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News

News

Tribute to Rudy Frasca

Aviation pioneer and founder of Frasca International, Rudy Frasca, died on May 11, 2020, at the age of 89. He was the pioneer of the flight simulator industry who effectively changed the flight training industry forever. American Flyers contracted Rudy to build them one of the first ever flight
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The Instrument Proficiency Check

By Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot Unlike the Flight Review, the Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is only required if a pilot’s instrument currency lapses—there is no regularly recurring requirement for an IPC. As long as instrument-rated pilots accomplish the approach currency requirements of 14 CFR 61.57, they may never
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Become a Better Pilot

This issue of the Pilot’s Digest is all about becoming a better pilot. A good pilot is one that is always learning, but a great pilot is one that practices what they have learned. If you’re like me, you’ve watched the ESPN special about Michael Jordan and the Chicago
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Pilot in Command

Pilot-in-Control

We are all familiar with the term PIC—Pilot-in-Command. It is the legal term for the person aboard the aircraft who is ultimately responsible for its operation and safety of flight. It is important to note, however, that there is a difference between being in command and being in control.
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FEATURED STAFF MEMBER: Rick Farmer

The best advice I can give someone looking for a flight school is this: when you take a tour of the facility, ask to see their airplanes. If the airplane has garbage floating around, ripped seats, old tires, and needs paint, it shows you that this flight school is
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STUDENT INTERVIEW: Alyssa Silva

Pilot’s Digest: Tell us a little about yourself? Alyssa Silva: I’m 29 years old, and from Massachusetts. I’m currently a full-time student at the American Flyers in Scottsdale, AZ. Prior to flight training, I was an Inflight Team Leader (Flight Attendant Supervisor). PD: How did you get into flying?
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What is a Compressor Stall?

By Captain Dick Hyslop Recently, there has been a great deal of news coverage surrounding the Delta Boeing-777 dumping fuel during an approach to LAX. While the headlines are all about the fuel dumping, let us take a look at what happened that led to the need for dumping
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AMERICAN FLYERS SPOTLIGHT: FEATURED INSTRUCTORS

Bruce Lemoine From: Colleyville, Texas CFI at: Addison, TX – North (ADS) I am currently working towards my commercial MEI certification while I am a CFI. My favorite part about teaching is seeing students learn new concepts and techniques that will make them safer pilots and, watching it all
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A Pilot’s Guide to Destination Flying

By Steven J. Daun, National Chief Pilot Just about every pilot can remember their first solo cross country flight. All of the hard work paid off and they were finally able (and allowed) to fly somewhere alone. From that time, for most pilots, planning cross country flights became rather
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CORONAVIRUS ADVISORY

American Flyers Coronavirus Advisory

A message to our American Flyers family: The health and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority.  We are closely monitoring the development of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and are following guidelines from the government and relevant health authorities. To help keep our customers and employees safe, we
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Tips from the CFI Desk

Tips from the CFI Desk

By Justin Parnell   Pre-Flighting: It’s not just about the airplane anymore. My students sometimes ask me “what should I do before a flight?” Like many of you, my mind immediately focuses on the regulations and rules. Yes, I am a CFI, who has completed CFI academy, and yes,
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Too Little Or Too Much

Too Little Or Too Much

Many factors affect our decision making as pilots and those looking for a commercial pilot program. Sometimes, we have difficulty making decisions because we have too little information. On the other hand, surprisingly, we sometimes have difficulty making decisions because we have too much information. An example of the
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Featured Staff: Stephen Sanderson

Our Addison South location, where our Career Academy is located, is blessed to have 3 experienced and dedicated Assistant Chief Pilots (ACI). One of these ACI’s is Stephen Sanderson. A charismatic employee with a fun and caring personality, Stephen is an instructor every student hopes to fly with. Born
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Are You Ready to Fly?

By: Steven Daun, National Chief Pilot I’m always amused when I hear someone ask another person if they are ready to go flying. If you ask 1,000 pilots to define “ready,” you are bound to get 1,000 different answers. The proper statement should be, “tell me why you are
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Ambassadors of Flight

Ambassadors of Flight

When I spend time in the American Flyers flight schools or airline academy, I hear the phrase “Ambassadors of Aviation” a lot, and it’s directed at flight instructors. Old joke: how do you know if there’s a pilot at a party? Oh, they’ll tell you. So, you better believe
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Summer: A Season for Flying

It’s that time of year again. School’s out, family vacations are in full swing, and beautiful flying weather is ahead of us. We’ve been fortunate to have an unusually wet spring season, which means the once brown fields of winter should now be nice and green as we fly
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Pilot Dreams

Pilot Dreams

You have dreamed about becoming a pilot or how to become a commercial pilot your whole life; from the time you looked up and saw that beautiful airplane streak by or simply from a story that you once heard. Regardless of the source that lit the flame, the stage
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Student Interview: Jon Riley

Pilot’s Digest: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Jon Riley: I am 38 years old and married to an awesome lady named Katie. Katie and I celebrate our 12-year anniversary this year. We have two gorgeous girls, ages 11 and 8. We are originally from the frozen tundra
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Engine Baffles

Engine Baffles

By Ricker Farmer Without needing a certified flight instructor course, one could tell the production of heat is a natural by-product of the internal combustion engine.  If left unregulated, excessive heat can cause serious damage or engine failure. When the outside air temperature increases in the summer, any flaws
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Drones

When I was a kid growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s, we would try to find any kind of toy that could fly. One of the toys that our parents bought for us was a control line airplane. You started a gas-powered engine and stood in the middle
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History Makers of American Flyers

There are many things that contribute to the success of a company, no matter the industry it serves. A flight school is no different. Taking care of customers, focusing on safety, and taking care of and choosing the right employees are all a part of makes a flight school
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