Anyone else have this problem?

[Pugh]

Ok I'm goin through flight school and have been having a lot of fun. However, I'm having issues remembering the things we learn in class. Some simple things, like Vspeeds, some complicated things that would seem pretty basic to a pilot, like "How does a wing fly?" to some just downright annoying things like what each light signal from a tower means. And I'm wondering to myself, if I can't remember these things in a long term, and not just for an exam, am I setting up myself for disaster in the future when push comes to shove and I can't remember these things? Flash cards are good for exams, but I just don't think a lot of this stuff is gonna stick in the long run.

 

[EatSleepFly]

Flash cards are good for exams, but I just don't think a lot of this stuff is gonna stick in the long run.

Don't worry, it will once you start teaching it day in and day out!

 

[mach tuck]

lightgun signals??? EatSleepFly is right. Once you start using and applying your knowledge on a daily basis, everything seems to click. Memorizing items such as V speeds is the most basic level of learning, its not until you put those silly numbers to work that you understand what they are. Keep with it and don't get discouraged.

mach

 

[mayday1]

i think there are some studies on adult learning that suggest adults retain only a small percentage of what they see and hear in a classroom. However, when forced to actually teach a subject to others, retention levels soar into the 90%+ range.

While this may sound silly, it'll probably work... force yourself to "teach yourself" a lesson - out loud, in your living room. Try the "how does a wing fly" lesson first, or something you've struggled with. You'll be amazed at how effective this technique is to learning material. I've recently been working with someone who is preparing to take their private checkride (I'm working on my CFI right now), and it's surprising how much I've learned while teaching someone else.

Give it a try, see if it works for you.

 

[qmaster3]

PUGH,

There are many answers. Try this. Go to wal-mart, buy the .50$ index cards that have the binder on them. Make flash cards, and review them often. Another study aid that works for me is blank diagrams I.E. airspace, VOR, Clouds, etc.

 

[Xavier]

Your CFI should be teaching you "easier" ways to learning certain things like V speeds and the such.

Airspace is probably the hardest thing for me right now and Im just about to start X-Countries and I can't wait to start on them. I believe I have 1 more lession than X-Country's start.

My instructor told me to remember Vx as: "Since X is in the number, it has more angles, which means the angle of the climb will be greater than Vy."

So in turn, Vx is your angled climb (55 knts), and Vy is 67 knts, in a 152. Not sure about others yet, Im still on 152s, but that is a way to remember it. Vx is used to clear obstacles at the end of runways etc...

 

[minitour]

So in turn, Vx is your angled climb (55 knts), and Vy is 67 knts, in a 152. Not sure about others yet, Im still on 152s, but that is a way to remember it. Vx is used to clear obstacles at the end of runways etc...

Which is weird, because Vy is really an "angle" where Vx is more a "speed" referenced on excess thrust and other stuff....not to jump the gun and confuse ya, but if you want a really good question to "eff" the instructor... ask this:

"Why is Vx best angle when Vy is an attitude and therefore an 'angle'?"

Took a guy 4 hours to come up with an acceptable answer to that one

I agree with teaching it to yourself. That method works really well. Or try teaching it to someone that has never been in an airplane...maybe a friend, girlfriend, wife, etc...

Eventually you'll be able to spit out Vx, Vy, Vxse, Vyse, Va at all sorts of weights, Vno, Vne, and all other V speeds for tons of airplanes...right now it just seems like a lot. You'll get it if you work at it.

Good Luck

-mini

 

[Xavier]

Vx meaning the X has more angles than the Y, meaning it is for angle'd climbs... ie climbs over obstacles.

 

[akscott60]

Learn the Vy and VX pitch attitudes relative to your sight over the cowl. Then attach airspeeds to them. Flashcards work great. Or take a lined index card, write down all the V speeds, glide, manu, gross weight, payload, and gas on it. Clip it to your kneepad, and you wont forget them.

 

[6'0 AGL]

dude...get a hot chick (maybe a stripper) and like tell her to read from note cards while she's blowin' ya...or tell her to get into a Flight attendant uniform and do the same!!!! Or find a F/A...you'll kill two birds with one stone!!!! lol

Learn by association....in about 5 yrs a f/a will be blowin' ya on a layover and you'll start reciting v speeds...(hey better than baseball right)