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Coaching Plan: Private Pilot (Part 2 of 3)

Intro to VFR ATC Communications

Eliminate “mic fright” in the airplane! Practice basic communications procedures in a relaxed environment with your remote instructor.

This one-on-one remote coaching plan is intended for pre-solo private pilot students. 

It will provide an opportunity to learn and practice basic communications and airspace procedures, both with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and in uncontrolled airport environments.

Your instructor will generally act as the Air Traffic Controller, simulating radio transmissions. This allows for extensive repetition in a way that would not be possible in real life. 

Depending on your progress, you will also utilize PilotEdge to practice communicating in an immersive online ATC environment. However, it is generally more productive to begin practicing “offline” with your instructor.

The ideal outcome is that you will be able to confidently make all required ATC transmissions in simple airspace. By practicing ATC phraseology on the ground, your workload and “mic fright” in the real aircraft will be reduced, allowing you to focus more of your attention on flying the aircraft.

If you have already started to cover some of these topics with your real-world instructor, don’t worry. Consider this plan a starting point. We can add/remove topics based on your specific needs. For example, if you’re training at a class C airport in real life, we can start with Class C procedures instead of Class D.

Suggested airports

  • If you have purchased the PilotEdge ZLA Coverage Area: KSBP
  • If you have purchased the PilotEdge Western US Coverage Area: KPAE

Syllabus

90 Minutes
Intro to Class D airport communications
Learn basic ATC communications procedures and ground operation instructions at a Class D airport
A C172 departing in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
90 Minutes
Communications in the traffic pattern
Learn the procedures and ATC communications associated with flying the traffic pattern, including ways that ATC can modify a standard pattern
An airplane flying in the sunset in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
1.5-2 Hours
Traffic pattern exit/entry instructions and traffic advisories
Learn how to exit and enter the traffic pattern based on ATC instructions, as well as how to obtain flight following from approach and center controllers.
A Cessna on short final performing a short-field landing in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
90 Minutes
Uncontrolled airport operation
Learn communications and collision avoidance procedures at uncontrolled airports
Coaching Plan: Private Pilot (Part 2 of 3)

Intro to VFR ATC Communications

Eliminate “mic fright” in the airplane! Practice basic communications procedures in a relaxed environment with your remote instructor.

Estimated

6

Hours

Starting at

$378

USD

Similar to the cost of

1 real-world flight lesson in a Cessna 172

Starting At

$378
(6 hrs)

Exact cost & time depend on instructor’s rate and your unique goals/learning speed

For real-world pilots and hobbyists
An ability to perform basic aircraft control and maneuvers is required
100% Online & 1-on-1
You fly your simulator while your instructor remotely coaches you.
Certified Flight Instructors
Our CFIs are experts in using flight sims to enhance your real-world training.
Flexible & customizable
Either complete the entire syllabus, or pick and choose which sessions you prefer.
Recordings and Suggested Practice
Optionally record your lessons for reviewing as many times as you wish. Get suggested practice exercises from your instructor.

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