4 Money Saving Tips - Live ATC, Simulators, Chair Flying, and more

Let’s go over some powerful tips that will save you time, money, and frustration. After 15 years of flying, these are the things I wish I had known from day one.

Many new pilots feel intimidated by radio communications.

Whether it’s six airplanes in the pattern or a rapid-fire ATC controller, radio work can add unnecessary stress if you aren’t comfortable.

Don’t sleep on this amazing tool! LiveATC offers live audio streams of air traffic control frequencies worldwide — tower, ground, clearance, small airports, large airports, everything.

It lets you practice communications from home, get used to real-world radio flow, and reduce stress before you fly.

Start by listening to your home airport (if available), and get familiar with common calls. Then pretend to be one of the aircraft on frequency and practice your responses.

You’ll notice the difference on your very next flight.

King Schools has an excellent course on aviation communications that walks you through what ATC expects in various scenarios.

Simulators are an incredible supplement to flight training.

There are many types, but nearly all allow you to:

• Practice in a low-stress environment
• Improve retention
• Build confidence
• Log a limited number of hours toward your certificate

Talk to your CFI, decide what areas need work, and focus your sim time on:

• Maneuvers
• Emergencies
• Checklists
• Procedures

This can dramatically improve your performance in the real airplane.

Chair flying is exactly what it sounds like — mentally flying your next lesson.

It may seem strange, but many high performers, from athletes to military pilots, use this technique because your brain responds to vivid visualization almost like real practice.

A good place to start is with something you struggle with.

For example, if landings are giving you trouble, sit quietly, close your eyes, and visualize what the runway looks like, your airspeed, the sounds in the cockpit, the flare, and the touchdown. Do this a few times each day and you’ll see improvement.

Finally, let’s talk about consistency.

As you learn, it’s normal to forget things between lessons.

For this reason, I recommend flying at least twice a week until you earn your Private Pilot certificate.

Flying only once a week often leads to a cycle of one step forward, two steps back, it’s frustrating, it slows you down, and it costs more.

Stay consistent and your training will be smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable.