By Mike Bliss The FAA grants pilot certification under two separate regulations: FAR Part 61 and FAR Part 141. Both result in the same types of pilot certificates, but they differ in structure, required hours, flexibility, and cost. Any current Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) can train students under Part

by Mike Bliss Of the 5,000-plus civil-use airports in the U.S., only 10% have operating control towers.  Even if you regularly operate out of controlled airports, chances are you will still need to take advantage of non-towered airports for the convenient locations they may offer. Whether the term “uncontrolled”,

by Mason Ross As pilots, we’re trained to operate aircraft thousands of feet in the air, and yet, a multiple-choice exam can feel like one of the most daunting parts of our training. The FAA written test, while not the most exciting step on the path to pilot certification,

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

By Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot I guess you can say I am a little biased, but who wouldn’t want to work in aviation? Yet most people seem to think that if they aren’t cut out for being a pilot, and they don’t want to be a flight attendant