How to Fly a Cessna 182

Cessna 182s were first commercially manufactured in 1956 and since then about 13,000 have been listed on the FAA Airport Registry. Being able to fly one is not an easy task. When pilots ignore a step, the chance of a plane crash increases significantly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Preparation

1. Study the details of operating the plane through a pilot operating handbook, a Cessna 182 trained flight instructor and a flight school.
2. Get a pilot's license and enough hours behind a Cessna with an instructor before attempting any solo flights.
3. Run through a pre-flight checklist that focuses on weather, flight and plane conditions. Also check on your well being before jumping into the cockpit. As a personal checklist, the Air Safety Foundation suggests that you use the "I'm Safe" guidelines before deciding to take off. If you're too sick or under too much stress, cancel the flight.
4. Register a passenger list and a flight plan with a local airport and the FAA.
5. Make sure the plane has enough fuel and also make sure that the wheel wedges are removed from the wheels before any flight.
6. Turn the ignition and let the motor run for a few minutes to warm up. Start to slowly increase speed on the throttles, the Cessna's version of pedals. Push the wheel back using the hand grips on the wheel. The plane has to be at 120 knots, or 80 miles per hour, for it to take off.

From the Air to the Ground

7. Spin the wheel to the left at a 45-degree angle once you're in the air to turn away from the runaway. Use the elevator, which is plane's gear shift, and throttle controls to control speed and airplane altitude.
8. Practice flying around the airport for a few minutes to get comfortable with the plane's controls. Once you feel comfortable, you can continue the flight to a destination or you can head back to the airport.
9. Reduce speed slowly when the airport runaway is in sight. Turn the wheel to the right at a 45-degree once the runway is past the wings. Start to drop the plane by gently pushing the wheel down and using the elevator control to decrease altitude.
10. Make sure the landing gear is not released until the plane is about a few feet from the runway. If you release it too soon, you may compromise the landing.
11. Reduce your speed even more when the plane touches the runway by decreasing throttle pressure to help slow the plane down.
12. Turn off the ignition once the plane comes to a complete stop. Check to see if everything is okay with all compartments, including luggage and passengers. When that's settled, allow the passengers to depart before exiting the cockpit.

Tips & Warnings

• Monitor all parts near the landing gear, including the wheels and the propeller. Any of those parts can be damaged and cause an improper landing.
• Check the position of the engine. If it's sagging too low, it must be repaired before more serious damage occurs.
• Don't overload cargo on the plane. A Cessna 182 carries four passengers and up to 3,100 pounds at take off.
• Avoid bright light at least 30 minutes before night flying, or close one eye to preserve night vision in that eye.