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Category: Flight Training Articles

  • What Is an Airworthiness Directive?

    What Is an Airworthiness Directive?

    Understanding airworthiness directives is vital for every pilot, especially airplane owners. Many people are familiar with recalls in the car world. Car makers work with their mechanics to develop service bulletins when a problem is noticed. If it’s a safety issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may get involved and require that all cars…

  • What is the Restricted ATP

    What is the Restricted ATP

    In this post we’ll answer the common question, what is a restricted ATP. It’s been a decade since the FAA changed the rules and mandated that Part 121 copilots must hold the ATP certificate—what was known as the 1,500-hour rule.  This was a big change for the industry, where a Commercial certificate and 250 hours…

  • The Differences Between Parts 91, 121, and 135

    The Differences Between Parts 91, 121, and 135

    In this post I’ll cover the differences between Part 91 vs 121 vs 135. It’s not uncommon to hear a DPE say, “Here is your ticket to learn more,” as they hand you your shiny new pilot certificate. A career as a pilot is one in which you are perpetually learning.  While it’s just one…

  • What Is CTAF and How Do You Use It?

    What Is CTAF and How Do You Use It?

    In this article we’re going to explore the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, also known as CTAF. Radio communications can be one of the most stressful parts of learning to fly.  For many students, there’s something intimidating about keying the mic. But it shouldn’t be stressful. While there are a lot of things to know, it’s…

  • Airplane Lights and What They Mean

    Airplane Lights and What They Mean

    In this article we’re going to cover exactly what airplane lights mean. An important part of a pilot’s job is flipping switches.  Not only does flipping switches look cool, but flipping the right switch at the right time is one thing that separates the good pilots from the great ones. Some of those switches control…

  • What Airplanes Can You Fly Without a Pilot License?

    What Airplanes Can You Fly Without a Pilot License?

    In this article I’ll cover exactly what airplanes you can fly without a pilot license. Love aviation but not sure you want to go through the time and expense of getting your pilot’s license? Believe it or not, there is a class of airplanes you can own and fly without one—ultralights. Ultralights aren’t the biggest…

  • How Much Do Airplanes Cost? 

    How Much Do Airplanes Cost? 

    What pilot hasn’t dreamed about owning their own plane?  Imagine driving to the airport ramp and pulling up to your craft, hopping in, and flying wherever you like, whenever you like. Can the fantasy ever be a reality for most of us?  Obviously, planes are expensive items.  But with some research and planning, you might…

  • 11 Best Online Ground Schools

    11 Best Online Ground Schools

    In this post I’m going to share the best online ground schools available in 2023. The age of online learning is here. While you can’t (yet) take flight lessons from the comfort of your home, there is a ton of learning you can do between flight lessons at the airport.  Online ground schools allow pilots…

  • Thrust Flight Ranks No. 3346 on the 2023 Inc. 5000

    Thrust Flight Ranks No. 3346 on the 2023 Inc. 5000

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Addison, TX – Inc. revealed today that Thrust Flight ranks No. 3346 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour,…

  • How to Become a Pilot: A Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Become a Pilot: A Step-by-Step Guide

    This article is here to teach you how to become a pilot and give you a more complete understanding of how long it will take, your eligibility, and the cost. People reach out to us nearly every day asking how do I become a pilot? So whether you’re looking to become an airline captain one day or…

  • Thrust Flight Announces Examining Authority for CFI Academy

    Thrust Flight Announces Examining Authority for CFI Academy

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 04, 2023 Addison, TX: Thrust Flight® is thrilled to announce they have earned Examining Authority on their Certified Flight Instructor Course from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their Part 141-approved curriculum. Flight test examining authority is only available to flight schools that have demonstrated their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality…

  • Holding Patterns – What They are and How to Fly Them

    Holding Patterns – What They are and How to Fly Them

    The term “holding pattern” is probably the aviation term most often borrowed by non-aviators – the phrase is even included in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a “state of waiting.” For pilots pursuing an instrument rating, learning holding patterns is a required part of training. So regular practice will be an ongoing part of an aviation…

  • 10 Things You Can Do With a Private Pilot License

    10 Things You Can Do With a Private Pilot License

    In this post we’ll share our top 10 things you can do with a private pilot license. If you’re a brand new private pilot or just getting started on your journey to become a private pilot this article will help you begin to enjoy the many benefits of holding a ppl. I’ve trained hundreds of…

  • Can Airplanes Fly in the Rain?

    Can Airplanes Fly in the Rain?

    The simple answer is yes, airplanes can fly in the rain. Modern aircraft are designed to operate safely in a wide variety of conditions, including rain and snow.  The most extreme example is the NOAA Hurricane Hunters, who fly right into some of the fiercest weather on the planet day in and day out.  But…

  • Student Pilot’s Guide to Cross Country Planning

    Student Pilot’s Guide to Cross Country Planning

    Accomplishing your private pilot certificate is an adventure no matter the category and class you’re exploring. Unless you’re learning in a glider or a balloon, at some point in your training it will be time to leave the proverbial nest of your local airport and training area to embark on a cross-country training flight. Requirements…

  • The Difference Between Category, Class, and Type of Aircraft Every Pilot Must Know

    The Difference Between Category, Class, and Type of Aircraft Every Pilot Must Know

    When I first started my flight training I found it difficult to remember the difference between category, class, and type of aircraft.  If you’re a new pilot, hopefully this guide helps you learn and remember the differences. One of the most confusing things the FAA does—and there are many, by the way—is how they divide…

  • Flying Basics – A Guide for New Pilots

    Flying Basics – A Guide for New Pilots

    In this article we’re going to cover flying basics; how airplanes fly and the basic parts of an airplane. They say that the flying is the easy part. Once you start diving into your pilot books and studying aerodynamics, you’ll quickly realize what they mean. But there’s good news: flight instructors have been doing this…

  • How to Chair Fly

    How to Chair Fly

    In this article I’m going to teach you how to chair fly. As a CFI, I’ve walked many students through the process of chair flying. I’ve put together my exact advice in this article. Good study habits are the key to success in pilot training. Students who know how to maximize their time outside of…

  • Indicated Airspeed Versus True Airspeed

    Indicated Airspeed Versus True Airspeed

    In this article, we’re going to compare indicated airspeed with true airspeed and help you get a deeper understanding of the difference between the two. Like its partner in crime, the altimeter, your airspeed indicator gives you vital information about the plane you’re flying. Unfortunately, they both like to keep their secrets, and it takes…

  • How to Calculate Weight and Balance: A Step by Step Guide

    How to Calculate Weight and Balance: A Step by Step Guide

    In this article I’m going to teach you how to calculate weight and balance quickly and easily. As a flight instructor I’ve taught this skill to many of my students. It’s an absolutely critical part of your pre-flight planning. Learning how to calculate aircraft weight and balance is one of the most fundamental preflight skills…