Air Facts

MARCH 5, 2025

Teaching International Student Pilots Air Facts Journal In the mid 70s, I was a USAF T-38 instructor pilot (IP) in the 71 st Flying Training Wing at Vance AFB (KEND) in Enid, Oklahoma. Two squadrons trained students in their journey to become Air Force pilots. The venerable Tweet A.K.A. The 6000-pound dog-whistle!

Pilot

AOPA

JULY 24, 2025

Gleim Aviation demonstrated its latest pilot-training tools during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, including a new interactive DPE, or "Digital Pilot Examiner," named Otto. While Otto cannot sign off on a student pilot’s oral exam and checkride, it is designed to raise the intensity and effectiveness of test preparation.

Checkride

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

For student pilots and private pilots, a cadet pilot program might seem like the ideal route. Cadet programs are tailored to get you from a novice to a licensed pilot with a direct path to employment after graduation. Key Takeaways Cadet pilot programs offer a path to becoming an airline pilot with guaranteed employment.

Pilot

CFI Academy

JUNE 13, 2025

Whether you’re looking to build flight time, improve your aeronautical skills, or start a teaching career, instructing is often the first professional aviation role for many pilots. Many aspiring airline and corporate pilots become CFIs to accelerate their flight experience. Beyond logging time, teaching makes you a better pilot.

Checkride

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 24, 2025

A multi-engine rating is an FAA class rating that allows a certificated pilot to fly aircraft with more than one engine. It’s not a separate license but an endorsement added to your existing pilot certificate, whether private or commercial. c) are relatively simple compared to other pilot certifications.

Checkride

Flight Training Central

MARCH 12, 2025

This video tip is from Sporty’s Commercial Pilot Training Course. Video training, test prep, checkride prep and more. This video shows how these systems work, including the compressor and turbine components, intercooler, wastegate, and engine flight instruments.

Airplanes

Northstar VFR

JULY 6, 2025

It's part of your preflight planning responsibilities under 14 CFR § 91.103 , which requires pilots to be familiar with all available information before any flight. That experience really cemented for my student—and reinforced for me—that NWKRAFT isn’t just for checkride day. For VFR pilots, visibility and cloud clearance are key.

NOTAMs

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Starting on your path to becoming a pilot might feel like stepping into the unknown. Let’s get you set up with what you need to begin your pilot journey. Key Takeaways Getting a pilot’s license requires a high school education or GED and passing a basic medical exam. What Are the Basic Requirements to Start Pilot Training?

Pilot

Inflight Pilot Training

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

Over the past few years, airlines have been aggressively recruiting pilots to address a global pilot shortage, offering increased salaries, signing bonuses, and pathway programs. This shift has left many aspiring pilots questioning whether now is the right time to enter the industry. Why Are Airlines Reducing Hiring?

Pilot

WayMan

JUNE 16, 2025

how to get an aviation license Earning an aviation license is the first step to becoming a pilot—whether you’re flying recreationally or planning a career in commercial aviation. Steps to Get Your Aviation License The process of becoming a licensed pilot depends on the license type, but the general steps remain consistent.

Checkride

Inflight Pilot Training

JUNE 20, 2025

Whether you’re here to pursue a professional pilot career or simply enjoy the thrill of flying on weekends, Inflight provides the infrastructure and support you need. As a Cirrus partner, we offer transition courses, advanced training, and insurance-approved checkouts for owners and aspiring pilots alike.

Pilot

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 23, 2025

Thinking about becoming a pilot and wondering how much it costs? The cost of pilot training in the USA can vary significantly, depending on where you train, how quickly you learn, and the type of aircraft you fly. Private Pilot License (PPL) Overview A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first milestone on your flying journey.

Pilot

WayMan

MAY 6, 2025

Student Pilot Guide to Calculate Weight and Balance If you’re a student pilot, understanding how to calculate weight and balance is crucial. Before you fly solo or take your checkride, you need to know how to safely load an aircraft. That’s why it’s a must-know topic for every student pilot.

Pilot

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

At Leopard Aviation , we teach steep turns as a core part of pilot training because they build essential skills like coordination, control, and situational awareness. Fundamentals of Steep Turns Steep turns are a fundamental maneuver that every pilot must master to improve control, coordination, and overall flying precision.

Pilot

CFI Academy

JUNE 24, 2025

Whether you’re working toward your Private Pilot License (PPL) , Commercial Pilot Certificate , or a full CFI bundle , accelerated training compresses the timeline without cutting corners on quality or FAA standards. Most students take their checkride in the final week of their program. What Is Accelerated Flight Training?

Checkride

CFI Academy

MARCH 31, 2025

If youre a pilot considering the next step in your aviation career, you’ve probably wondered, “Is becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) really worth it?” CFIs quickly accumulate flight hours, a crucial requirement for advanced pilot positions, including airline jobs. So: Is a CFI Rating Worth It?

Checkride

CFI Academy

MARCH 28, 2025

For the FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Airplane Single Engine (ASE) checkride, the demonstration stalls are specific maneuvers that you, as a CFI candidate, must perform and explain to demonstrate your instructional knowledge and ability. There are indeed four demonstration stalls youll need to master for the CFI checkride.

Aileron

Inflight Pilot Training

JUNE 6, 2025

When it comes to Cirrus flight training in Minnesota, Inflight Pilot Training stands out as the premier destination for aspiring pilots. Official Cirrus Training Center Status Inflight Pilot Training is proud to be a Platinum Cirrus Training Center , the highest level of partnership available through Cirrus Aircraft.

Pilot

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

Slow Flight Slow flight is one of the key types of aircraft maneuvers every student pilot should learn because it teaches how the plane behaves near stall speeds and how to maintain control with reduced airflow over the wings. Crosswind Takeoff and Landing: Handling wind coming from the side is a skill every pilot must master.

Pilot

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 24, 2025

Here’s why getting clarity on training expenses pays off: Budget with Confidence When you see every fee laid out—aircraft rate, instructor time, simulator sessions, checkride costs—you can match your savings plan to your training timeline. Checkride readiness: Endorsements for knowledge and proficiency replace strict hour logs.

Checkride

Flying Magazine

JULY 30, 2025

Whether in person or online, ground school provides the essential theoretical knowledge required to pass the FAA written test, which is necessary for obtaining a private pilot certificate, an airline transport pilot certificate, and every certificate and rating in between. The Pilot Institute has a 99.8

Checkride

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 24, 2025

At Leopard Aviation , we guide pilots through every step—from ground lessons to engine-out drills—with flexible options that fit your goals and schedule. A multi‑engine rating is an FAA‑issued class rating add‑on that lets a certificated pilot legally fly twin-engine airplanes. A current FAA medical certificate (3rd class or BasicMed).

Checkride

Pilot Institute

APRIL 22, 2025

Pilots can have multiple licenses. Each license gives a pilot different privileges. Pilots usually start by getting their Private Pilot license and then work towards a commercial pilot license if they are interested in being a pilot as a career. But its a necessary step to obtain higher pilot certification.

Pilot

Inflight Pilot Training

APRIL 28, 2025

Becoming an airline pilot is an exciting and rewarding journey but its also a significant investment of time, effort, and money. With the aviation industry seeing record demand for pilots, 2025 is a prime time to start training. Private Pilot License (PPL) The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the foundation of every pilots career.

Pilot

Flying Magazine

JULY 31, 2025

After earning your private pilot license, the next big step in your flying journey is obtaining an instrument rating. For many pilots, online ground schools are just as effective as in-person classes because they offer flexibility, affordability, accessibility, self-paced learning, and consistency.

Checkride

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 23, 2025

With demand for pilots soaring in 2025, choosing from the best pilot training programs has never been more important. Evaluation Criteria If you’re exploring the best pilot training programs , knowing what to compare makes your search easier and more focused. Our students often stay in touch long after their checkrides.

Pilot

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 10, 2025

Preparing for the Ferry Flight As part of the aircrafts transition to its new home, Job Savage is undergoing a thorough checkout process under the instruction of Tony Wood, a seasoned pilot known for flying the Cavanaugh Flight Museums Skyraiders. Im hoping to take my checkride on the 15th after logging a few more hours of training.

Ferry Flight

Air Facts

JANUARY 22, 2025

To my surprise, the Cessna 172S that I have flown for all my training for Private Pilot and Instrument training, had a lapsed 30-day VOR check. I went into the office and informed them of the out-of-date VOR check and a mechanic took the airplane up while I was doing the oral portion of the checkride to complete the VOR check.

VOR

Thrust Flight

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Almost every pilot who pursues a career in aviation spends at least a little time as a flight instructor. Achieving that title however means you have to pass the ominous CFI checkride. In order to prepare for your CFI checkride you’ll need to attend a CFI academy.

Checkride

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 30, 2025

Earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) is one of the most exciting milestones in your aviation journey. At Inflight Pilot Training, we specialize in helping Private Pilots grow their skills and expand their horizons. Its a remarkable achievement that opens the door to a new world of freedom. What Is an Instrument Rating?

Pilot

Flight Training Central

MARCH 17, 2025

These codes indicate specific areas that need improvement before your checkride. PA = (private pilot airplane) identifies the applicable ACS XI = Area of Operation (Night Operation) A = Task (Night Preparation) K1 = Task element [knowledge (K), skill (S), risk management (R)]. The four elements of the coding system are: PA.XI.A.K1

Checkride

Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

It is intended to be a flying lesson , but only for those pilots who read it with learning as a mindset. Take into consideration that weather reporting, and the dissemination of these reports to pilots, was not as accurate then as it is now. After all, I had just aced my checkride. What else was there to know?

VOR

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 24, 2025

Understanding the Two Paths When deciding between FAA Part 61 vs 107 , you’re essentially choosing between flying manned aircraft and piloting commercial drones. FAA Part 61 This is the traditional route for becoming a private pilot , commercial pilot, or flight instructor. At Leopard Aviation , we operate under Part 61.

Pilot

Flight Training Central

JUNE 13, 2025

IFR Focus is a new online resource from the editors at Flight Training Central and iPad Pilot News, built specifically for pilots who want to stay sharp, stay safe, and stay current under IFR. That’s where IFR Focus comes in.

Checkride

Flight Training Central

APRIL 14, 2025

How about this as a long private pilot solo qualifying cross-country flight? They arent wrong about that, but in a strict sense, it now means that cross-country solo flight doesnt count toward the experience requirements for a private pilot certificate. Dont get creative and try and mix and match. At first look, it might look good.

Pilot

CFI Academy

JUNE 2, 2025

Slow flight is one of the most essential yet challenging maneuvers for new pilots to master — and for Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to teach effectively. Pass a Practical Test (Checkride) for Reinstatement If your certificate hasn’t expired, consider adding another instructor rating (e.g.,

Checkride

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

As a future pilot, you’re bound to come across the “Part 61 vs Part 141” quandary when you start researching pilot schools. These include aircraft design, maintenance procedures, and of course, pilot training. Part 61 sets the rules for certifying pilots and flight and ground instructors. Rigid timetable.

Pilot