🛫 Basic Flight Training
Welcome aboard, Cadet!
This course gives you a simple, friendly introduction to some of the most important terms and procedures in the world of aviation. Whether you’re just getting started or need a quick refresher – this is your runway to success! 🚀
🛬 Aerodrome / Airport
An aerodrome is any location where aircraft operations happen – from small airstrips to international hubs.
An airport is a type of aerodrome that usually has paved runways, terminals, and navigation facilities.
✈️ All airports are aerodromes, but not all aerodromes are airports!
📻 Squawk
“Squawk” refers to a four-digit code you set in your aircraft’s transponder. This code helps air traffic control (ATC) identify your aircraft and track you on radar.
You’ll usually receive your squawk code from ATC or see it in your flight briefing.
It’s an essential part of flying under IFR or controlled VFR conditions.
🔁 Circuit / Pattern
A circuit (or traffic pattern) is the standard route aircraft fly around an aerodrome when landing or taking off.
It includes:
Upwind
Crosswind
Downwind
Base
Final
🧭 It helps organize air traffic and maintain safety.
📻 ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service)
ATIS is a continuous broadcast of recorded aeronautical information at an airport. It provides essential data for arriving and departing aircraft, such as:
Weather conditions ☀️🌧️
Runways in use 🛬
Available approaches 🧭
NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) 📢
How to read ATIS:
ATIS broadcasts are updated regularly and each one is assigned a letter (e.g. “Information Alpha”, “Information Bravo”, etc.). When contacting ATC, pilots must state the received ATIS letter to confirm they are up to date.
🧠 Example:
“Mockingbird 1333 with Information Charlie”
This tells the controller that you have listened to the latest ATIS with the letter“C”.
☁️ METAR – How to Read It
A METAR is a weather report updated every hour. Here’s an example:EDDF 121250Z 24010KT 9999 SCT025 15/09 Q1013
EDDF– Airport code121250Z– 12th day at 12:50 UTC24010KT– Wind from 240° at 10 knots9999– Visibility in meters (9999 = 10 km or more)SCT025– Scattered clouds at 2500 ft15/09– Temperature/DewpointQ1013– Pressure in hPa
🌦️ TAF – Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
TAFs are forecasts for airport weather, covering up to 30 hours.
They help plan your flight based on expected conditions.
Example: TAF EDDH 121100Z 1212/1318 22010KT 9999 SCT030
🎙️ Important Radio Phrases
Roger – “I heard and understood your message.”
Wilco – “Will comply.” (Used after receiving instructions)
Verify – ATC is asking you to confirm something.
Affirm – “Yes.”
Negative – “No.”
Standby – “Wait, I’ll get back to you.”
🛫 SID – Standard Instrument Departure
A SID is a published route that guides aircraft from the runway to the enroute structure.
It helps manage traffic and terrain separation after takeoff.
🛬 STAR – Standard Terminal Arrival Route
A STAR is the opposite of a SID – it brings you from cruise altitude to the approach phase in an organized way.
🧭 Instrument Approach
An instrument approach uses navigation systems (like ILS or RNAV) to help you land in poor visibility.
These are essential in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions.
👀 Visual Approach
A visual approach means you can see the airport and land without using instruments.
Usually cleared by ATC when weather is good and traffic allows it.
🧮 Flight Levels (FL)
Above a certain altitude (usually around 5000-7000 ft), we stop using feet and start using Flight Levels.
FL100 = 10,000 feet
FL180 = 18,000 feet
🌐 FLs help standardize cruising altitudes internationally.
🛰️ Transponder Use & Codes
Your transponder broadcasts your aircraft’s identity and altitude to ATC radar.
When instructed, you enter a squawk code – a four-digit number – into your transponder.
Important codes:
7500– Hijack (⚠️ don’t joke with this one!)7600– Radio failure7700– General emergency7000– Standard code for uncontrolled VFR traffic (Europe)
Modes you should know:
Mode C/S: Transmits altitude info
IDENT: Highlights your aircraft on ATC radar for a few seconds (only use when requested)
That’s it for the basics! You’re now familiar with the key terms and concepts used every day in aviation. You can now request the Basic Flight Training Exam in our Discord!
MockingBird Air is all about learning, flying, and having fun – We Bring The World To You. 🌍🛫
Ready for practical training? Then contact us on Discord or email schedules@mockingbirdair.com, and we’ll get in touch with you for practical flight training!