Introducing the only Cirrus Simulator in Los Angeles and its based at CalAir. Not only are we one of few flight schools in Los Angeles that have a simulator, but a Cirrus simulator at that. Cirrus owners through out Los Angeles are urged to come in and keep current and all students seeking affordable glass cockpit training should look no further. It's yet another tool making us the best equipped flight school in Los Angeles.
Our Cirrus simulator allows Los Angeles pilots to practice low IFR procedures much like encountered in the Los Angeles basin. It allows our Cirrus owners to practice currency or even iron out anything that they might still be having issues with. The simulator allows all pilots to become comfortable and proficient with emergency procedures.
GPS usage is always an issue. They can be complicated and a pain for those who don't spend more time with them then just their weekly flight. Our simulator makes us the place to train on those Garmin GPS units in our Cirrus simulator. For those of you that are on the fence about jumping into the Cirrus for one reason or another our simulator is a great place to start.
For more information or to schedule a lesson in Los Angeles' only Cirrus simulator, contact us at www.calaironline.com
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Los Angeles's Premiere Flight Simulator
Looking for a flight school in Los Angeles with a flight simulator can prove to be difficult at times; and with all the flight schools in Los Angeles that can be like looking for the proverbial needle in a hay stack. Most flight schools in Los Angeles don't understand the importance of a flight simulator and the quality of training that it affords students. At CalAir, we do, and that's why we have acquired our own advanced flight simulator for our students and pilots.
There's many benefits to having a simulator based out of a Los Angeles area flight school. One subject area that every single pilot can vague for is being able to practice emergency procedures and actually becoming proficient at such. There's only so much you can simulate in flight, especially when flying around a busy Los Angeles practice areas. It's not uncommon to have to cancel a simulated engine failure due to traffic, or have to be mindful of equipment failures due to Los Angeles airspace requirements.
Another perk, is being able to simulate those Los Angeles low IFR ceilings and abnormal IFR scenarios. All our IFR pilots are taking advantage of being able to shoot approaches to minimums, exercise lost communication procedures, or even cope with emergency procedures in IFR. What's makes everything all the more meaningful, is that our flight simulator is advanced enough that is has an accurate database to also test your knowledge of the Los Angeles area as too see what you might actually do when flying in your usual surroundings.
We're also happy to do what we can to keep training costs down with the use of our flight simulator. If students find themselves stuck or plateauing in certain areas, we can execute training in that specific area in the simulator without the cost of a running airplane. And we're glad to do such. We understand that flight training is a valuable investment and understand that it's not the cheapest hobby one can indulge in. A flight school just isn't a properly equipped flight school without the use of a flight simulator.
For more information on Los Angeles' only Cirrus specific flight simulator, please contact us at www.calaironline.com
There's many benefits to having a simulator based out of a Los Angeles area flight school. One subject area that every single pilot can vague for is being able to practice emergency procedures and actually becoming proficient at such. There's only so much you can simulate in flight, especially when flying around a busy Los Angeles practice areas. It's not uncommon to have to cancel a simulated engine failure due to traffic, or have to be mindful of equipment failures due to Los Angeles airspace requirements.
Another perk, is being able to simulate those Los Angeles low IFR ceilings and abnormal IFR scenarios. All our IFR pilots are taking advantage of being able to shoot approaches to minimums, exercise lost communication procedures, or even cope with emergency procedures in IFR. What's makes everything all the more meaningful, is that our flight simulator is advanced enough that is has an accurate database to also test your knowledge of the Los Angeles area as too see what you might actually do when flying in your usual surroundings.
We're also happy to do what we can to keep training costs down with the use of our flight simulator. If students find themselves stuck or plateauing in certain areas, we can execute training in that specific area in the simulator without the cost of a running airplane. And we're glad to do such. We understand that flight training is a valuable investment and understand that it's not the cheapest hobby one can indulge in. A flight school just isn't a properly equipped flight school without the use of a flight simulator.
For more information on Los Angeles' only Cirrus specific flight simulator, please contact us at www.calaironline.com
Monday, December 12, 2011
Flight Training in Cirrus Aircraft
Flight training is always a commitment that bewilders people in attempts to make the right choice of what to fly. We'll pride ourselves in making that decision a snap. Flight training in the Cirrus through the Los Angeles area is an easy choice to make.
Flight training in the Los Angeles area poses a lot of hazards and can be a very challenging environment. Not to deter anyone from training in the Los Angeles basin, as a matter of fact it's the best training environment you can find yourself in, but deciding to make the decision of flight training in a Cirrus can make these challenges and hazards a much more wholesome and enjoyable experience.
Of the many attributes that make the decision to flight train in a Cirrus an easy decision, the first that should standout is the on-board parachute designed for the entire aircraft. When designers complied the aspects that would later turn into Cirrus Aircraft, they took an uncanny approach and envisioned designing an airplane around a parachute. In the event of catastrophic circumstances, the parachute is designed to safely bring the entire airplane, including occupants, to the ground. This usually is a quick sale for potential students when determining to flight train in Cirrus aircraft.
Another major commodity for potential students who are on the fence when determining whether or not to train in Cirrus aircraft is the on board avionics. The first and most electronic companion that we all enjoy is the on board traffic advisories. When training in the Los Angeles area we all find that we're constantly contending with traffic from international departures to local flight training traffic from one of the many flight schools that inhabit the Los Angeles basin. When resting on the wings of a Cirrus, you'll quickly learn that your well ahead of the game usually able to spot and make traffic resolutions even before ATC can get to it. A major perk while training in Cirrus aircraft.
Something else that students of a Cirrus training center will enjoy, although not recognized at first, are the sights and distances travelled in a Cirrus. Students who chose Cirrus get to experience and see much more of Southern California than those who train on other aircraft. With the complex composites, efficient engine, and aerodynamic design students are able to travel further, safer. I'll send students into the depths of Central California just to meet FAA requirements because we can. And it's great. A luxury that pilots have is the things we can accomplish in a day, especially considering the distances we are able to cover. Might as well get a taste as a student pilot.
For more information on flight training in Cirrus Aircraft, check out our website: www.calaironline.com
Flight training in the Los Angeles area poses a lot of hazards and can be a very challenging environment. Not to deter anyone from training in the Los Angeles basin, as a matter of fact it's the best training environment you can find yourself in, but deciding to make the decision of flight training in a Cirrus can make these challenges and hazards a much more wholesome and enjoyable experience.
Of the many attributes that make the decision to flight train in a Cirrus an easy decision, the first that should standout is the on-board parachute designed for the entire aircraft. When designers complied the aspects that would later turn into Cirrus Aircraft, they took an uncanny approach and envisioned designing an airplane around a parachute. In the event of catastrophic circumstances, the parachute is designed to safely bring the entire airplane, including occupants, to the ground. This usually is a quick sale for potential students when determining to flight train in Cirrus aircraft.
Another major commodity for potential students who are on the fence when determining whether or not to train in Cirrus aircraft is the on board avionics. The first and most electronic companion that we all enjoy is the on board traffic advisories. When training in the Los Angeles area we all find that we're constantly contending with traffic from international departures to local flight training traffic from one of the many flight schools that inhabit the Los Angeles basin. When resting on the wings of a Cirrus, you'll quickly learn that your well ahead of the game usually able to spot and make traffic resolutions even before ATC can get to it. A major perk while training in Cirrus aircraft.
Something else that students of a Cirrus training center will enjoy, although not recognized at first, are the sights and distances travelled in a Cirrus. Students who chose Cirrus get to experience and see much more of Southern California than those who train on other aircraft. With the complex composites, efficient engine, and aerodynamic design students are able to travel further, safer. I'll send students into the depths of Central California just to meet FAA requirements because we can. And it's great. A luxury that pilots have is the things we can accomplish in a day, especially considering the distances we are able to cover. Might as well get a taste as a student pilot.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Flight Train in Los Angeles
Flight training in Los Angeles can be a hard commitment to follow through with for some people. And who can blame them? With a slew of flight schools all making the same empty promises, a large variety of aircraft types and what to fly, and for some, where to fly. No matter your course of action, flight training is expensive and it can be difficult to make the investment.
As far as where to train at, don't worry, your kind of forced into the proper environment flying out of Torrance. Flight training in Los Angeles will ensure that your learning with the most variety of tools and resources available. Flight training in Los Angeles will force you to certainly contend with airspace, traffic, and various terrain features. Training anywhere else outside Los Angeles students may never have the opportunity to learn to the scope that students flying out of Los Angeles get to.
Students flying out of Los Angeles must learn, quickly, that airspace reigns king around the area. Los Angeles is smothered with complex airspace, varying procedures, and seeded with airports. In Los Angeles, each airport although right next to one another can have completely different operating characteristics. One airport might be a simple Class D airport where the one next door is a Class C airport with a complex structure and sometimes not so simple procedures. Might sound intimidating, but with proper instruction, should make you appreciate flight training in Los Angeles.
Another perk to flight training in Los Angeles is our wide variety of terrain features and weather. Within a 45 minute flight outside the Los Angeles basin, any student can find themselves either in mountainous terrain, dessert landscape, or along the coast dodging fog and low ceilings. Students in Los Angeles learn how to flight plan for several scenarios all in one simple flight and their weather procurement should be very detailed.
No matter where you decide to train, be confident, assuming the proper instruction that you be learning a plethora of tools and have wide variety of exposure flight training out of the Los Angeles area.
For more information on flying in Los Angeles, contact us at www.calaironline.com
As far as where to train at, don't worry, your kind of forced into the proper environment flying out of Torrance. Flight training in Los Angeles will ensure that your learning with the most variety of tools and resources available. Flight training in Los Angeles will force you to certainly contend with airspace, traffic, and various terrain features. Training anywhere else outside Los Angeles students may never have the opportunity to learn to the scope that students flying out of Los Angeles get to.
Students flying out of Los Angeles must learn, quickly, that airspace reigns king around the area. Los Angeles is smothered with complex airspace, varying procedures, and seeded with airports. In Los Angeles, each airport although right next to one another can have completely different operating characteristics. One airport might be a simple Class D airport where the one next door is a Class C airport with a complex structure and sometimes not so simple procedures. Might sound intimidating, but with proper instruction, should make you appreciate flight training in Los Angeles.
Another perk to flight training in Los Angeles is our wide variety of terrain features and weather. Within a 45 minute flight outside the Los Angeles basin, any student can find themselves either in mountainous terrain, dessert landscape, or along the coast dodging fog and low ceilings. Students in Los Angeles learn how to flight plan for several scenarios all in one simple flight and their weather procurement should be very detailed.
For more information on flying in Los Angeles, contact us at www.calaironline.com
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We heart LA!
The sunny skies of Southern California attract the eyes and hearts of many. The Hollywood hills, the ever so exploited downtown LA, the beaches; it all has a wonderful mystique that, as I'm concerned, has keep me enthralled my entire life. There's nothing like LA, and I can't imagine being anywhere else at the moment. Especially when it comes to my students and the opportunities and challenges they must face and contend with on a daily basis. My students have so much more experience than I ever had upon their completion dates it's almost unfair
The obvious monster around here is the airspace. Departing out of Torrance your immediately challenged with LAX, Hawthorne, and Long Beaches' airspace. That of which takes all but a short brain fart to be encroaching on someones' practice ILS approach, and let's hope their in the right place. As a student, your immediately forced to contend with controllers, airspace regulatory requirements, and traffic...Lot's of traffic. There's not one student that doesn't learn, sooner than later, that ATC is your best friend and all almost immediately learn how to put them to work for them. After all, that's what they're there for
Something I've always found to be amusing is that when I have friends come visit LA for the first time, they're always astonished at the multiple different landscape features we poses. I always chuckle to myself thinking..."if you only knew (what it looks like from up there)". In reality, they're actually quite right. We have terrain features, that let's say within 75 NM, can emulate an array of destinations. From high density altitudes, to solid IFR, to mountain wave turbulence, and challenging cross winds, we have it all!... And let's not forget that landing at Catalina
One thing that always makes me find a bit of hope in the daring is when I get out-of-towners that call me to take them on a lesson or two. They're very aware of the challenges and adversities that face our everyday pilots in LA and want to take some extremely valuable exposure home with them. I'm always obliged to these folks and very much enjoy exposing them to our everyday flight environment
I make it a point to all my students to appreciate and respect the training that they're receiving, especially with regards to the area, and to make sure everyone walks a little taller, with a bit more pride around the airport knowing that they're receiving the tools and know how to adapt to several adversities and scenarios
Landing Obsession
Landings, the bane of the private pilots existence and the point in time where every commercial flight receives a seal of approval, or not, from the passengers. It's the single maneuver that can magically erase a prior ruined hold or botched approach from students memory. It's the icing on the cake to every flight and something that any, and most pilots, will boast too
So what makes a good landing? Or better yet, what characteristics through out a landing lead to a "greaser"? I'm not admitting to being the brightest crayon in the box, but it's been my experience that there's always a few traits that stand out before I see a student put the airplane down like a champ
First, they require flexibility. The pilot needs to be able to adapt to any and all changing conditions with fluid control inputs as to always maintain a "stable approach". This should never be in question
Second, center line. It's there for a reason. Although I believe the statistics say only 9% of pilots can maintain within six inches of center line on a consistent basis, you should always be close. I tell students to "keep the center line between their legs". Besides, if your not using center line how are you, in any way, effectively using rudder? Hopefully your not looking at the ball still, yikes!
Third, dissipation of energy. I tell everyone to think of a landing as a controlled stall, because it is. A superior landing is going to require the pilot manage every bit of energy leading to ground effect. Too much leads to the "roller coaster", as I like to call it. Hands raised as you ride the waves of a ballooning airplane. And the opposite leads to a nice and sturdy touchdown where you all crawl out of the plane with chipped teeth and sore tailbones
Lastly, finishing the landing. It seems that when those mains touchdown somewhere in the vicinity of center line, a sigh of relief overcomes most pilots who then immediately let go of the controls. Your not done! Hold that nose wheel off until your completely out of elevator authority and let the nose wheel touchdown ON IT'S OWN
Let's be honest, at the end of the day a good landing is any that you walk away from and, as the owner of a flight school, one that the plane gets to fly again after. I remember in my grandpa's bathroom a plaque that said "...flying is the second greatest thrill known to man, landing is the first". Maybe it is, and maybe that's why we'll continue to be intrigued by such
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why get an instrument rating?
If you are like me then you'll want to get an instrument rating simply just to have something new to beat yourself up over, but beyond that there are several sensible reasons to take your flying to the next level:
Increased safety - Inadvertent cloud penetration, poor visibility or severe disorientation at night without visual references has claimed the life of many VFR pilots. There is nothing more sickening and terrifying than the confusion you feel when you are way in over your head, training for your instrument rating will allow you sample this feeling regularly :) with the safety of having a CFII sitting next you. Eventually controlling the plane without the need for visual references will become second nature.
Increased Utility - You'll get more use out of the airplane and have more options on cross country flights with an instrument rating. Even a thin low cloud base can close and Airport and keep you grounded.
Honed pilot skills - The instrument rating requires more precise control of the aircraft as well as better cockpit resource management and enhanced spatial awareness. You'll become truly proficient with your VOR, ADF, DME and GPS equipment. You'll be pleasantly surprised just how useful all that navigation equipment is.
WX awareness - You'll get a far deeper understanding of weather systems, potential hazards and how to avoid them.
No more scud running - flying under clouds to maintain VFR can put a pilot in a little bit of a predicament, especially if the ceiling starts to come down. An IFR pilot has more options at their disposal to navigated to better conditions once airborne.
ATC - You'll enjoy the red carpet treatment from ATC.
Reduced insurance - Saving Money is good! Most insurance companies will give you a reduced rate with an Instrument rating.
Progress vs Stagnated knowledge - If you are flying to stay current you may as well be putting that time to use learning new skills.
Beauty - Nothing reminds you that you're actually flying more than popping up through a blanket of clouds into beautiful sunshine or navigating in and around clouds getting a true sense of speed as they wizz by. Joni Mitchell said it best when she said "I've looked at clouds from both sides now"
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
Increased safety - Inadvertent cloud penetration, poor visibility or severe disorientation at night without visual references has claimed the life of many VFR pilots. There is nothing more sickening and terrifying than the confusion you feel when you are way in over your head, training for your instrument rating will allow you sample this feeling regularly :) with the safety of having a CFII sitting next you. Eventually controlling the plane without the need for visual references will become second nature.
Increased Utility - You'll get more use out of the airplane and have more options on cross country flights with an instrument rating. Even a thin low cloud base can close and Airport and keep you grounded.
Honed pilot skills - The instrument rating requires more precise control of the aircraft as well as better cockpit resource management and enhanced spatial awareness. You'll become truly proficient with your VOR, ADF, DME and GPS equipment. You'll be pleasantly surprised just how useful all that navigation equipment is.
WX awareness - You'll get a far deeper understanding of weather systems, potential hazards and how to avoid them.
No more scud running - flying under clouds to maintain VFR can put a pilot in a little bit of a predicament, especially if the ceiling starts to come down. An IFR pilot has more options at their disposal to navigated to better conditions once airborne.
ATC - You'll enjoy the red carpet treatment from ATC.
Reduced insurance - Saving Money is good! Most insurance companies will give you a reduced rate with an Instrument rating.
Progress vs Stagnated knowledge - If you are flying to stay current you may as well be putting that time to use learning new skills.
Beauty - Nothing reminds you that you're actually flying more than popping up through a blanket of clouds into beautiful sunshine or navigating in and around clouds getting a true sense of speed as they wizz by. Joni Mitchell said it best when she said "I've looked at clouds from both sides now"
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
Benefits of learning to fly with a buddy.
I've often wished I had a friend.
PS: When I said I wished I had a friend I mean I wished I had a buddy who shared my love of flying and was more or less at the same level as me. The reason being there are many benefits of learning to fly in pairs:
1) More time in the air - sitting in the back seats while your friend takes the controls will give you more time in the air to hear calls and learn by osmosis.
2) Sharing the fun - sharing the challenges helps you realize you are not alone, you're not the only person that fumbles at the controls or has trouble correlating their knowledge.
3) A study partner - Learning to fly means hitting the books in preparation for your written and oral tests a study partner will certainly make this easier.
4) Mutual inspiration - Flying can be costly, challenging and involves lots of your free time. There's 3 reasons you'll need a friend to keep you excited and engaged.
5) Share costs - Once you pass you can share flight costs, choose destinations of mutual interest, perhaps even split a plane together. Longer cross countries are less daunting when you have 2 people to share the burden.
6) Different strokes - Different people pick up different aspects of the sport quicker than others. Some people might take to the science, others make take to the hands on stick and rudder skills etc. Having a buddy going through the journey with you will be mean there is another person who can offer you advice in addition to your instructor.
It's something to think about, but if you are like me and don't have a buddy in the same "boat" then don't let that stop you!
Blue skies!
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
PS: When I said I wished I had a friend I mean I wished I had a buddy who shared my love of flying and was more or less at the same level as me. The reason being there are many benefits of learning to fly in pairs:
1) More time in the air - sitting in the back seats while your friend takes the controls will give you more time in the air to hear calls and learn by osmosis.
2) Sharing the fun - sharing the challenges helps you realize you are not alone, you're not the only person that fumbles at the controls or has trouble correlating their knowledge.
3) A study partner - Learning to fly means hitting the books in preparation for your written and oral tests a study partner will certainly make this easier.
4) Mutual inspiration - Flying can be costly, challenging and involves lots of your free time. There's 3 reasons you'll need a friend to keep you excited and engaged.
5) Share costs - Once you pass you can share flight costs, choose destinations of mutual interest, perhaps even split a plane together. Longer cross countries are less daunting when you have 2 people to share the burden.
6) Different strokes - Different people pick up different aspects of the sport quicker than others. Some people might take to the science, others make take to the hands on stick and rudder skills etc. Having a buddy going through the journey with you will be mean there is another person who can offer you advice in addition to your instructor.
It's something to think about, but if you are like me and don't have a buddy in the same "boat" then don't let that stop you!
Blue skies!
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
Traffic Blues? - Learn to fly.
I live in Los Angeles, best place to live in world, worst traffic in the known universe! Having been here for over 10 years my honeymoon period is truly over, now me and LA are having a deep meaningful love affair, but did I mention the traffic SUCKS! It's this fact more often than not that persuaded me and the family to stay local at weekends rather than opt for a weekend getaway or trip up to the mountains for a bit of snowboarding. My last road trip to the local mountains which should only be 2 hours away took me 5 hours in traffic each way! I had 10 hours of driving for 3 hours on the slopes.
The first time I flew to the local mountains it took me 45mins (@120kts) and I literally didn't believe I had arrived already. My little single engine plane had turned into a time machine. I'd finished work on a Friday drove straight to my local airport Torrance (KTOA) and I'd arrived in Big Bear in the time it can take me to go 6 miles on the 405.
From that point on there was no stopping me, Vegas for a $2000 hamburger ($300 on fuel and a few bad beats at the tables), Oceano which is about the prettiest airport in SoCal, Catalina, Mammoth and beyond! No longer would I be beaten down and penned in by the LA Traffic, my horizon's have been opened sky wide.
PS If your significant other is cramping your style then the Napa Vineyards or Ontario Outlets are also a lot closer when you have wings!
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
The first time I flew to the local mountains it took me 45mins (@120kts) and I literally didn't believe I had arrived already. My little single engine plane had turned into a time machine. I'd finished work on a Friday drove straight to my local airport Torrance (KTOA) and I'd arrived in Big Bear in the time it can take me to go 6 miles on the 405.
From that point on there was no stopping me, Vegas for a $2000 hamburger ($300 on fuel and a few bad beats at the tables), Oceano which is about the prettiest airport in SoCal, Catalina, Mammoth and beyond! No longer would I be beaten down and penned in by the LA Traffic, my horizon's have been opened sky wide.
PS If your significant other is cramping your style then the Napa Vineyards or Ontario Outlets are also a lot closer when you have wings!
DP
230 Instrument Pilot.
Think parachute, do it for your family
Being an adventurous person who still really enjoys his slice of (sanity) freedom from time to time my wife understands that thrill seeking is a big part of my personality. I scuba dive, ride motorcycles on and off road as well as partake in the occasional parachute jump. Learning to fly was a childhood dream of mine that I couldn't come close to realizing until I gained the financial means to make it possible.
Despite all these adrenaline sports I have a very serious attitude about safety, including strict personal minimums, I'm always well prepared for my flights and have been known to take my sweet time about getting my next certification, opting to be really ready enough to exercise the new privileges not just pass the check ride. If it's been more than 30 days since I've flown I always take an instructor, I hate the feeling of being rusty or being "behind the plane" (:- the aircraft has arrived at a point in time/space before you are fully prepared for the next step).
So with the advent of another addition to my growing family I decided to opt for "the plane with the shoot". If the technology exists why not utilize it. Same can be said of the cuffed wing, or the traffic awareness or terrain avoidance, redundant navigation systems etc, etc, all confidence inspiring modern design features that make cirrus the natural choice for the safety conscious thrill seeker.
-DP
230hr Instrument pilot.
Despite all these adrenaline sports I have a very serious attitude about safety, including strict personal minimums, I'm always well prepared for my flights and have been known to take my sweet time about getting my next certification, opting to be really ready enough to exercise the new privileges not just pass the check ride. If it's been more than 30 days since I've flown I always take an instructor, I hate the feeling of being rusty or being "behind the plane" (:- the aircraft has arrived at a point in time/space before you are fully prepared for the next step).
So with the advent of another addition to my growing family I decided to opt for "the plane with the shoot". If the technology exists why not utilize it. Same can be said of the cuffed wing, or the traffic awareness or terrain avoidance, redundant navigation systems etc, etc, all confidence inspiring modern design features that make cirrus the natural choice for the safety conscious thrill seeker.
-DP
230hr Instrument pilot.
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