Flying Tip # 2 - Climbing out

So you've finished all your checks, got your departure clearance, pushed the throttles forward and trundled down the runway. At the appropriate speed you palm the control yoke back and the nose lifts off

You're flying!

Now what?

As you start to climb to some predetermined altitude (having trimmed the plane for the best rate of climb or best angle of climb), the chances are that you will be in quite a nose up position. Not too nose up, obviously or you'll stall!

If you're flying VFR then the key requirement is to keep looking around for other aircraft. That's fine if the aircraft are to your left or right, but how can you look out for other 'planes that are directly ahead of you?

It's quite easy and can be accomplished two ways:

Today's Flying Tip is "Every 1000 feet or so, either push the yoke forward and level out for a few moments, take a look around the nose and continue, or, make a sweeping 'S' turn left and right to unblock the area under the raised nose. Take a good look around and continue"

If you're in some fairly busy airspace you will probably want to try the first of these two options, but if you know the area around you is clear (or if you're just up for a joyride with no particular destination in mind) the second option will probably be best.