Effects of Controls
Learn the effects of the primary flight controls when operated independently in flight. This exercise is the foundation of learning to control the aircraft — lessons you learn here will prove invaluable at every stage of your training.
Preflight Discussion
Aviator.NYC Lesson Plan
Briefing Topics
- Simulator setup and controls
- Local airports: Republic Airport (KFRG), Morristown Airport (KMMU), Westchester County Airport (KHPN)
- Flight training roadmap
Simulator Session
- Ramp Start — cold and dark at KFRG, KMMU, or KHPN
- Systems Demo — power, radios, engine, flaps
- Taxi Practice — rudder pedals, brakes, hold short
- Takeoff and Climb to 4,000 ft
- Flight Controls — gentle turns, trim, flaps
- Descent and Approach
Debrief
Review progress, log simulator time as AATD dual, discuss training goals.
Pilot Preparation
- Review the four fundamentals of flight
- Watch Sporty's Learn to Fly videos
- Explore ForeFlight
Skill Items
| Skill | D P 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
|---|---|
| Use of Checklists | |
| Preflight Inspection | |
| Certificates and Documents | |
| Airworthiness Requirements | |
| Engine Starting | |
| Radio Communications | |
| Positive Exchange of Flight Control | |
| Taxiing & Taxi Checks | |
| Takeoff, Departure, and Climb | |
| Level Off | |
| Effects of Stabilator | |
| Effects of Aileron | |
| Effects of Rudder | |
| Further Effects of Controls | |
| Effect of Airspeed | |
| Effect of Propeller Slipstream | |
| Use of Trim | |
| Descent & Approach Planning | |
| Normal Landing | |
| After Landing, Parking, and Securing |
Radio Communication Scenarios
Practice VFR radio calls for this lesson. Listen to the scenario, then formulate your response before revealing the full exchange.
You are in N106ST and have taken off from Frederick Municipal's Runway 30 to practice touch-and-goes. You enter the crosswind leg and need to announce your position. Runway 30 has a left-hand traffic pattern. Tune the CTAF and make the announcement.
Check Transcript
Frederick Municipal automated weather observation. 1755 Zulu. Wind 320 at 5. Visibility 10. Skies clear. Temperature 18, dewpoint 08. Altimeter 3012.
Determine the runway in use from the wind. Announce your position on the CTAF: airport name, callsign, position, runway, airport name.
- You (Pilot)"Frederick traffic, november-one-zero-six-sierra-tango, left crosswind runway three-zero, Frederick."
At uncontrolled fields there is no ATC response. Other traffic may self-announce in reply.
You're still in the pattern at Frederick Municipal. You've turned downwind abeam the numbers for Runway 30. Announce your position and intentions to traffic on the CTAF.
Announce on each leg of the pattern. On downwind, include your intentions (touch-and-go, full stop).
- You (Pilot)"Frederick traffic, november-one-zero-six-sierra-tango, left downwind runway three-zero, touch and go, Frederick."
No ATC response at uncontrolled fields. Continue announcing on base and final.
These lesson plans are provided as supplementary training guidance only. They do not supersede FAA publications, aircraft manufacturer documentation, or your instructor's direction. Always refer to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, and applicable POH/AFM as the official sources.