By Time Genc Flying is awesome. Flying an aircraft is one of the best feelings and one of the most unique accomplishments out there. It’s pretty special, so keep that in mind when I ask this next question… How much fun is it to have to fly for 40
by Mike Bliss Summer often brings some of the best flying weather, but also its share of challenges: turbulence from uneven surface heating, reduced visibility due to haze, and diminished aircraft performance due to the hotter air. The greatest threat, however, comes from thunderstorms. To fully understand this threat,
For many pilots, the phrase “Pilot in Command” (PIC) is a proud milestone — the moment you took full responsibility for the aircraft, the crew, and the decisions in the air. But here’s a question every aviator should ask regularly: When was the last time you were the PIC?
If you’ve started exploring flight schools, chances are you’ve seen this promise over and over: “We have connections with major airlines. “We guarantee you an interview.” It sounds impressive—until you realize most airline pilot training programs make the same claim. In today’s aviation landscape, the truth is this: due
Flying is a pursuit that rewards precision, discipline, and consistency. But it also thrives on variety. As pilots, we spend countless hours refining procedures and mastering fundamentals, often in the same aircraft, over the same routes, and in predictable conditions. While repetition is valuable, staying within your comfort zone
For anyone passionate about flying, earning a pilot’s license is a major accomplishment. But as you progress through your aviation journey, you’ll quickly discover that not all pilot certifications are created equal. Two of the most common — and often misunderstood — are the Private Pilot Certificate and the
In aviation, every detail matters. Safety isn’t just about checklists and clear skies — it starts long before you taxi to the runway. One of the most overlooked yet essential habits every pilot should develop is keeping their aircraft clean, organized, and properly stocked before each flight. It may
Deciding to become a pilot is an exciting milestone, but choosing the right flight school is one of the most important decisions in your aviation journey. The path from the classroom to the cockpit will shape your skills, mindset, and future opportunities. With so many training options available, knowing
Logging flight hours is an essential part of pilot training and certification, but it’s important to understand that accumulating hours isn’t the same as gaining meaningful flight experience. The real difference between a pilot who simply logs time and one who develops true skill lies in how those hours
We get it. You are a successful professional and don’t have the time to finish getting your pilot certificate. If you are like the several thousand other students we have, you probably work late during the week and spend your weekends either working or with your family. You couldn’t
Technology has changed the face of general aviation. Everything pilots had to do for themselves in the past, technology now does for you. It accurately tells you where you are, the airspace you are in, the nearest airports and how to get there, all the instrument approaches that apply
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,
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
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
Congratulations! You have earned the pilot certificate that you have always wanted. What now? Many of our readers will continue to earn the certificates and ratings necessary for their first job in aviation. Others may feel the time and financial investment they have made into their first one or
By Tim Genc Entering a commercial pilot program is a great achievement, but amidst all of the fantastic experiences that on will experience, one that very few get to experience is what some call the ride of a lifetime. The Blackbird family of aircraft (that’s right – there was
By: Brad Morrison The best way to learn is to do, and do, and do again. Practice makes perfect are well-known words we all grew up on. And of course, this phrase absolutely applies to flying. I recently ran into an old CFI student of mine from many years ago.
By: Brad Morrison We are in a pretty incredible time in aviation right now. After years of slow hiring practices and low starting salaries, the airlines are faced with a choice — either find a way to hire more pilots, or be faced with having to park airplanes. Obviously, parking airplanes is
By: Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot You’ve dreamed about flying since you were a child. You’re finally in a position in your life where this dream is about to become a reality. All your friends and family know that you are training to become a pilot. There is only
By: Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot It has been about 30 years since I last rode a motorcycle. When I moved from NY to FL in the 80’s I never brought my endorsement over to my new license. My son just turned 18 and is soon off to college.
By: Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot In over 35 years of flying, I have never met anyone who said they like taking a written test. There are two philosophies about how to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Exam. One group says you just need to memorize the answers
By: Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot You have been flying recreationally for years. During one of many vacations with friends or family, you find yourself on an airliner jetting to some unique destination. Inevitably, during one of these trips, one of your friends or family members indicates that “since you