Why Everyone Should Fly

How a Small Aircraft Cockpit works:

GARMIN shows; wind direction and speed, heading, distance to next waypoint and track direciton.

Elevator Trim Wheel

Engine Instruments; Fuel Gauge - left and right tank, Fuel Flow, Exhaust Gas Temperature, Oil - Temperature and Pressure, Ammeter

Commercial Aviation:

Throttle Mixture Control

Flap Control. This Cessna 172 has; 0°,10°, 20° and 40° of flaps. These provide more lift which is required when flying slower.

Audio Panel: This attains information from the two NAV/COMM units and provides the Radio Communication to the pilot and Ground Based Navigation signals to the relevant instruments.

GPS and Transponder: The GPS provides the aircraft’s position using up to 15 different satelites in a method called trilateration. The transponder is a tool used to show the aircraft’s position and altitude to Air Traffic Control. It transmits a 4-digit code allowing ATC to determine which aircraft is which.

ELT: Emergency Location Transmitter

Navigation and Communication Radio: This allows the pilot to listen/talk to ATC and other pilots while flying. The Navigation component uses a frequency which links with a ground based Navigation Aid such as a VOR or ILS.

Commercial aviation is the section of the aviation industry concerned with the transportation of passengers and cargo for a profit. Commercial aviation can take many forms including small charters, FIFO work, regional mail operations, large freight and most wellknown airlines transporting hundreds of passengers at a time.

Commercial aviation is a dance relying on a sophisticated system of technology and infrastructure in order to get every flight departing and arriving on time. Air traffic control is one of the most important roles in commercial aviation as their small decisions can affect the safety and efficiency of any aircraft.

Despite their differences, General and Commercial aviation are united by the exhilaration of flight. Whether I am flying myself in a little Cessna to Bendigo for lunch or on an A380 flying half way across the world I am always excited. The thrill of soaring through the sky and experiencing the world from a completely different perspective is inspiring with every flight being a new adventure.

Ultimately, I wish everyone can experience and share the passion for aviation and anything that flies because it is truly remarkable.

- Darcy Waugh