On May 21, 12:12*pm, wrote:
Hello,

I am not a pilot - but I play a lot of flight simulator. *I wanted to
talk to some real pilots about flying proficiently. *I feel like I am
pretty good on simulator, but I have no way of knowing b/c I don't
have feedback from an actual pilot.

I was wondering what makes a pilot proficient? *When making turns,
does the VSI fluctuate at all or should a pilot be able to keep it at
0 fpm at all times? *What degree of fluctuation is considered
proficient? *When leveling off after a climb or descent, how quickly
should the pilot be able to get into straight and level? *When landing
an aircraft - especially a jet, does a proficient pilot stay precisely
on the glide slope 100%? *How else can I build proficiency and how
well does flight simulator emulate reality?

If you are a proficient pilot, what types of things do you ensure in
take-off, cruise, landing, etc?

I've heard that good piloting is more about knowledge than skill, but
personally it seems like skill is a massive aspect of flying - am I
wrong?

Thanks so much for the advice!

Skill is very important, but its a skill any normal person can learn,
some of us just take longer than others, but we all get there if we
stick at it. Most flying schools have what they call a trial
instructional flight, where you can go up for maybe half an hour with
an instructor just to see if you really do want to do it. This might
cost you $100 or so, depending on what country you are in. what ever
you do , dont become like Mxsmanic and pretend you know what flying is
all about without ever trying it. Ask questions by all means, but
it will help if you show you are really interested by taking a flight.
If for some reason that is just not practical like you just cant
afford it at the moment, you never know your luck on usenet, if you
say where you are located somebody might just have a spare seat and
offer to take you up. Many of us pilots like to spread the word about
aviation and encourage others to get started. The more the merrier
because it will help keep the costs down if the planes are getting
used more.
Good Luck
Terry
PPL Downunder