Read below to learn more about the challenges in aviation for students and how candidates can memorise key aviation terms and concepts for success.
Aviation may seem like fun from afar, but it is a field that requires extreme discipline, countless training hours, and a firm understanding of key aviation terms and concepts.
From ground training to practical training, various certifications, and regulatory requirements, aviation is truly one of the most challenging skills that one can master.
The good news is that aviation is also one of the most respected fields in the world and the people who go on to become full-fledged pilots not only get fulfilment but also become part of an elite fraternity of skilled people that are revered wherever they go.
While several factors go into training, one key and recurring skill that is required every day in aviation is related to aviation terms and concepts.
Read below to learn more about the challenges in aviation for students and how candidates can memorise key aviation terms and concepts for success.
WHY IS AVIATION CHALLENGING?
Many people believe aviation is inherently difficult. However, we encourage you to rephrase the question and think about why it is difficult.
Aviation found its practical roots in 1903 when the Wright brothers took the first manned flight. However, back then there were no governing bodies to oversee aviation operations, and the industry was highly unstandardised – everyone had their own perception of procedures and their own way of doing things.
While this was great in the beginning as it fuelled growth, when aviation began to step into mainstream operations, especially passenger travel, it became clear that the industry needed to be firmly shaped.
The stakes became much higher with hundreds of passengers choosing to travel by air. Of course, progress didn’t come without sacrifices. Throughout the early years of aviation, the industry saw several air-related incidents that would’ve been avoided had there been a proper system or standard in place.
It didn’t take long for regulators to push for a centralised system and a governing body to oversee all aviation operations within a country.
In the UK this body became known as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The goal of establishing regulation was simple: to make air travel safer – and that is exactly what happened over the course of several decades. From technological changes to new SOPs and even updates in training, the aviation industry today has become one of the strongest and most regulated sectors in the world.
Thanks to these changes, aviation today is one of the safest forms of travel – bar none!
So, it isn’t that aviation is difficult, the reality is that the industry NEEDS to be difficult to uphold its strict standards and regulations. This is why pilots are expected to train harder, fly smarter, and always be professional.
TIPS FOR MEMORISING KEY AVIATION TERMS AND CONCEPTS
If you are starting your journey in aviation, then it would be a good idea to start by familiarising yourself with the numerous jargon, lingo, and key aviation terms and concepts.
We have categorised the guide below to make it easier for new candidates to understand the concepts of aviation and how to build a skillset for memorising these terms using a systematic approach.
Aim to Always First Understand
Rote learning has no place in aviation. This is why aviators need to aim to understand the meaning of phrases, concepts, and terms instead of just memorising them. The application of each term is different and in various contexts, one term can mean different things. This is why you must always strive to understand each term carefully.
Create Flashcards
Flashcards have been used in academia for centuries and they aren’t about to go out of fashion just yet! Using flashcards is an excellent way to challenge and test yourself. If you want to memorise the various terms and concepts in aviation, then develop a set of flashcards or better yet, borrow them from other high-achieving students or the internet.
Write terms on one side and the definitions or explanations on the other. Digital flashcards on apps like Quizlet can also be extremely helpful for studying on the go. You can also add visuals for complex concepts such as diagrams of lift or airspeed indicators to help you understand or recall concepts more easily as well.
Use Mnemonics
Mnemonics are a smart way to memorise and understand long terms. For example, when learning VFR concepts, you will come across several important VFR equipment like an airspeed indicator, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, manifold pressure gauge, altimeter, temperature gauge, oil temperature gauge, fuel gauge, landing gear position indicator, anti-collision lights, magnetic compass, emergency location transmitter, and safety belts.
That’s a lot, right? Well using mnemonics, you can simply summarise this equipment by creating a catchy phrase like the famous A-TOMATO FLAMES mnemonic which conveniently covers all equipment required in VFR training.
Practice with Mock Tests
Mock exams will always be an important and powerful tool in helping students learn! We recommend that candidates take UK-specific mock exams to familiarise themselves with the format and commonly asked questions.
Several online resources can help you with this endeavour and allow you to learn more efficiently.
Join a Study Group
Aviation terms and concepts can be daunting and dense which is why we recommend that you join study groups where you can share notes, learn from your peers, and use collective strategies to understand the core concepts of difficult subjects during your training.
Make it a point to connect with other aviation enthusiasts or students in your area. Keep in mind that many flying schools like Sherburn Aero Club also have study sessions and forums where you can learn collectively.
Aviation Apps
Why not use all the resources you have at hand? Using mobile applications, you can turn your smartphone into a personal aviation tutor. With apps like ForeFlight and SkyDemon, you can simulate real-world scenarios and learn practical applications of terms, especially related to VFR.
Relate Terms to Real Flights
The best way to understand concepts is by practising them in the real world. When you take up flying lessons or get a chance to learn in a flight simulator, you can apply terms like “base leg” or “flare” during a simulated environment which can significantly help in cementing your understanding of concepts.
Stick to a Schedule
As mentioned above, aviation is all about commitment and dedication. If you don’t show dedication or passion early on, then you are bound to struggle later during your training.
Make sure you take time out of your schedule to learn more about the concepts and stick to a training schedule that best suits your timetable. Never miss a class and try to learn new concepts every day. This way you can progress more quickly instead of being stuck and restarting every few days or weeks.
Join a Flight School
If you want the quickest results, then the best way to get the most out of your flight training programme is to join a flight school. These schools are designed to help candidates achieve their ambitions and can help them excel in training in the quickest way possible.
Armed with veteran instructors, flight schools can provide comprehensive training and even additional services and club memberships that can come in handy when you become a pilot.
Not only this, but a flight school can also help connect you to the aviation community which can unlock even more learning opportunities in the form of events, workshops, seminars, and more.
TOP CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS STARTING IN AVIATION
Apart from learning key aviation terms and concepts, flight training itself can be daunting and challenging, especially for fresh candidates.
Flight training is extensive, exhaustive, and requires a lot of dedication and there are several challenges to learning to fly a light aircraft.
Here are some of the most common challenges:
Financial Challenges
Learning to fly, even as a hobby can be expensive. Aviation is capital-intensive. In other words, it requires quite a lot of resources to establish a training ground for future pilots. These costs are pushed forward to the candidates which can prove to be significant for most people.
Flight training programmes cover fees such as aircraft rental fees, fuel costs, training materials, licencing fees, medical licencing fees, flight training fees, documentation fees, certification fees, and much more.
Adding up these costs can make anyone sweat! This is why student pilots are required to understand the financial requirements of taking up aviation before anything else. The average cost for a private licence can go anywhere between £12,000 and £16,000 which means that you will need to make sure that you have the financial capacity to take on your ambition before you begin.
If you don’t have the means, then you can apply for a scholarship or opt for deals and discounts at a flight school near you. Some aeroclubs also offer financial incentives to students who take up aviation early in their life.
These discounts may not take off the full burden of the fees, but they can be extremely helpful in getting the most out of your resources. Keep in mind that you will have to speak to a professional consultant or the aero club that you want to join beforehand to understand their fee structure.
If you join a programme without securing your finances, then you may face delays and disruptions, and at worst, you may have to quit training midway due to a lack of funds.
Scheduling
Lack of commitment or improper scheduling will almost always lead to failure in aviation. As mentioned above, aviation requires discipline and effort – without these factors, you will never be able to realise your full potential.
Enrolled candidates who take gaps in their training to fulfil personal obligations will likely have to repeat their lessons, especially if they have a weak understanding of the theoretical and practical concepts of aviation.
Keep in mind that flight school isn’t just about theoretical knowledge. Flight training involves strict practical training along with a plethora of written and practical examinations – all of which require the candidate to be fully attentive.
This is why we recommend that you carefully choose your path forward when picking aviation. If you are fully invested in it and believe that it is your passion, then you will most likely end up being a capable pilot. If you are not interested in aviation or want to skip training and just fly, then an experience flight will be more suited for your needs.
Physical and Mental Challenges
To be a capable pilot, you must show that you have not only the physical but also the mental aptitude. Pilots need to be light on their toes and have the ability to think on the fly (pun intended). This way, they can face emergencies and make quick decisions all while operating an aircraft thousands of feet above ground.
Physical and mental health are important if you want to become a great pilot and if you want to excel in your hobby or career in aviation. The good news is that just like everything, you can train yourself to be stronger both mentally and physically. Physical training can come from PE training or by committing to a healthy lifestyle, whereas mental training can come from practising mindfulness, yoga, and even reading. These skills may not look like they amount to much, but in stressful situations, your mental and physical health will dictate the outcome!
If you want to see what top-tier mental and physical health looks like, then just meet any in-service pilot who is at the top of their career. You will instantly notice their calm demeanour and their strategic thinking skills. These pilots are trained to overcome challenges and remain calm, even in dire situations. These qualities don’t just profoundly change their personalities but also make them highly capable of operating small and large aircraft.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, Sherburn caters to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the challenges related to flying a plane and how Sherburn Aero Club can help.
Photo by Simon Fitall on Unsplash
