Her fuel tank had no gauge;
she was flying only with its written assurance:
This tank is good for four hours.
Account of Beryl Markham's East to West Flight Across the Atlantic
First, preflight checklist in hand, slowly walking around the airplane looking at tires, brakes, bolts, screws, windows, propeller, wings, ailerons, rudder and tail, but the list continues after entering the cockpit to observe instruments, fuses, steering, radio and weather. Oh yes, that fuel tank. We don't trust the gauge, so each tank is check by hand for capacity with an old fashioned stick then the tanks are "bleed" to make sure that they have the correct fuel and no water is mixed with the fuel.
Are we ready to fly now? No, not quite. Another checklist to work through in the cockpit, then another one before getting the clearance to take-off and another one after getting that clearance. Each airplane type has it's own checklist tied to instrument and flight considerations.
It is overwhelming, but necessary for safe flying. The learning curve is very steep, but a good, knowledgeable, encouraging instructor does not make it easier, but keeps the frustration at a lower level and provides a needed "safety net." Solo flying is a long way down the horizon.
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| Cessna 172 Skyhawk |
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The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most popular General Aviation airplane in history, and for a good reason - with room for four, it's an accommodating aircraft that is great to fly with your friends, your family, or just your golf clubs. This is an ideal airplane for pilots seeking an Instrument Rating, while student pilots who prefer a larger aircraft often put the 172 at the top of the list. Extras in this airplane include a Garmin 750 and an autopilot.
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Cessna 172 Cockpit
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| Cessna 172 Instrument Panel (actually only 1 side) |
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Waiting For takeoff (Look at that Citation jet)
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Instructor (relaxed) and Overwhelmed Student (not relaxed)
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| Flight over Farm Fields |
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| Fields and Horizon |
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Stay Tuned for Flight 3
