Integrating the My Fly desktop simulation into a Part 141 curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical ground school and expensive flight line hours. By embedding structured My Fly desktop sessions directly into standard Ground Training Stages, flight schools can systematically verify procedural compliance using unguided time-on-task metrics before students ever log engine runtime.
Ground School Integration Framework
Stage 1: Pre-Solo & Cockpit Familiarization
Objective: Master the layout, checklist flows, and muscle memory mappings required for safe ground and initial flight operations.
Ground Lesson Alignment: Direct-classroom instruction on aircraft systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and FAA ACS Area of Operation X (Postflight Procedures).
My Fly Simulation Lab Sessions:
Lab 1A: Cockpit Checklist Automation: Students execute the entire Before Takeoff workflow. This requires checking flight controls via specific keyboard inputs (Q-W-E-A-S-D), setting fuel to BOTH, verifying mixture RICH, and setting the throttle to 1800 RPM for magneto and propeller checks.
Lab 1B: Engine Shutdown & Security: Students drill the Securing Aircraft procedure. Key gates require setting throttle to IDLE, pulling mixture to IDLE CUT-OFF, and switching the Ignition & Master OFF to safeguard aircraft batteries.
Stage Gate Sign-Off: Student must achieve a 100% accurate unguided metrics log on the Normal Procedures module to unlock their institutional Single Engine Wings milestone.
Stage 2: Takeoff, Climb, and Local VFR Maneuvers
Objective: Standardize cockpit commands and stabilize aircraft profiles during high-workload departure phases.
Ground Lesson Alignment: Aerodynamics, airport traffic patterns, and Standard Technical English (STE) structured cockpit communications.
My Fly Simulation Lab Sessions:
Lab 2A: Normal Takeoff & Climb Profile: Students practice runway lineup, setting FULL THROTTLE (2400 RPM), rotating at 50 KIAS by pulling aft on the yoke, and establishing a stable climb above 70 KIAS before retracting flaps.
Lab 2B: Departure Communications: Students practice live microphone keying sequence flows to notify ATC of departure intents and handle runway assignments (e.g., "Taxi to runway 2 7").
Stage Gate Sign-Off: Student must achieve a 100% accurate unguided metrics log on the Normal Procedures module to unlock their institutional Single Engine Wings milestone.
Stage 3: Enroute Navigation & Arrival Procedures
Objective: Train students to transition efficiently from cruise profiles to high-density arrival patterns.
Ground Lesson Alignment: Flight planning, airfield diagram rules, and weight and balance calculations.
My Fly Simulation Lab Sessions:
Lab 3A: Cruise to Descent Transition: Students practice setting power to 2000–2400 RPM, trimming the aircraft, leaning the mixture, and closing cowl flaps at cruise altitude. On approach, they reverse the workflow: enriching the mixture, configuring switches for the destination airfield, and maintaining 70 KIAS.
Lab 3B: Straight-In VFR Entry: Enforces tower notifications (e.g., "Inbound for landing") and setting flaps to FULL upon receiving landing clearance.
Stage Gate Sign-Off: Automated logging of the complete descent and before-landing checklists, verifying seats are locked upright, the fuel selector remains on BOTH, and the propeller is full forward at high RPM.
Institutional Benefits & Administration
Critical Control Point: Stage Check Verification
Prior to booking an official Part 141 Stage Check with a Check Instructor, the student must export their Pilot Record. This objective, digital ledger eliminates subjective "CFI sign-off variance" by confirming that the applicant has independently cleared every hardcoded gate in the syllabus.
Standardized Training Environments: No matter which instructor a student is assigned to, the desktop interface ensures identical compliance with the school's approved Training Course Outline (TCO).
Mitigating Weather Delays: When local airspace is grounded due to icing or visibility, classes transition seamlessly to the desktop lab, maintaining student retention and syllabus momentum.