History Archives | 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 American Flyers, Featured Staff, History

Celebrating Our Employees Over 85 Years

In the vast expanse of the aviation industry, American Flyers has stood tall as a beacon of excellence, shaping the future of aviation for 85 remarkable years. This extraordinary journey would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and tireless effort of our exceptional employees, past and present.

Become a Pilot, Flying, History, Life of a Pilot

The Evolution of Working as an Airline Pilot

The airline business has not always been as it is today. Today’s pilots don’t suffer from airline furloughs. They don’t know what it is like to fly for five or ten different airlines because of airlines going out of business. Today’s pilots don’t know what it’s like to start

About American Flyers, Flying, History

Celebrating 85 Years of Making Aviation History

American Flyers began training pilots in 1939. Not long after, WWII broke out in Europe, making aviation critical in a new way. Airplane manufacturers doubled their efforts and began producing more airplanes with better avionics, increasing the demand for well-trained pilots to fly them. This was a demand that

About American Flyers, Flying, History

Inspiring, Innovating, and Shaping the Aviation Industry for 85 Years

In 2024, American Flyers will proudly commemorate a remarkable milestone: 85 years of shaping the world’s best pilots. Founded by Reed Pigman in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1939, we have weathered significant changes, consistently adapting and transforming alongside the ever-evolving aviation landscape. However, amid these transformations, one constant remains:

About American Flyers, History

The History of American Flyers: The Beatles Era

By now, it is well known that American Flyers Airlines was started by Reed Pigman in 1939. The airline started with DC3s and Lockheed Electras, eventually expanding its fleet to include 727s and DC-8s. During the summer of 1964, the Beatles arrived on U.S. soil for their first tour

Flying, History, Learn to Fly, Training

American Flyers has long been considered the Finish-Up experts

American Flyers has long been considered the Finish-Up experts and we are extremely proud of our reputation of getting the job done quickly. We can customize a training program to satisfy the most demanding schedule and by getting away from the distractions, you will be amazed at the progress

About Planes, Become a Pilot, Flying, History, Learn to Fly, Life of a Pilot

Oshkosh Air Show 2023: One Of The Most Thrilling Events Of The Year

Thousands of pilots and aviation enthusiasts gathered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to witness the spectacle of high-flying acrobatics and cutting-edge aircraft technology. Before the air show began, pilots and air traffic controllers geared up to provide a seamless and safe experience for all attendees. If you’re not aware, the number

About American Flyers, Featured Staff, History

Featured Staff: Sean Heath

Sean Heath first got the “aviation bug” when he saw an advertisement on Facebook for an introductory flight back when he lived in California. He thought, “This will be an awesome adventure! I’ll fly over the beach and take control of an airplane. How cool will that be?” Little

About American Flyers, Featured Staff, History

Featured Staff: Sharon McCormack

Over the years, American Flyers has dedicated issues to employees who have truly inspired those around them to be better. When I speak to others in the flight industry, I am often struck by the incredible talent and rare individuals who have worked for American Flyers over the years.

History

CFIs Go Beyond Just Learning How to Fly

Here is a brief timeline of some facts that very few people know about the early days of the flight training industry in the United States: The Wright Brothers’ first flight was on December 17, 1903. Not only were they the first to fly an airplane, but they also

About American Flyers, History, Training

Training Pilots to Fly IFR Since 1939

By Dr. Michael Bliss Chairman of the American Flyers National Safety Board American Flyers has a wonderful history that goes all the way back to 1939. Over the years we have seen changes in the industry and even changes in our logo. You might ask, why was a blindfolded

History

Women in Aviation: Inside and Outside the Cockpit

By Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot I went to an aeronautical university in the ‘80s and could count the number of female pilots on one hand. Growing up in a house full of women and watching them achieve what they did, I could not understand why more females were

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