How to Prepare for Your First Flying Lesson

Your first flying lesson is an exciting experience and you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare.

The good news is that you don’t need to know how to fly before your first flying lesson!

Your instructor will guide you through everything you need to know and will explain what you will be doing during the lesson.

Here are a few simple things you can do to get the most from your first flight.

Ask your instructor what you will be doing.

Before your first lesson, ask your flight instructor if they can provide you with some information or notes about what you will be covering.

Even a basic outline of the lesson can help you understand what to expect.

If your flight school provides student training materials, take a little time to look through them before your first flight. You don’t need to memorize everything, simply becoming familiar with some of the terminology can make the first lesson easier to follow.

Ask for the pre-flight checklist

Your instructor will introduce you to the aircraft and the procedures involved in preparing it for flight.

If possible, ask whether you can see the aircraft’s pre-flight checklist before your lesson.

You don’t need to memorise the checklist before your first flight. However, understanding that pilots follow a systematic process to inspect and prepare an aircraft will give you a useful introduction to the discipline of professional flying.

Your instructor will teach you how to use the checklist correctly.

Get a good night’s sleep

This might sound obvious, but being well rested is one of the best ways to prepare for your first flight.

Flying requires concentration and your first lesson will involve taking in a lot of new information.

Arrive rested, hydrated and ready to concentrate.

Wear comfortable clothing

You don’t need special clothing for your first flying lesson.

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily and bring suitable enclosed footwear.

Your flight school can advise you if there are any specific requirements.

Don’t worry about knowing everything

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is thinking that you are expected to already understand aviation.

You’re not. That’s what the training is for.

Your instructor knows that this is your first lesson and will explain things at a level appropriate for a beginner.

You may hear new terminology, see unfamiliar instruments and be introduced to procedures that seem complicated at first.

That’s completely normal.

You will gradually build your knowledge and skills throughout your training.

Come with the right attitude

Perhaps the most important preparation is simply to arrive with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Listen carefully to your instructor, ask questions when you don’t understand something and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Every professional pilot was once a student sitting in an aircraft for their very first flying lesson.

Your first lesson isn’t about demonstrating that you already know how to fly.

It’s about beginning to learn.

Ready for your first flight?

If you’re considering becoming a commercial pilot, your first flying lesson is the beginning of an exciting journey.

You don’t need to arrive as an expert. You just need to arrive rested, prepared, curious and ready to learn.

Your instructor will take care of the rest.

Your aviation career starts with your first lesson.