Category: Flight Training Articles

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…