Be familiar with the training process. Learning to fly takes a bit more than just being a pro at a flying video game. You must first go through some type of ground school or one on one sessions with your CFI which are normally called "orals". After this, you may be put in a flight simulator, in which you will apply the knowledge you have learned in the books in a more hands on way. After the simulator, you will then go to the airplane and try to combine your book knowledge with your simulator skills in a practical experience.
Understand the fundamentals. Flying can be explained by basic physics principles. By understanding these principles, you will be more likely to be successful when you attempt to use them. The most basic principle of all is "Lift." Lift is what makes an airplane fly. As air flows around the surface of a wing or airfoil, the air particles separate, going above and below the wing's surface and meet again at the trailing edge. The air particles that go above the wing are accelerated, creating a low pressure area above the wings surface which sucks the airplane upward. This upward force is called Lift.
Master the four forces. The four forces of flight oppose each other and are balanced in straight and level un-accelerated flight. These forces are called Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag.
Practice the four fundamentals. The four fundamentals of flight are the four basic maneuvers that make up all other maneuvers that you will do. These are climbs, descents, turns, and straight and level flight. These will make up the majority of your first few lessons. Once you mastered these funamentals, you will be able to combine them into more complicated procedures.
Control the aircraft. Most general aviation training aircraft have 3 main controls that the pilot manipulates from the cockpit. These controls alter the position of the control surfaces of the aircraft. The rudder pedals are located by your feet and move the rudder which control aircraft yaw. They also control steering of the aircraft while on the ground (taxi). The yoke resembles a steering wheel of a car and controls aircraft roll, by moving the ailerons on the wings, and pitch, by moving the elevator which is on the tail. The movement of the aircraft around its 3 axis controls yaw, roll, and pitch, and all of these movements can be controlled by the rudder pedals and the yoke. Also in the cockpit is the throttle, which is similar to a gas pedal in the car and controls the engine power and indirectly, acceleration.
