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Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

The automatic pilot (autopilot) has to be one of aviations finest technological inventions. Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times. What is an autopilot?

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The Difference Between Category, Class, and Type of Aircraft

Pilot Institute

Whether you are an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about the subject, this article is for you. Category also has different meanings in pilot certification, aircraft certification, and instrument approaches. no control surfaces). What Is the Difference Between Category, Class, and Type?

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MOSAIC Is Here: What It Means for Homebuilts

AV Web

The long-awaited Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule was signed by the FAA Administrator on July 18, 2025, marking the most significant change to the light aircraft landscape since the Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) rule was introduced in 2004. Here’s what you need to know.

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How to Read a Windsock

Pilot Institute

Have you ever wondered how pilots determine wind direction and speed at a glance? A windsock is an essential aviation tool that helps pilots make safe decisions. Role in Aviation and Other Industries What makes windsocks so reliable for pilots? The best windsocks strike a balance between weight and strength.

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What’s New in Airman Testing: June 2025 Updates You Should Know

Flight Training Central

Other Notables The FAA is removing the outdated Flying Light Twins Safely pamphlet from the ACS reference list and encouraging pilots to rely on the Airplane Flying Handbook for multiengine topics, especially Vmc. Two new Sport Pilot helicopter knowledge exams (simplified flight controls) are coming, aligned with MOSAIC.

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Pilot Safety Simplified: Proficiency vs. Currency Explained

Pilot Institute

Well examine why they should always go hand-in-hand and how you can improve your skills to become a more capable pilot. Key Takeaways Currency ensures a pilot meets FAA legal requirements to act as pilot-in-command. Proficiency is a pilots ability to fly skillfully and safely beyond legal minimums.

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Tailless Aircraft: How Airplanes Fly Without a Tail

Pilot Institute

How does it turn or climb without the usual control surfaces? Despite their lack of horizontal control surfaces, tailless aircraft are designed to be stable. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. Ever wondered how it stays balanced?