Can Flying be taught?

[pinkiefan1287 610]

This is something I have wanted to talk about for a while now and with the new, Scootaloo episode, I feel now is the best time to talk about it. 

 

Is flying something that can be taught or is it more of an instinct?

 

Now with this new episode, people left and right have been saying, now that Rainbow Dash is looking out for Scootaloo she is going to teach her how to fly. Now Scootaloo has already shown that she has a hard time getting off the ground and has not even been able to fly in the sky for a minute. Scootaloo has only brief burets here and there, but no time has she even been in the sky flying. So how is Rainbow Dash going to teach Scootaloo how to fly when she can't even hoover for more than a second and is it something that can even be taught? Also how does a pegasus go about teaching one to fly when it seem like an instinct?

 

Let look at Pound Cake. Pound was able to fly all over his house with in a mouth and he probably doesn't even know that he is a Pegasus. If anything that flying he did was a sign that he is starting to know that he is a Pegasus and instinct is taking over right now. Now their are some ideas as to how he did that.

 

1. Like Pumpkin Cake, Pound Cake is only going threw a burst right and in time it well go away.

 

2. Pound Cake body is so small right now that he can easily lift himself in the air. Once he gain more weight, Pound well not be able to fly because he is to heavy.

 

3. Pound Cakes super strength is making his wings powerful enough to fly forever. (My idea)

 

4. He well just for get. Laziest idea I have ever heard from the community. 

 

Now anyone of these ideas could be true and some might be false (4). Still what if we aren't even looking at Pound Cake. What if we looked at a baby Pegasus that lives in Cloudsdale? I would say that would be common for a baby Pegasus to fly with in a shorter amount of time. Seeing as the whole town is in the sky. I would say it would take less time for them to fly. It may take 3 weeks after the birth when they start flying. 

 

I do have some doubts about flying being a surge. For one thing magic and flying are 2 different things. Magic is something that looks like you need a great amount of concentration and knowledge of what spells you can use or do. Also magic seems to be more of an energy than what flying is. Maybe when a unicorn builds up magic they can release it. Flying is different from this because the wings are a part of the body of a pegasus because they move that part. So once they know how to move it, they could use it all the time.

 

Now I know one more thing is going to come up. But, Pinkiefan there is a flying school. They go there in order to learn how to fly. Now it is true that there is a flying school, but let me ask this.

 

HOW DO THEY GET THERE????

 

Like the town, the school is also in the sky and would require flying to get there. If anything the school is there to make weak Pegasus like Fluttershy stronger flyers and improve on Pegasus who are great flyers like Rainbow Dash. Plus they probably do more than just fly around hoops all day and race. The school could also be there to teach them about weather control, and environments. Another thing is, how would they go about teaching one to fly? Do they just say, start doing this and it well work or do they throw them off a mountain or something tell they do it? There just does not seem to be away to teach it.

 

So to what I have shown flying is more of an instinct and can not be taught. So Scootaloo maybe permanently be grounded.

 

Still what are your ideas on this???

Edited January 7, 2013 by pinkiefan1287

[Sugarcube 213]

I have the belief that flying for pegasus is kinda of like learning to walk like it is for a human. Some pegasus learn to fly faster than others and some pegsuses are more coordinated at flying than others, just like some humans have better hand eye coordination than others.

 

My other theory which in retrospect is kinda of wonky is that peagsus are born with some innate instinct to fly, Scootaloo may not be able to really get off the ground, but she does use her wings when doing scooter tricks, and she instinctively moves them and tries to hover off the ground. From the episode we see the flashback of Rainbowdash and Fluttershy at flying school it can be assumed two or three things happen when pegasus reach the time to go to flight school. Also it could be very young pegasus babies are more capable at staying air borne longer because they do weigh less and aren't as conscious of implications of being high up, like older peagsus are. Same way when we are younger and learning to walk and move we aren't as conscious of the consequenses failure to do those things have (a toddler walking, versus an older child learning to swim or ride a bike)

 

1) Some of the pegasus fillies already live in Cloudsdale

 

2) Another pegasus flew them there, just like Rainbowdash carried Scootaloo in the newest episode

 

3) We know there are means of mass transport in Equestria, there is a train and we have seen a hot air balloon before as well, so when a pegasus filly reaches the appropriate age to to go flight school there is a means of mass transport for the fillies that don't live in Cloudsdale.

[Auryn 95]

Scootaloo has been confirmed (though unofficially) to be unable to fly through a disability. As for your flight plight, it's really uncertain whether Pegasi are able to fly through instincts or  learned behavior. I think it's a bit of both. Pesasi are able to fly, though not well, from an early age, but are hardly able to control their abilities as well as a properly trained flier. Of course, Pound Cake's flying was probably exaggerated for the sake of gags as Pinkie Pie tried to control the babies, but he/she demonstrates that under normal circumstances, a Pegasus is able to fly at a young age.

[pinkiefan1287 610]

I have the belief that flying for pegasus is kinda of like learning to walk like it is for a human. Some pegasus learn to fly faster than others and some pegsuses are more coordinated at flying than others, just like some humans have better hand eye coordination than others.

 

My other theory which in retrospect is kinda of wonky is that peagsus are born with some innate instinct to fly, Scootaloo may not be able to really get off the ground, but she does use her wings when doing scooter tricks, and she instinctively moves them and tries to hover off the ground. From the episode we see the flashback of Rainbowdash and Fluttershy at flying school it can be assumed two or three things happen when pegasus reach the time to go to flight school. Also it could be very young pegasus babies are more capable at staying air borne longer because they do weigh less and aren't as conscious of implications of being high up, like older peagsus are. Same way when we are younger and learning to walk and move we aren't as conscious of the consequenses failure to do those things have (a toddler walking, versus an older child learning to swim or ride a bike)

 

1) Some of the pegasus fillies already live in Cloudsdale

 

2) Another pegasus flew them there, just like Rainbowdash carried Scootaloo in the newest episode

 

3) We know there are means of mass transport in Equestria, there is a train and we have seen a hot air balloon before as well, so when a pegasus filly reaches the appropriate age to to go flight school there is a means of mass transport for the fillies that don't live in Cloudsdale.

 

I agree with you on this. That flying is an instinct that some Pegasus can do. 

 

As for the flight school, I still have my doubts it's that easy to get in. True the school to in Cloudsadle, but if it was that easy to get into why does Scootaloo not try those ways to get into that school to learn how to fly? It just seems like to get in you would still need to prove you can fly.

[Batbrony 16,056]

As Auryn said, flying probably comes to pegasi through a combination of instinct and being taught how to refine said instinct.

 

In Scootaloo's particular situation, however, I'm kinda split at this point as to how I think it'll play out.  We'll most definitely get one of two scenarios: (1) she'll learn how to fly with Rainbow Dash's help, or (2) she won't be able to fly and will have to discover her own special talent in a different way.

 

Personally, I favor the latter scenario, for a number of reasons.  First of all, it was Lauren Faust's original vision for Scootaloo; she is on the record as stating that she always envisioned that Scootaloo was handicapped and unable to fly, and I completely understand why she'd want to go with this route, especially with Scootalove being canon now.  For one, Scootaloo being disabled would be a fantastic subject for an episode, and give Studio B the chance to teach a lesson about discovering one's own special talents and unique abilities despite whatever limitations any of us may have.  Lord knows that Scootaloo would certainly be unique and special among pegasi if she were to discover she had a wonderful special talent despite being unable to fly, and maybe got her cutie mark in the process even.  Second, now that Scootalove is canon, I can only imagine what kind of a great bit of character development such a scenario would entail for Rainbow Dash.  I mean, think about it; RD has basically never known any limits her entire life!  There has never been anything she cannot achieve by pushing herself hard enough to do so and be the best she can be.  So just how would a pegasus like that deal with a filly that she's taken under her wing who just so happens to be disabled and unable to do one of the principal things that define RD's very identity, as well as pegasi's identities in general?  I don't know about ya'll, but for me, that scenario would be a fantastic opportunity for some great character development for Rainbow Dash, as she learns to both accept another pony's limitations but still teach and encourage her to discover just what she really is good at.

 

Now, would I be able to accept if Scootaloo learns how to fly?  Of course I would; I think that either scenario would be quite fantastic and inspiring, and I get that many of the most ardent Scootaloo fans are really rooting for Scoots to learn how to fly.  Still, the idea of Scootaloo being handicapped still appeals to me personally the most, probably mostly because it was Lauren's original vision, and after spending so much time myself trying to rationalize why it would be, I've come to understand just why it is a fantastic vision.  Personally, I believe that this scenario would be far more daring, mature, heart-warming, inspiring, and do a lot more for MLP's story and characters than if Scootaloo were to learn how to fly, so until anything definitive happens, I'll continue rooting for this particular scenario becoming a reality.

Edited December 10, 2012 by Batbrony

[TheRainbowDash 3]

Think of it like this: Scooter= Air=Fluttering=Flying.  I think she could learn herself, but having a teacher is   a good idea. But....Its very unlikely that Scoots will learn how to fly-or get her cutie mark in season 3.

[Zygen 6,066]

Its probably a pretty instinctual thing, but yet they have to be taught to use it. Like it was said before I think its probably like walking.

And i think that Scootaloo just can't fly, but she has yet to realize that. It was unofficially confirmed somewhere. However I think that foals like pound cake just get surges in a way, like unicorns get magic surges.

 

So I think of it as walking, yes its taught, but its almost instinct.

 

As for how they get into flight camp, I think by the time they enter flight camp they're already able to fly, it doesn't quite seem like they totally teach them to fly, just how to fly better.

Or it could even just be a place where they send some of the pegasi. I'm a bit unsure on this one.

However its possible that pegasi parents just bring their children there and that solves the flying problem.

[DaBatGuy 6]

I think flight and magic instincts work for ponies in a similar way that swimming does for humans. Human infants will instinctively swim when placed in a pool of water but after a certain age they would need training to regain the skill.

[Mortimer 332]

I think yes, flying can be taught, as an example of how RD is teaching Scootaloo. But i also think it is an ability you learn as time passes by.

 

As for Scootaloo learning how to fly, i think she will learn how to, but it won't be her special ability and the one that remarks her as a pony. Just look at Fluttershy, she can fly but her special ability is to interact with critters.

[Kapi 215]

Yes, It is HM02 in all games. It depends on who you want to teach it to...

 

Oh wait...

I feel it has to be taught. It is instinct to a degree, like a baby learning to walk, they have to be tauhgt how to walk, but their instinct says that these thigs (legs) are used for SOMETHING, so I think that the same with a Pegasus, they know their wings are used for SOMETHING, but they have to be taught how to use them. Some are quicker learners than others, and some ponies' bodies my develop slower, so it may take longer depending on the situation.

 

I'm sure one day Scootaloo will be able to fly. But.... I won't get into any speculation.

[pinkiefan1287 610]

Its probably a pretty instinctual thing, but yet they have to be taught to use it. Like it was said before I think its probably like walking.

And i think that Scootaloo just can't fly, but she has yet to realize that. It was unofficially confirmed somewhere. However I think that foals like pound cake just get surges in a way, like unicorns get magic surges.

 

So I think of it as walking, yes its taught, but its almost instinct.

 

As for how they get into flight camp, I think by the time they enter flight camp they're already able to fly, it doesn't quite seem like they totally teach them to fly, just how to fly better.

Or it could even just be a place where they send some of the pegasi. I'm a bit unsure on this one.

However its possible that pegasi parents just bring their children there and that solves the flying problem.

 

Well I still have problems with the whole flying is also a surge. It just seems not to make seances because flying and magic are two different things and magic can be explained. It could be that magic energy gets stored up in a baby unicorn and they can store a lot of the energy because they have more youthful energy and are able to build it up or their bodes are so small they can hold energy, but release it fast. When a unicorn wants something, like a toy, or to get out of something they just think and the magic they have happens.

 

For flying there just seems to be no true explanation. It's just a body movement a pegasus can do.

[Zygen 6,066]

Well I still have problems with the whole flying is also a surge. It just seems not to make seances because flying and magic are two different things and magic can be explained. It could be that magic energy gets stored up in a baby unicorn and they can store a lot of the energy because they have more youthful energy and are able to build it up or their bodes are so small they can hold energy, but release it fast. When a unicorn wants something, like a toy, or to get out of something they just think and the magic they have happens.

 

For flying there just seems to be no true explanation. It's just a body movement a pegasus can do.

I agree it really doesn't make any sense, but I don't really know what else would explain it, a foal doesn't just learn to fly I don't think, especially not as fluently as poundcake can.

Maybe its a surge of strength who knows. I can't imagine its totally normal. I mean she's a better flyer then Fluttershy was as a filly. I don't think it seems normal in that regard.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

I'm betting Pound cake just had a random ability surge similar to Pumpkin's, Scootaloo is disabled, and flying can be taught, and trained just like any skill.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

I have the belief that flying for pegasus is kinda of like learning to walk like it is for a human. Some pegasus learn to fly faster than others and some pegsuses are more coordinated at flying than others, just like some humans have better hand eye coordination than others.

 

My other theory which in retrospect is kinda of wonky is that peagsus are born with some innate instinct to fly, Scootaloo may not be able to really get off the ground, but she does use her wings when doing scooter tricks, and she instinctively moves them and tries to hover off the ground. From the episode we see the flashback of Rainbowdash and Fluttershy at flying school it can be assumed two or three things happen when pegasus reach the time to go to flight school. Also it could be very young pegasus babies are more capable at staying air borne longer because they do weigh less and aren't as conscious of implications of being high up, like older peagsus are. Same way when we are younger and learning to walk and move we aren't as conscious of the consequenses failure to do those things have (a toddler walking, versus an older child learning to swim or ride a bike)

 

1) Some of the pegasus fillies already live in Cloudsdale

 

2) Another pegasus flew them there, just like Rainbowdash carried Scootaloo in the newest episode

 

3) We know there are means of mass transport in Equestria, there is a train and we have seen a hot air balloon before as well, so when a pegasus filly reaches the appropriate age to to go flight school there is a means of mass transport for the fillies that don't live in Cloudsdale.

I kind of agree, personally I've always compared pegasai flying to driving, since some can do it better than others and they don't necessarily have to learn how. It's really strange though because there is a lot of contradictory info from the show itself on how they learn to fly.

[Anadu Kune 668]

In regaurds to Pound and Pumkin babies have certain reflexes in reality. If you put a baby tummy side down in water it will look like a natural swimmer(this doesnt mean the baby can swim). Though I believe there are cases were the baby can swim. In both case it seems normal for the reflex to diminish. 

 

I think in the context of the show that flying is taught. What else would flight camp be for.

[Lightning Fluttershy 1,844]

From what we've seen I think flying is probably just instinct. It seems like it would be as natural as breathing to them. Kind of like how we move our limbs and body without even thinking. It just happens. I'm assuming that's what wings are like.

[pinkieshyrose 58]

I still think some get it faster than others like flutershy and rainbow dash one can start as a fosl the other as a baby depends on what there cuite mark is going to be we already know scotaloos talent is her scooter so it will proably take along time for her to be able to flybut pound cake or pumkin cakes cuite mark will proably have to do with delivering cakes and cooking so pund cake gets his wings early rainbowdash could proably fly when shes was a baby

[AustralianFries 213]

I choose to think that flying is an instinct, but it must be honed. Like most birds. Baby birds instinctively know how to fly, but the first few go-arounds don't end up so well. (I.e. they usually end up gliding for a few seconds and then landing on the ground face first). In Cloudsdale, there is a flight school which leads the audience to assume that flying must be taught-ish. Some ponies are just better than others. I'm a natural athlete, but I didn't start off being a pro at everything. 

 

And as far as Scootaloo goes, I tend to think she just isn't strong enough to start flying. She has been unofficially diagnosed with some disorder. But unofficially is the big word there. No one on the actual team has made it so the young filly can't fly. Remember the flashback where the CMC's were looking for Rainbow? All of those ponies looked a few years older than Scootaloo and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders. At the school where the Crusaders attend, I have yet to find one pony that was flying around at all. I believe little Scootaloo just has to wait a bit.