What can I expect flying a Cessna172?

Question

I'm 16 and I've recently discovered a passion for flying. I've never been in a plane smaller than like a 20 seater, and while I'm very excited I would still like to know what to expect, and if there's any pilots out there some tips and pointers.

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Cessna....foundation every pilot started in

It's a very good plane, very fun and graceful.

You can expect your flight instructor to get to know you, go over some ground rules that kind of thing.

You may go flying fore 45 mins or so, he/she may even let you take control of the plane.

Be sure to ask lots of questions, but don't go off topic when your flight instructor is explaining something

Have fun my man!

And FSX is a good tool, but nothing like real-world flying

Answer 2

If you have not been in a small plane before, you can expect many different things. 1st off they are smaller than a car on the inside, narrower too. Noisier than a car, the instrument panel will be intimidating at first. The view to the front is not as clear as you would expect. There is more to flying than one expected, preflight preparation is the biggest one. Preplanning your flight will become a habit after a while. Everything about flying may seem overwhelming at first, but I guarantee it gets easier the more you do it, and fun too.

A 172 is one of my favorites, I learned and have more time in a low wing piper archer and warrior. They are different in their flying characteristics. I land pipers much easier than Cessna`s due to the air cushion because of ground effect on the wings. Anyway all small planes are fun to fly once you know what you are doing. I used to belong to a flying club that had many makes and models to try, I had a ball. A piper cub was one of my all time favorites. Good Luck & have fun!

Answer 3

I thought I didn't get motion sickness too bad until I took a ride in a small plane and it was the worst experience of my life.  I rode in many airliners and never had a problem.   In a small plane you feel every little bump in the air.

Not trying to deter you, just be prepared.

Answer 4

Here's what I recall:

1. You will do a thorough pre-flight inspection with your instructor. You will see and touch and smell things that you don't fully understand, but it's important to look for things that may appear out of place or just wrong. You may never find anything, but if you do it could save your life.

2. When you start the engine, it will be noisier than what you expect. A Cessna 172 is a great aircraft, but it is not designed for luxury / comfort. If you listen closely, the aircraft can tell you things with it's varying noises.

3. Radio calls will be unfamiliar and may sound like a different language. Get comfortable with that language - it can be very useful and it is vital to understanding what's going on around you.

4. You will probably become airborne faster than you expect - a 172 can take off pretty quickly into a headwind. Once you are in the air, the ride will be rougher than what you have experienced in larger aircraft. This is a good thing; once you get used to it, you can feel what the aircraft is doing. You may feel a little airsick if the instructor is flying. This is not unusual, and the best way to defeat it is for you to fly the aircraft yourself, so that there are fewer unexpected inputs.

5. The secret to smooth flight is trim. You will not understand this until you try it, but trimming the aircraft for any flight condition will make it easy to make small changes - and that's the secret to smooth flying.

6. You may be surprised at the picture that you see out the windshield during final approach and landing. It may look steeper than you expect, and the flare is tricky to coordinate with your depth perception. This just takes practice - and proper trimming.

There is no video game / simulator that can approach the experience of piloting an aircraft. There are a few that are reasonably decent for training in instrument or emergency procedures, but they are not even close to the real thing in terms of control feel, real time decision-making, and learning basic skills.

Good Luck and Stay Safe!

Answer 5

It's difficult to give you a short synopsis, as there will be a lot of new things to learn.  People have been learning to fly for many years now, and you can start with no knowledge, or a lot of book learning, or even time in a flight simulator.  Just pay attention to your instructor, and take your time.  It will seem strange at first, and that's normal.  Try not to steer the aircraft on the ground with the yoke, as that won't work.  You have to use your feet.  I would suggest you get a private pilot manual to start reading about some of the basics, but it isn't required.  In fact, I see a lot of young people on here asking about advanced jet procedures, and I think they are filling their heads up with too much nonsense.  Just take it one step at a time and you will be fine.  Ask your instructor what you should study, and he or she will be glad to point you in the right direction.  

Be sure to duck when you walk under the wings.  I can't tell you how many times I've seen people hit their heads on the flaps.  Watch out for things sticking out from under the wing.  And, whatever you do, don't touch the propeller, unless your instructor shows you what to do.

Good luck, and have fun.

Answer 6

in a cessna... u can feel ur input to he controls and the effects.  Try buying microsoft flight simulator x

Answer 7

Bag the sim game. Go for the real deal. You will get the real sensations of flying when you are behind the controls of a light aircraft. I got my first taste at age 13 in a Piper Tri-Pacer. It was one of the things in my life that I will never forget. You will probably be a little nervous but that is to be expected. Try to relax and have a great flight!