7 Steps of Flight

Have you always dreamed of flying a plane? Learning how to become a pilot is a long process but an exciting one. It requires patience because this is not something simple.

Before you register for a flying course, take a look at the following steps of flight. These will help you learn how to fly and understand what you will be getting into.

Step #1 - Pre-Departure

• The pilot inspects the aircraft from the outside to ensure there is no oil leak or damage to the surfaces
• They will program flight deck computers according to the flight plan
• They will check the fuel tank
• They will do a systems check to see if everything is in order

Step #2 - Clearance to Taxi

• Once the doors are closed, the pilot will get ground clearance from the control tower
• The aircraft is pushed back with a tug
• The aircraft is then given the green light to power on its own
• The aircraft accelerates on the runway

Step #3 - Take-Off

• The aircraft picks up speed to fly and becomes airborne
• The landing gear is withdrawn
• Once an altitude has been reached, the pilot takes off the power to lower the thrust

Step #4 - Reaching Cruise Altitude

• After five minutes of climbing, the seatbelt light is turned off
• The aircraft can now be placed on auto-pilot

Step #5 - Descent

• The descent takes about 20 minutes
• The aircraft’s altitude is lowered from cruise altitude to the initial approach

Step #6 - Approach

• The aircraft slowly loses its speed
• The slats in the front and flaps in the rear are extended
• The wheels are lowered
• The aircraft lines up with the light on the runway

Step #7 – Landing

• Lift bumpers are deployed to cushion the landing
• Wheel brakes are used to further slowdown the aircraft
• Finally, reverse engine thrust is activated so that air exits the engine
• The aircraft maneuvers its way to the terminal through the taxiways

As you read, each flight step has its specifications. You need to remember all of them in order to have a smooth flying experience.

Learn from the best with Elevate Aviation. We offer various courses for beginners and experts and even provide leisure flights. Apart from the basics of how to fly, we also provide detailed information on handling flight complications. If you want to learn to fly, call (801) 845.9955.