Free and Nearly-Free things to do before you start Flight Training.
This page is full of activities, resources, and learning aids to help you make progress towards your dream of becoming a pilot. Enroll in flight training when you're ready - but until then: keep the dream alive and make what progress you can.   (click on the titles below to follow the links)
How it Works: Becoming a Pilot Free		Everything you ever wanted to know about becoming a pilot. What you can do with your license. Types of Licenses. How training works. How to choose (and not choose) a flying school. About the medical exam. And much more ..
Learner's License for Pilots Free to under $20		The first step to a Driver's License is a Learner's License - which you get by writing an exam. Well .. the first step to a Pilot's License is a Student Pilot Permit - which you also get by writing an exam (and passing the medical). That written test is called the PSTAR.   Find out all about it, and how to study for it, by clicking the link. If you like, even take an official on-line course for under $20.
The Very Basics Free		Student in the Free Air Time Canada program (read about this below) do this very tiny on-line course (7 pages) before coming to class. Here is the link to that mini-course.   You'll learn the Phonetic Alphabet spoken by pilots (and police) all over the world, and about aircraft motions, parts of a plane, and control surfaces.
Video: Using an Aircraft Radio Free		Here is an 80-second video-clip that explains how to operate a typical general-aviation Aircraft Radio.   Click on it and select Open/View (it may take a minute or so to download). You can also right-click on it, and select 'Save Target As ..' to save the clip to your hard-disk.
Advanced: Paul Harris Explains Stalls Free		This advanced Video Presentation explains the aerodynamics of a 'Stall'. It is hosted by Paul Harris, who is a CFI (Chief Flight Instructor) and Transport-Canada Designated Flight Examiner.   Click on it and select Open/View (it may take a minute or so to download). You can also right-click on it, and select 'Save Target As ..' to save the clip to your hard-disk.
Flying for Dummies $24.95		If my book looked like this, I would sell millions of copies, become rich, and then get sued right back into poverty by the folks from Dummies Books.   It's written in the Dummies style: easy to understand, full of humour, graphics, helpfull little icons, and chock-a-block (pun intended) with practical information.   One day the dummies at Dummies will realize that it's a great idea. Until then, the book is really called "Flying for Everyone" and the cover is much less yellow.   If you'de like a copy, please email my friend Susan Wood: susanwood@airfun.org and ask her about how you can get your hands on one.
Stay Tuned to this Page. More stuff being added all the time.

This page is maintained by David Black, Director of the Air Time Canada Youth & Adult Aviation Program.
You can contact him by email: davidblack@airfun.org