Flight Planning and Becoming a Pilot
Have you always dreamt about being a pilot? One of the most important things you need to know before taking to the skies is effective flight planning to keep your passengers safe and a smooth journey for all involved. A pilot is a uniquely thrilling and fascinating profession; flying an aircraft is fun and getting paid to do it is even better. For some people, it’s the perfect job, an office that travels, a view that’s constantly changing and challenges that are exhilarating. Although it may sounds glamorous, a lot of intense training and examinations are required of those wanting to become an airline pilot. Whether you want to fly for fun or take up aviation as a career there are a number of training courses and qualifications on offer to ensure you have the best knowledge. An excellent flight planning system is an essential part of life for pilots; the rules and regulations for pilots are extremely stringent and if pilots are not able to secure a good, reliable plan, this can spell trouble either during flight or upon landing.
Importance of Flight Planning
Along with other key responsibilities pilots have, flight planning is vital to any route they will undertake. Flying is not as simple as driving a car, you need to be fully prepared and know the route that you are taking. It is vital that all flights are deemed to have a well-structured and organised flight plan, which will not only maximise the safety of those on board but also reduce costs where necessary. One of the important issues when planning a flight is that of airspace, close attention is paid to the necessary altitude at which the aircraft must fly in order to stay safe in flight. Unpredictable weather patterns can potentially play havoc with an aircraft, a sudden storm or high winds can cause the craft to be forced into a higher or lower altitude and the extra effort can use up more fuel than anticipated. Flight planning software takes into account many variables with regards to the weather and the time of year. When an aircraft meets bad weather, especially near to its final destination, it can sometimes be necessary for the aircraft to land at its alternate airport and this is why it is important to allow for extra fuel. When we consider all of the many aspects a good flight plan involves, perhaps the most important is the issue of fuel. Pilots should ensure that their craft has plenty of fuel; enough to make the scheduled journey and also enough to include any emergencies. Other details for pilots to consider are factors such as extra passengers who may not have been accounted for and also luggage or cargo which may either weigh more than anticipated or have been loaded at the last minute. Becoming a pilot is a heart-pounding and life-altering experience but a lot of hard work and dedication is needed.