CFI Academy

APRIL 14, 2025

For example, a student pilot does not simply memorize the mechanics of a preflight inspection; learning occurs when they consistently perform the inspection correctly, adapting their actions based on experience and feedback. Ultimately, defining learning as a change in behavior provides a practical lens for aviation instruction.

Crosswind

Air Facts

JULY 7, 2025

From then until my checkride, I would stick strictly to what I needed to know to pass the FAA’s standards. That meant no more broad reading—just the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), the FAA’s official reference. On checkride day, I faked the language well enough to pass the oral exam.

Rudder

AV Web

JANUARY 22, 2025

The private pilot was fatally injured. The pilot who perished was well known in STOL Drag competitive circles and highly regarded for his flying safety entries on his YouTube channel. The accident pilot was participating in the 2022 Wayne County (Neb.) Winds were from 290 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

Final Approach

Air Facts

MARCH 10, 2025

In Defense of the Paper Nav Log Air Facts Journal We’ve all heard the stereotypes about the way age affects the abilities of student pilots. A mid-lifer often shows up equipped with ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot from the start. For a mid-life pilot, this seems like a criminal waste of time. Its a must for the checkride.

Checkride

Northstar VFR

MARCH 23, 2025

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI Ken Dravis is a singer/songwriter and pilot who has written and performed many songs about flying and his love for aviation. As soon as the pilot realizes this, they must abort the landing and climb back to traffic pattern altitude and attempt the approach and landing again. How Do You Perform a Go-Around?

Pilot

Flight Training Central

JUNE 23, 2025

Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your Private Pilot checkride. One of the most valuable skills a pilot can develop, crosswind landings demand precise control and sound technique.

Crosswind

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Airline Pilots Continuing education is required for airline pilots. Most professional pilots will be required to complete a flight proficiency check, either in an actual aircraft, or in a simulator, every six to 12 months. Most professional pilots will be required to complete a flight proficiency check every six to 12 months.

Pilot

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. It felt like pushing it for that airplane, but checkrides are so hard to schedule I went. Several times I’ve landed smoothly in a strong crosswind, then had trouble keeping the airplane on the runway. More likely it’s random.

Crosswind

Air Facts

MAY 15, 2024

But in reading some of the proposals above, I was struck by how becoming a pilot can provide many of the positive experiences these experts recommend. A related point is that flight training isn’t something you can fake; there are real checkrides and real consequences for not meeting standards. Flying teaches independence.

Checkride

Inflight Pilot Training

MAY 30, 2025

With the right apps, pilots can check weather, plan routes, improve radio communications, log flights, simulate flying scenarios, and even listen in on real-time ATC traffic. Whether you’re a student just starting out or a professional pilot refining your workflow, these 10 aviation apps will help you fly smarter in 2025.

Pilot

Northstar VFR

APRIL 21, 2024

By Jordan Bullock CFI, Boeing 737 Pilot Traditionally, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (commonly abbreviated as CFI) has been a required step to build hours before inevitably leaving for a coveted airline gig. So, knock out that Commercial checkride, and hopefully in a relatively fast timeline, start on the CFI prep.

Checkride

CFI Academy

JANUARY 26, 2024

As aviation enthusiasts pursue their dreams, the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) emerges as a guiding force, molding aspiring pilots into skilled aviators. Tailoring Instruction to Diverse Learners Every aspiring pilot is unique, with distinct learning styles and paces.

Crosswind

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 27, 2025

Pilot’s aviation app directory 2025 Edition iPad Pilot News iPad Pilot News has helped pilots discoverover 100 quality aviation appssince the invention of the iPad in 2010.Here AOPA Magazine Delivers AOPA’s monthly magazines to AOPA members, including AOPA Pilot and AOPA Flight Training.

Weather

Northstar VFR

JULY 2, 2023

By Jordan Bullock CFI, FO B737 Almost every single pilot at some point or another has heard of the FAR/AIM. We’ll break down some important regulations all pilots should be aware of later, but for now let's discuss the formatting. For example, qualifications required for each type of pilot license would be in section 61 (aka Part 61).

Federal Aviation Regulations

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Whether you’re new to short field landings or a pilot needing a refresher, this essential guide is for you. Will you need a crosswind correction? Full flaps, 1.3

Weight-Shift-Control

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Lazy eights sound like the least challenging commercial checkride maneuver to learn. Despite the easygoing name, many pilots find lazy eights harder than they thought. There’s a reason why it’s been a commercial pilot practical test staple for decades. What standards does the commercial checkride require?

Rudder

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Crowd Source Information The next best resource for information about runway conditions is other pilots.

NOTAMs

Air Facts

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Christmas reading list: 24 books for pilots to read in 2024 Air Facts Journal Back in 2018, I shared a list of 18 good aviation books , in the hopes that Air Facts readers might find a Christmas gift for the pilot on their list (or for themselves). For current pilots, reading such a book can evoke nostalgia and maybe even gratitude.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Go-arounds are among the easiest tasks a pilot can perform. Pilots avoid go-arounds because it is seen as an admission of guilt. Pilots perform the maneuver when a landing is unsafe or can result in an incident. Pilots perform the maneuver when a landing is unsafe or can result in an incident. What Is a Go-Around?

Wind Shear

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

What matters for VFR proficiency: better landings Air Facts Journal Earlier this year I argued that if IFR pilots wanted to prevent accidents, they should focus on the most boring of skills: basic attitude instrument flying. It’s not just GA pilots who can struggle with airspeed control. Neither one is good.

Knot

Inflight Pilot Training

MAY 22, 2025

Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM), located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is more than just a hub for general aviationits a premier destination for aspiring pilots. Whether youre pursuing a private pilot certificate or advancing toward a professional aviation career, KFCM delivers everything you need to take off with confidence.

Runway