Welcome to the Robert Morgade Library's idea lab flight simulator. 

The purpose of the flight simulator is to: 

  • Introduce the world of STEAM through aviation to the area’s youth
    • Science - students will learn the physics of flight
    • Technology - students will use aircraft controls and avionics for navigation
    • Engineering - students will learn how to make airfoils and experiment with designs, then test them on the simulator
    • Art - students will learn Photoshop and apply artistic design to their personal aircraft
    • Math - students will engage in an economic system where they need to be aware of fuel costs and management
  • Allow those interested the opportunity to experience flight before taking on the financial responsibility of actual flight lessons 
  • Provide those who cannot obtain a pilot’s certificate the opportunity to learn to fly
  • Provide pilots the resource to practice flights prior to actually beginning their journeys
ABOUT
FAQs
REGISTER
FLIGHT CLUB
LESSONS
RESERVATIONS

Text (ID: 9209)

This is a free, in-depth instructional program for the flight simulator using Laminar Research's X-Plane 11 Professional flight simulator software. The minimum age for lessons is 10 as it requires focus and concentration. It is designed to give students a good understanding of how to fly an airplane in a simulator. We go over the basics of flight, maneuvers, and basic visual navigation. A student is given a solo test when the instructor feels he/she is ready. This is structured through a six-lesson video and hands on training system. Students are required to watch the training video related to their upcoming lesson prior to arriving at the simulator. The scheduled lesson will then give the student full hands-on experience covering the topics of that lesson. 

But it doesn’t stop there. We have a rapidly growing community of flight simmers at the library. We hold a monthly Flight Club where we discuss various topics and occasionally have guest speakers. In 2017 members embarked on a journey around the United States. Plans are in place to perform a reenactment of the first circumnavigation of the globe in 1924 conducted by Airmen of the United States Army Air Force.

We’re having a lot of fun. This is an educational experience, particularly in the STEAM areas, but it is for entertainment purposes only. Any individual interested in obtaining a pilot certificate is required to attend a certified flight school. Several of our students have gone on to full flight training and their time on the simulator has helped them tremendously.

To register, please select the REGISTER tab above, and follow the instructions given.

Text (ID: 9199)

How old do I have to be to attend flight Simulator lessons?

The minimum age is 10 and requires a great deal of focus and concentration. Children unable to focus or who are easily distracted may not function well in this environment. It is recommended they wait until they're older.

How much does it cost?

It's FREE! That's right! Another free service provided to you by your Martin County Library System. Explore our website to see what other free services we offer, or ask a library staff member. Pretty cool, huh?

How do I sign up for lessons?

Select the REGISTER tab and read how to register. Please pay special attention to the details in that tab.

What is a Pilot ID and why do I need one?

Unique Pilot IDs are created so the library may communicate with or about students on our website without using the student’s name. This is for the privacy of our patrons. The Pilot ID begins with the letter N and consists of the birth month, birth day, and pilot’s initials. If Amelia Earhart, born July 24, were a member, her pilot ID would be N0724AE.

What is the most important thing to know?

There are two things, actually:

  1. Be sure to watch the training videos prior to attending your scheduled lessons. This is mandatory. It will facilitate your training and give you more flying time, rather than just listening to an instructor for your hour. It's that important! Visit the LESSONS tab for more information.
  2. Handle the equipment gently. Do not pull or push hard on the controllers. Have fun! Relax! Its for entertainment. Don't stress about it.

Can I fly a plane after taking these lessons?

In short, No.

The flight simulator program at the Robert Morgade Library is an educational experience, particularly in the STEAM areas, but it is for entertainment purposes only. This is NOT an FAA sanctioned course or simulator. You must attend a registered flight school for flight training. What you learn at our flight simulator may make real flight lessons easier to understand, but none of what you learn here may be applied toward a real pilot's certificate. If a flight school instructor teaches you something that contradicts what you may learn here, listen to your flight school instructor.

What is Flight Club?

The Flight Club consists of a group of simulator pilots who want to take this experience to a higher level. We do this by holding meetings, finding guest speakers, creating challenges, and sharing experiences. Flight Club members are eager to share their passion for aviation and will help you learn to fly. Flight Club is open to all, not just flight simulator students. Visit the FLIGHT CLUB tab above to learn more and to join Flight Club.

What if I need to miss a scheduled lesson?

If you must miss a lesson, please let staff and your instructor know. Call staff at 772 463-3245, or contact them at the Robert Morgade Library by email. If your instructor has shared contact info with you, contact them that way as well.

Contact Cap'n George if you have a question about the flight simulator.

 

Text (ID: 9202)

Thank you for your interest in the Flight Simulator. We would be delighted to have you as a student. 

To register, please use this link to bring you to our Library Events Calendar. The calendar will be filtered with only flight simulator events.

Search the calendar for a day and time you can commit to and find the first date that shows a Register box.  This registration is for 7 consecutive weeks. The program is 6-weeks long but we throw in an additional week in the event a day is missed. Missing two or more days will require you to register again. Your registration will confirm you for all seven days, so be sure to check your confirmation for the start date. Look at the schedule and make sure you have no conflicts. If so, please select another schedule.

Please complete the entire registration form. Lessons consist of six 1-hour sessions. Each lesson has a training video that must be watched prior to your arrival at the library for that lesson. Please be sure to watch the training videos before attending each lesson. They may be found by selecting the LESSONS tab above.

The minimum age is 10 and requires a great deal of focus and concentration. Children unable to focus or who are easily distracted may not function well in this environment. It is recommended they wait until they're older.

We ask for the student’s birth month and date, not the year. This provides the student with a unique Pilot ID. For instance, if Tom Hanks were a student, his birthday is July 9 so his pilot ID would be N0709TH. This allows us to identify students on the web without using names.

Text (ID: 9203)

The Flight Club consists of a group of simulator pilots who want to take this experience to a higher level. We do this by holding meetings, finding guest speakers, creating challenges, and sharing experiences. Flight Club members are eager to share their passion for aviation and will help you learn to fly. Flight Club is open to all, not just flight simulator students.

Header image for Flight Club Newsletter consisting of image of Cessna 172 and text

You do not have to attend meetings to benefit from the Flight Club. You will become a member of the club simply by joining this email list. Select Library - Flight Club, as well as any other information you would like to receive from the Library/County. You will only receive emails from the group you sign up for.

Text (ID: 9204)

The idea lab Skyward Flight Simulator training has changed to better facilitate the progression of lessons and to make it easier for you, the student, to learn the content. Students will now view the content prior to attending your scheduled lesson. Video tutorials will not replace the in-person lessons—these will allow you to watch and learn from home prior to your lesson.  Each week you will sit with your instructor and review the information you learned that week. This style of learning will enable you to start flying right away. It is recommended you watch each video several times. There is an index in the description of each video so you can go directly to a specific part of each lesson.

There are a few things to remember before you begin your lessons:

  • All lessons, documents, videos, and/or any media produced by the MCLS idea lab Skyward Flight Simulator program are for entertainment purposes only.
  • None of what you learn here may be used in real world aviation.
  • If a certified flight instructor contradicts anything you learn here, the certified flight instructor is correct.
  • These videos are for the MCLS idea lab Skyward Flight Simulator program but any flight simulator enthusiast is welcome to view them.

The lessons are:

Introduction
This video is an introduction to the Martin County Library System's Flight Simulator training program.

Lesson 1 - Aviation Familiarization
We’ll teach you a lot about the simulator, and about the airplane. This is a long video, but very important.

Lesson 2 - Controlling the Airplane
The nuts and bolts of flying. This is where you learn to control most of what an airplane can do in the air.

Lesson 3 - Getting It Going
We will go over the walk around, checklists, startup, taxi, and takeoff in this lesson.

Lesson 4 - Finishing It Off
What goes up must come down. You will learn to approach and land in this lesson.

Lesson 5 - Finding Your Way
This lesson will teach you to get from point A to point B.

Lesson 6 - Putting It All in Place
Your solo preparation and practice lesson. Practice as often as you can.

These videos cover all the aspects of your hands-on lesson. It is recommended you watch them several times prior to taking your lesson. You will sit with an instructor and go over the details which you learned in the videos, and get to practice them. Your instructor will guide you through the lessons and help you understand what you’re doing.

At the conclusion of your sixth lesson you will be scheduled to take a solo test. It is recommended you pay close attention and practice this solo test.

Upon “graduating” and receiving your solo certificate, you are cleared to operate the simulator without instructor supervision.

Text (ID: 9205)

RESERVING THE FLIGHT SIMULATOR

The Flight Simulator at the Robert Morgade Library may be reserved for up to 3-hours per day to practice or enjoy a flight. The flight simulator is available when no scheduled classes or events are being conducted.

To reserve the simulator, visit our room booking calendar here,  select Equipment from the booking type drop-down box,  and find a day that is available. The simulator may not be booked more than 7 days in advance.

If you have no flight simulator experience it is strongly recommended you sign up for our free flight simulator lessons. Select the Register tab to the left to sign up.

Staff can only offer limited support for self-service sessions.