I was really interested in learning how to fly, so I scheduled an introductory flight. I was assigned to a young 22 yr old CFI and while I was flying, he performed something called zero gravity. Its where you basically ascend at like a 65-degree angle until the plane reaches its limit. It feels like you’re falling from a rollercoaster but thousands of feet above the ground. I was kind of discouraged to fly after that, since I hate the feeling of your stomach rising to your chest. Are stunts like this normal? During flight training will I have to lose power and nosedive and have to regain control of the plane or something of that sort?
Not only is that not normal, it’s not appropriate for an intro flight or lesson and shouldn’t have happened. I’m an airline Capt and Check Pilot and have never performed a “zero gravity” manuever? That said once you’re in training you will undoubtedly do some maneuvers that take you out of your comfort zone. Hopefully by that point you’ll have gained greater comfort and understanding and it won’t be a concern.
Was this an introductory flight or an acrobatic flight? No offense, but I’m not sure of any general aviation airplane that is a normal category that can reach 65-degrees pitch attitude, unless you’re referring to bank. This behavior is unacceptable, and I would be contacting the flight school’s manager inquiring about this. I have been in situations where students have accidentally performed a “zero gravity” maneuver simply because they acted in a way that forced the nose over to fast, and yes, things do lift up… and yes, I informed them they will not be doing that again or we’d be having discussions.
During flight training, you will have simulated engine failures at which NO, you do not nosedive and regain control, but pitch for a best glide speed, and ultimately run an emergency procedure (memory flow backed by an emergency checklist). If you’re going for your CFI, you will have to spin an airplane to demonstrate stall recovery (those are fun and they’re in a controlled environment, and you are exposed to the characteristics beforehand to be prepared).
I would be looking at another flight school or instructor, and do a real introductory flight, with someone professional.
Sorry to hear this was your experience. The intro flight is about you. It should have been a time for you to just get the feel of what being in a small trainer is like. That stunt was highly unprofessional and something that should not have been performed. There are maneuvers you will have to perform as a pilot in the interest of safety like stall recovery and steep turns but that is not one of them.