Introduction to Flying

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

• Basic knowledge for student pilots and advanced certification seekers.
• Detailed information is in FAA handbooks and advisory circulars.

Topics Covered in Chapter 1

• History of flight.
• Role of the FAA in civil aviation.
• FAA regulations and standards.
• Eligibility for pilot certificates.
• Routes to flight instruction.
• Role of Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
• Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

History of Flight

Early Attempts and Discoveries

• Early humans attempted to mimic birds.
• Leonardo da Vinci's flawed flying machine designs.
• Robert Hooke's theory of artificial propulsion.

Balloon and Kite Contributions

• 1783: First manned hot air balloon and gas balloon flights.
• Sir George Cayley's study of kites leading to heavier-than-air flight.

Developments Leading to Powered Flight

• Otto Lilienthal's proof of practicality for heavier-than-air flight.
• Wright brothers' experiments leading to the first successful powered flight in 1903.

History of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Early Aviation and Regulation

• Early flight was unregulated and primarily for sport.
• First scheduled airline flight in the U.S. in 1914.
• World War I's impact on aviation technology.

Legislation and Regulatory Developments

• 1926: Air Commerce Act laid the foundation for aviation regulation.
• Establishment of aeronautics branch for aviation industry oversight.

Evolution of the FAA

• 1938: Civil Aeronautics Act created Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA).
• 1958: Federal Aviation Act led to the creation of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA).
• 1966: Department of Transportation (DOT) assumed oversight of transportation, including aviation.

FAA's Modern Roles and Responsibilities

• Regulation of aviation safety under Title 14 CFR.
• Development of Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems.
• Implementation of National Airspace System (NAS) in 1982.

Pilot Certifications

Types of Pilot Certificates

• Sport Pilot: Requires minimum flight hours; various restrictions.
• Recreational Pilot: Limited privileges and restrictions on flight distance and conditions.
• Private Pilot: Allows non-commercial flight with passengers; requires minimum of 40 flight hours.
• Commercial Pilot: Allows compensation for flying; often requires complex aircraft knowledge.
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): Highest level; requires 1,500 flight hours.

Flight Training Options

• FAA-approved pilot schools (Part 141) vs. non-certificated schools (Part 61).
• Importance of selecting a reputable flight school and instructor.

Role of Flight Instructors and Examiners

Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)

• Responsible for student pilot training and safety.
• Must understand learning processes and communicate effectively.

Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

• Administers FAA practical tests.
• Appointed to provide pilot testing services, following FAA standards.

Conclusion

• FAA's use of technology and guidelines promotes aviation safety.
• Flight instructors play a critical role in instilling safe flying practices.
• Emphasis on scenario-based training and decision-making methods.