Flight Training Central

JULY 14, 2025

The aviation industry has long debated the minimum flight hours required for pilots to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, a prerequisite for serving as a pilot in command at major airlines. Reducing ATP minimum hours—say, to 1,000 or 750 hours—would significantly shorten the time pilots spend as CFIs.

Pilot

CFI Academy

AUGUST 16, 2024

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a licensed pilot who has received specialized training to teach others how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They take on the vital task of teaching and mentoring future pilots, guiding them through the complex process of earning their pilot’s certificate.

Checkride

Vintage Aviation News

JANUARY 16, 2025

Aviation demands continuous learning, regular training, and routine checkrides. Being a pilot is far from a “learn it and forget it” endeavor; it requires ongoing practice and knowledge refreshment. A pilot whose abilities peak on the day of their checkride risks becoming a liability.

Air Traffic Control

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

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Pilots observe checklist use and learn their importance starting at the first flight lesson. Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. However, it’s the nature of the repetition that helps the pilot notice if something is abnormal with the aircraft.

Pilot

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 27, 2024

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI My checkrides have always had at least one element of surprise to them. On my Commercial checkride, this happened during the oral exam. The FAA isn’t out to get you on your checkride. I passed on the first attempt, but it was a great reminder how thorough we need to be in our checkride preparation.

Longitudinal Axis

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 4, 2024

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI The Instrument Rating is an excellent goal after you’ve completed your Private Pilot training. It’s a requirement if you want to become a flight instructor and for most jobs as a commercial pilot. I felt skilled, knowledgeable, and confident going into my checkride!

Checkride

Pilot's Life Blog

MAY 6, 2025

One of the first questions we hear is, How long does pilot school take? At Leopard Aviation, we guide you through every stepfrom your first flight to your final checkride. If youre wondering how long pilot school takes , the real answer is simple: with the right team, it takes less time than you think.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

JULY 3, 2024

Before this can happen, you must obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL), which can be challenging, lengthy, and confusing. What is a Private Pilot License? Deciding to become a pilot is an exciting moment in every aviator’s life. The FAA issues several different pilot licenses, from student pilot to airline transport pilot.

Pilot

Northstar VFR

APRIL 11, 2024

By Ally Melick, CRJ Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI Over and over you hear on the news about a pilot shortage and how over the next few years thousands of pilots will be hired by the airlines. You’ve always dreamt about becoming a pilot and it seems like now is a great time for a career change.

Pilot

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 25, 2024

Knowledge of these inspections is a required element to pass a checkride. It’s the responsibility of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to confirm that the inspections have been performed and the aircraft airworthy before conducting a flight. Your safety, and even your pilot certificate, could be on the line.

Annual Inspection

Pilot's Life Blog

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Becoming a pilot is an exciting journey, but it requires a solid understanding of the costs involved. Flight training is a significant investment, and for aspiring pilots, its essential to know exactly what theyre committing to. However, different types of pilot certifications come with varying costs and time commitments.

Pilot

Inflight Pilot Training

JUNE 11, 2024

As the demand for air travel continues to grow, so does the need for qualified pilots. But, the aviation industry is currently facing a pilot shortage, making it the perfect time for newly licensed private pilots to take the next step towards advancing their skills. How Many Pilots Are Needed To Fight The Shortage?

Pilot

CFI Academy

AUGUST 16, 2024

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is a licensed pilot who has received specialized training to teach others how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They take on the vital task of teaching and mentoring future pilots, guiding them through the complex process of earning their pilot’s certificate.

Checkride

NAFI

DECEMBER 17, 2023

Some people don’t need to be pilots. Or at least for the required checkride prep portion if you inherited them from somebody else. You know whether or not you see “pilot in command” coming from them. Comment below, your thoughts. Do you agree with them? That’s not a bad thing. Think I’m being hyperbolical?

Pilot in Command

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

Pilot Job Central

OCTOBER 1, 2023

Unlock your pilot career with airline pilot cadet programs. Whether you are aspiring pilot looking to kickstart your aviation career or a recent flight school graduate, modern airline pilot cadet programs can be a fit for your pilot career goals. Table of Contents What is an airline pilot cadet program?

Pilot

Northstar VFR

JULY 28, 2024

By Ally Melick CRJ Pilot, CFI-I, MEI The Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM) is the pilot’s bible. From picking a flight school to how many hours you can work as an airline pilot, the FAR AIM has all of the answers. A purchase of this two-in-one book is an essential for all pilots.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 18, 2024

The change from the Practical Test Standards (PTS) to the ACS was a long-anticipated update for flight instructor applicants and Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). The newest update was effective for checkrides on 5/31/24 or later. At the same time, the FAA also made an update to the Private Pilot AC S.

Checkride

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