BJ and Pete have completed the preflight checks and met Dave. BJ and Pete take turns operating the controls during a few practice flights. They learn that flying is not difficult, once they get adjusted to the height and feel confortable handling the flight controls. Most planes are designed to essentially fly by themselves. The critical elements of flying are the takeoffs and landings. Once you get in the air, there is little to do except keep the plane level, on course, and monitor the weather and your progress to make sure you are covering the distances as you had planned. Weather and changes in air pressure can affect the performance of the plane. Dave causes the plane to go through turbulence, negative and positive G's, and stalls. He doesn't want them to get frightened by sudden changes in pressure and wants their bodies to get accustomed to the altitude.

FORWARD

Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov