Flying Theory’s driving me mad!
2 Comments July 7, 2009 / Posted in Life
Float type carburetor
in a good way somehow 
It is so different learning how to drive a car vs how to drive a plane. Most obvious thing is an aeroplane is in a 3 Dimensional while a car is in a 2 Dimensional space!
When I was learning how to drive a car, I didn’t have to learn how the engine work and be able to open the hood and inspect whether it has enough oil, petrol, the bolts are intacts, etc. I can just check the dashboard instruments display.
With the aeroplane, I cannot just rely on the cockpit display because most of the time they are not accurate. An example of that would be a simple thing call a Fuel Gauge Display. In the cockpit display, it always show full but when I personally inspect the fuel tank (dip in my dip stick), it wasn’t. First of all, I have no problem with checking things physically, making sure the bolts are intact, things are clear and the rubber band in the coil are strong etc. I was just given 60-80 pages of materials for reading which explains how the aircraft engine works in DETAILS that I need to know BY HEART.
Things with picture such as each individual components inside an engine, their purpose, their operation. It is like learning human anatomy not just knowing a normal human will have 2 eyes, arms, legs and the purpose of those body parts and the operations. I have to learn the nerves, the ecosystems of blood, how the liver works with each of the muscles.
Having said all that, if things go wrong airbourne, for example when the ammeter showing an overcharge or the Engine RPM drops, I can do something about it to fix or minimise potential of mission critical incident on air. If RPM drops, I can check whether there’s enough oil gone to the engine, whether there is an ice formed, etc…So it’s a life saving exercise.
I have already spent an average 8 -10 hours reading on top of my theory lesson of 2 hrs and flying lessons of 3 hrs per week. I have to put up an extra 8 hours of reading to prepare for my General Flying Progress Test to learn about Basic Aeronautical Theory!!
My first comment about being somehow intelligent, having full dedication and passion still applies ! Flying will challenge and making you aware of every aspect of your personality that you never know existed .
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wow May Lin , im very impressed with your interest in aviation and flying. As in aircraft mechanic myself i must say, it takes great passion to really dedicate oneself to learning and practicing the intricates details involve in the aviation industry. the great thing is as you rightly mentioned its a challenge, a good challenge you will never get tired of (depending on your level of passion). Good luck keepand keep challenging yourself to another higher of learning for thats where the fun begins.
Thanks John. I love flying. I still remember when I had to do my first circuit which involved lots of checks, radio calls, keeping the plane on course…eventually, it all fell into place. I still remember the day I had to do my first cross wind landing….Sky is the limit and I agree with you, it’s sooooooo much FUN!!!!