviation and Aerospace Specialist High School Major program. Students in grade 11 and 12 can explore their interests in becoming a pilot, airline and airport operations, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance and scientific and technical services.

Partnered with both the Hamilton International Airport and the Canadian Warplane Heritage museum, the students are able to obtain hands-on experience through internship opportunities and co-op placements.

While at Spectrum the students were taught an introductory lesson on the Theory of Flight and Attitudes and Movements. Following the Ground Briefing, students went up for a 30 minute sightseeing flight to experience the thrill of flying. Students who were interested in pursuing a career as a commercial pilot had the opportunity to go on a 30 minute discovery flight instead, where they were given control of the aircraft and were able to apply what they had learned during the ground brief session. These students were even given their very first logbook in order to record their first flight which can be put towards the hours they need to obtain their Private Pilot Licence.

In all, it was a gorgeous day in terms of weather and the students had a wonderful time. We were more then happy to provide Ancaster High Aviation students with an exceptional learning experience geared towards their interests. We look forward to having them come back next year and hope to see some of the students join the Spectrum Airways family as they begin their flight training with us.

Flight Over Halton

Every year Spectrum Airways, in collaboration with the schools of the surrounding area, has given geography students the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying while providing a valuable learning experience. The very popular "Flight Over Halton" allows the students to collect data pertaining to their current geography unit, including the use of land, geography patterns, and urbanization. The 30 minute flight will also allow students to glimpse an aerial view of their school in addition to distinct land marks outlined by the teacher. The flight is a safe and fun field trip which gives students opportunities that other field trips simply cannot offer. Last week we kicked off our first High School Flight of the season with M.M. Robinson! They were kind enough to take a picture for us. I hope all the students enjoyed themselves as much as we enjoy having them here.

Jennica