February 2019 | American Flyers

Become a Pilot, Flying, Learn to Fly

Intro Flights: Your First Step to the Cockpit

For a lot of people, learning to fly begins as a quiet idea. Maybe it has been in the back of your mind for years. Maybe it is something you have only recently started taking seriously. For some it’s been a life long dream you haven’t acted upon. Either

Flying

Commercial Flight Training À La Carte vs Structured Academy Programs

If you want to become a commercial pilot, your training path matters. A lot of students start by looking at the obvious things first: cost per hour, aircraft availability, location, and how quickly they can begin. Those are all valid considerations. The bigger question is how the training is

Flying

Private Pilot vs Sport Pilot: Key Differences Explained

By Mason Ross On July 24, 2025, the FAA published a set of changes to the regulations applying to individuals seeking or currently holding Sport Pilot certificates: the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification, or MOSAIC. Based on safety data gathered over the last twenty years, the aim of MOSAIC

Flying

Using EFBs Without Becoming Dependent on Them

Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) have revolutionized aviation, transforming how pilots plan flights, navigate, and access critical information. What once required a heavy flight bag full of sectional charts, approach plates, and AFD supplements now fits comfortably on a tablet weighing less than a pound. ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, and similar

Flying

The Difference Between Part 141 vs Part 61 at American Flyers

One of the most common questions in flight training is: What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 training, and which is best for me? To answer the first part, these are two different regulatory paths under which a pilot can be certified. Each has its own

Flying

The Value of Simulators in Flight Training

by Mike Bliss It is as true in aviation as in any other endeavor: use the right tool for the right job. We have all used a coin as a screwdriver or a heavy wrench as a hammer, but it is no surprise that we get the best results

Life of a Pilot

Understanding IACRA: Your Pilot Certification Portal

Every pilot’s journey through the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification system begins with IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application). This web-based portal serves as the primary interface between pilots, instructors, examiners, and the FAA for processing all airman certificate applications. Whether you are applying for your first student pilot

Become a Pilot, Training

Managing Checkride Stress as a Student Pilot

Quick Tips: Checkride Success at a Glance Before the Checkride: Study early, avoid last-minute cramming Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before Eat a balanced breakfast and stay hydrated Arrive 30 minutes early Arrive a minimum of one hour before your checkride During the Oral Exam:

Flying

What is an Airline Transport Pilot? Not Just a Job, But a Passion

The moment the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues your ATP certificate, you’re recognized as an elite aviator. This license is your ticket to the big leagues; it allows you to sit in the left seat, operate commercial airliners, and ultimately become a Captain under Federal Aviation Regulations (Part 121).

Flying

The Difference Between Regional and Major Airlines

The airline industry operates on a tiered system where regional and major airlines serve distinct roles. For aspiring pilots, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed career decisions and setting realistic expectations about compensation, lifestyle, and professional growth. Each type of airline offers unique advantages and challenges that

About Planes

Seasons Change and So Should Your Mixture

By Rick Farmer As we transition from the cold, snowy winters to the sweltering summer heat that most of the country is experiencing this year, apart of answering the question, “how to become a commercial pilot”, you should know that our air-cooled heat-producing power plants are feeling it as

Learn to Fly

Runway Incursions

By Mike Bliss Although much attention has been given in the last few years to the topic of runway incursions by those in and out of commercial pilot programs, it continues to be a problem, one that can potentially have very serious consequences. The key to avoiding such incursions

Training

The Wrong Way to Choose a Flight School

I was about 17 years old when I began my search for a flight school to help me achieve my goal of becoming a professional pilot. Like many young, aspiring pilots, I started my journey with the help of my father, but we really had no idea what a

Become a Pilot, Pilot Courses, Training

So, It’s Been Awhile

By Chris Webb So it’s been awhile? For most who’ve completed CFIA, CFII academy, or have a history of flying, we’ll rationalize this question with, “It’s like riding a bike.” “It’ll come back to you” “Your muscles will remember what to do.” These phrases are all fine and dandy,

Featured Staff

Featured Staff: Patrick Connell

Over 30 years ago, American Flyers made the decision to create and conduct a 30-Day CFI academy aimed at not only prepping students to become the best flight instructors in the industry, but also creating a pool of highly qualified future employees from which we could staff our locations.

Become a Pilot, Pilot Courses

So, You Are Ready to Fly. Now What?

By Chris Webb You have already asked the question, “what does it take to be a commercial pilot?” You have already decided that walking on this planet isn’t enough. You want to rise above the Earth and “…dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings.” Well, there is a little planning

Become a Pilot

Finish What You Started: Brad Morrison

As we have moved into the start of the new year, I can’t help but appreciate last year. 2018 was filled with a lot of great accomplishments for American Flyers as well as some noteworthy advancements in the industry. But while 2018 was a great year, we have to