General aviation means flying civilian aircraft for non-military purposes. It is just like driving a car but in the sky. When people fly for leisure, business, or personal reasons, it is general aviation.
There are different types of airplanes in general aviation, such as small planes, helicopters, and gliders. Some planes can fly very fast, while others can only fly slowly. Some planes can fly for a long time without stopping, and others can only fly for short bursts.
General aviation pilots first take lessons to learn how to fly. Just like how you learn to ride a bike or drive a car before you can do it well, they must learn the skills needed to control the plane. Pilots learn how to take off, fly, turn, and land the plane.
Pilots must also make sure the plane is ready to fly before they get in it. They check things like the fuel and oil levels, the landing gear, and the brakes. This way, they can reduce the risk of something going wrong while in the air.
General aviation pilots use air traffic controllers to help guide them and keep them safe. Air traffic controllers make sure that all airplanes are flying safely in the same airspace and that none of them are getting too close. This helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone flying safely.
General aviation is used for many different reasons. Some people use it to travel to faraway places quickly, while others use it to see exciting things from above. Some people even use it to help with search and rescue missions or to take aerial photos.
Overall, general aviation is a fun and exciting way to explore the world from above, just like taking a ride in a hot air balloon or looking down from a tall building.