Inflight Pilot Training

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

If you’re considering a career as a pilot, you may be weighing the options between enrolling in a dedicated flight school or pursuing an aviation degree from a university. Both paths can lead to a successful career in aviation, but each has distinct advantages and challenges. To help you make the best choice, lets break down the key differences between these two approaches in greater detail.

Pilot

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

In 2024, Magma Aviation, the innovative air cargo solutions company, made significant progress. With its strategic hubs in Europe and expansions in Dubai and Dublin, Magma Aviation is well-positioned to make substantial improvements in operational efficiency and market coverage. Last year, Magma Aviation signed a multi-year contract with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) for freighter handling at Liege Airport (LGG) with the aim of enhancing handling capabilities.

Narrow-Body Aircraft

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Your first check ride is a big day. It is the first time you will step into the cockpit and demonstrate to your examiner, the FAA, and yourself that youre ready to safely and competently operate as a private pilot. If youve put in the time to study, practiced your maneuvers thoroughly, and developed the right mindset, youll be well on your way to a successful outcome.

Federal Aviation Regulations

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

In early 2022, Delta Air Lines took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo. The airline has 155 of these planes on order, which will be delivered through 2027. The airline has been taking delivery of these jets quickly, and Deltas A321neo fleet is now approaching 70 aircraft. This is a great addition to Deltas fleet the A321neo has fantastic range and economics, and Delta offers a good passenger experience onboard, including a new first class seat.

Narrow-Body Aircraft

Vintage Aviation News

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

On this day in aviation history, February 12, 1935, the United States Navy’s scouting airship and “flying aircraft carrier” USS Macon (ZRS-5) was lost in a storm of the California coast. Having once been among the largest flying objects in the history of aviation, the loss of USS Macon spelled the end not only to the airship’s brief career but to the US Navy’s experiment in rigid dirigibles as well.

Lift

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Bahamasair, the state-owned airline of the Bahamas, is reportedly considering a potential order for Airbus A220 narrowbody aircraft as the carrier mulls a replacement for its aging jet fleet of four Boeing 737-700s. The airline would also use the new aircraft to expand into new markets and develop its footprint across the Caribbean region, according to the airlines CEO.

Airplanes

AV Web

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final airworthiness directive (AD) requiring the replacement of rudders on specific Piper series aircraft. The AD, effective March 20, 2025, addresses safety concerns stemming from reports of rudder failures due to fatigue and corrosion in rudder posts made from 1025 carbon steel. Under the new requirements, these components must be replaced with more durable 4130N low-alloy steel rudders.

Rudder

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

When drones first became available to everyone, some people flew them recklessly. Now, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) generally requires pilots who use drones for business to get a Part 107 license. Some pilots might not follow these rules, but these are serious violations. There are real punishments, dangers, and strict rules from the FAA.

Pilot

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that all major wreckage from the fatal collision between a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operated by American Airlines and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has been recovered. According to the most recent NTSB update, all major pieces of both aircraft have been recovered and taken to a secure airport facility for further examination and documentation. “Investigators will be looking for witness marks on the aircraft

Final Approach

AV Web

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft crashed this morning (February 12) in San Diego Bay near Shelter Island. Both crew members ejected and were picked up within minutes by a fishing boat, transferred to a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) vessel, and taken to a hospital. They are reported in stable condition. The two-seat jet was reportedly on approach to the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego at about 10:15 a.m.

Ceiling

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

For the next portion of my quick trip to Paris and Cairo , Ihad a long layover at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), as I was arriving from Cairo in the early morning, and was departing for London very late at night. Fortunately Ethiopian Airlines has a great program whereby you can receive a transit hotel for long layovers. In this post Ill be reviewing my experience with that, including how I got the voucher for my stay, what the Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel is like, and wha

Airline

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Among the sea of colored lights found at an airport, youll always see one higher and brighter than the rest. Thats the airport beacon. What are these airport beacons, what is their purpose, and (most importantly) how do you read them? Get ready to dive into the world of airport beacons! Key Takeaways Airport beacons help pilots locate airports during night or low visibility conditions.

VOR

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Boeing delivered 45 new aircraft in January 2025, outperforming rival Airbus which handed over 25 planes to 17 customers during the same period. The 45 Boeing aircraft deliveries were the highest the US aircraft manufacturer had achieved since December 2023, and the first time it had eclipsed Airbus since March 2023. Before the latest data was released on February 11, 2025, Boeings last busiest month was in June 2024 when the company delivered 45 aircraft, but this was far from the 105 deliverie

Jet

AV Web

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

The Boca Raton (Florida) Airport Authority announced earlier this week it has received the 2023 General Aviation Safety Award from the FAA Southern Region Airports Division. The award was presented in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 4, 2025. The Airport Authority cites 100% participation in its voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) as pivotal in earing the honor.

General Aviation

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Im just finishing off my review trip to Hong Kong , with a quick side trip from New York to Los Angeles in Delta One business class. While Ill share my initial thoughts on the flight in a separate post, in this post I want to talk about the Delta One Lounges in both New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), which I visited on both ends of my flight. Weve seen the opening of Delta One Lounges in recent times, which are Deltas new premium lounges, intended to compete with American Flagship Lounges and

Airline

Inflight Pilot Training

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Earning your wings is about more than just learning to flyits about developing the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities that will shape you into a safe and competent pilot. While every students journey is unique, this guide provides a general outline of what you can expect during your first 10 hours of flight training. Some concepts may come easily, while others require more time and practice, but thats all part of the learning process.

Aileron

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Air India is delaying its decision to purchase more Boeing aircraft until the manufacturer resolves its backlog, the airlines CEO Campbell Wilson told Reuters. “We don’t want to commit to anything until we have confidence of when it’s going to come, Wilson explained in an interview with Reuters in London. And likewise, they [Boeing] don’t want to offer something until they have confidence of when it’s going to come.

Jet

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Who is the pilot in command of your aircraft? Air Facts Journal The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. FAR 91.3 is one of the simplest and best known federal aviation regulations, and it clearly defines the most essential job as a pilot: to be the boss for the entire flight.

Pilot in Command

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

Heres a practice thats way too common, as flagged by View from the Wing. Its nice to see people being held accountable, even if action was only taken due to public pressure resulting from a leak. Indonesia fires 30 immigration officers over bribes Indonesia has just fired 30 immigration officers working at Jakarta SoekarnoHatta International Airport (CGK), following accusations that they demanded bribes from Chinese travelers.

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Youve probably seen the amazing footage captured by drones on social media or in the latest Hollywood blockbuster. From first-person views of a racing drone flying through abandoned buildings to sweeping shots of breathtaking landscapes as cars speed along some coastal highway. You may have even thought to yourself, Hey, Id like to do that, only to find that many of the drones you looked at cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, pricing them out of your budget.

Pilot

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

An EasyJet Airbus A320 en route from Hurghada, Egypt, to Manchester, UK, was forced to divert to Athens, Greece, after the Captain became incapacitated mid-flight. The First Officer promptly took control and landed the aircraft safely at Athens International Airport. The incident occurred on February 8, 2025, when EasyJet flight U2-2252, operating aboard an Airbus A320-200N (registration G-UZEE), was approximately two hours into its journey at an altitude of FL360.

Tarmac

AV Web

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials are considering a permanent ban on helicopters flying near Reagan Washington National Airport airspace, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Following the fatal collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk and an American Airlines regional jet, the FAA imposed temporary restrictions on helicopter traffic around Reagan, but more lasting regulations may be on the horizon.

Air Traffic Control

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

During my quick trip to Paris and Cairo , I had the chance to check out the Ethiopian Airlines Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). While thats a mouthful, this is essentially the Star Alliance carriers primary hub business class lounge. This was during my extended layover, where I also took advantage of the carriers transit hotel program , so I spent the day at the Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel.

Airline

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

A biennial flight review guide is more than a regulatory requirementits a crucial opportunity for pilots to refresh skills and stay sharp. The FAA mandates a review every 24 months, ensuring pilots remain proficient in regulations, safety procedures, and flight maneuvers. This process includes at least one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight training with an instructor.

Weather

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Spirit Airlines has rejected Frontier Group’s latest merger offer, stating that it is less beneficial to shareholders compared to the airlines current restructuring plan. On February 11, 2025, Spirit Airlines issued a statement providing an update on its restructuring process regarding a new proposal from Frontier Group, the parent company of Frontier Airlines.

Airline

Vintage Aviation News

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

The Philippine Mars is finally en route to the San Francisco Bay, as originally planned, after overcoming setbacks due to engine issues earlier this year. In January, mechanical troubles forced the aircraft to return to its base at Sproat Lake, British Columbia, delaying its journey. The historic flying boat departed Sproat Lake three weeks ago, beginning its relocation to its new home at the Pima Air and Space Museum (PASM) in Tucson, Arizona.

Cargo

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

Hello from South Korea, as I start the return journey of my review trip. I just flew Cathay Pacifics Airbus A321neo business class, on the 2hr50min morning flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Seoul Incheon (ICN). Cathay Pacific started flying the A321neo in 2021 , and as time goes on, itll become an increasingly large part of the carriers fleet. Ive gotta be honest, it feels kind of weird to board a narrow body jet on Cathay Pacific, because Im so used to the airline only flying wide body jets pre-pa

Narrow-Body Aircraft

AV Web

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Effective March 1, France will charge much higher Air Passenger Transport Tax rates for commercial business jet charter operators. Private aircraft owners will not be directly affected, but the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) fears the precipitous rise in per-passenger taxes will cripple commercial charter flying, which would have a knock-on impact on all general aviation as support facilities such as fuel suppliers, FBOs and other support providers will face cutbacks.

General Aviation

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Aviation continues to grow, and in 2024, total airline capacity exceeded 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic. As more passengers take to the skies, the world’s busiest airports are growing, too. Aviation data experts OAG have released their ranking of the busiest airports in the world for 2024. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson is on top again, as it was last year and in 2019.

Runway

Simple Flying

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

Dating back to the mid-1940s, Ethiopian Airlines is one of the oldest carriers in all of Africa, with recent developments having seen it become widely regarded as one of the continent's leading operators of commercial aircraft. Flying out of its hub in Addis Ababa, the Star Alliance member operates a modern and diverse fleet of regional, narrowbody, and widebody aircraft to destinations all around the globe.

Airline

One Mile at a Time

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Ive flown JetBlues Mint business class many times over the years, and one thing that has always stood out to me is how excellent the flight attendants are. JetBlue has a special subset of crews who work in Mint, and in my experience theyre always friendly and professional. Well, my last flight was an exception. Im curious if I just got unlucky, or if there has been a bit of a service shift at JetBlue.

Airline

AV Web

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 test aircraft made a splash with its first supersonic flight two weeks ago but it didn’t make a boom and that, after all, was the point. The startup’s XB-1 prototype exceeded Mach 1 three times on the Jan.28 flight but those in the flight path wouldn’t have been able to tell. “Specialized microphone arrays placed in strategic locations under the flight path confirmed that sonic booms did not reach the ground as XB-1 flew at a top speed of Mach

Airline

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

According to a report published on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Australian Government, led by Anthony Albanese, intends to announce as soon as February 12, 2025, that it is considering the purchase of a controlling stake in Rex Airlines , the beleaguered regional Australian carrier that serves many smaller and more rural communities across the country that would be isolated to a large degree should Rex services cease to exist.

Airline

Cranky Flier

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

I wasn’t planning on doing a Baltimore/Washington (BWI) post originally, but after doing DCA on Monday and Dulles on Tuesday , well, let’s just finish out Washington Week with the other airport serving the metro area. This is actually a very interesting airport with what I would consider to be the least fixed future of the three in the region.

Airline

Vintage Aviation News

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

On this day in aviation history, February 8, 1967, the Saab 37 Viggen made its first flight. Designed as a multirole fighter and attack aircraft by the Swedish Aeroplane Corporation (SAAB), the Viggen was one of the most capable aircraft of the Cold War to be developed by a neutral power. Although it would never fire a shot in anger, Viggen would gain the admiration of its pilots and the respect of both NATO and Warsaw Pact pilots and remains a favorite of many aviation enthusiasts around the wo

Pilot

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

Airplane wings vary in shape and size, but all have standard features like the chord line. The chord line is a crucial datum point used to indicate the angle of attack relative to airflow. It’s an imaginary straight line from the wings trailing edge to the center of the leading edge. The chord line is actually really important, especially when discussing aerodynamics.

Center of Gravity

Aerotime

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Turkish Airlines plans to ramp up its flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to create a daily service using its A350-900 flight. It had been less than three months since the Turkish flag carrier launched its inaugural flight to Sydney, which began on November 28, 2024. The airline will progressively increase the number of services throughout 2025, with the current four-weekly service to increase to five-weekly from mid-June 2025, then six-weekl

Airline