Tips for student pilots : Flight Training Central

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How weight loss drugs may affect your medical

December 20, 2024

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As a pilot, your medical certification is essential not only for your career but also for ensuring the safety of everyone on board. With the growing prevalence of weight management medications, it's important to understand how these drugs can affect your medical status and what steps you need to take to remain in compliance.

Video tip: How to handle crosswinds during takeoff

December 18, 2024

When planning for takeoff, it's best to choose a runway at the departure airport that is most aligned with the wind. Unfortunately, the winds rarely blow right down the runway, so you must learn how to accomplish takeoffs and landings under crosswind conditions. This week's tip looks at the control inputs required and performance implications when performing a crosswind takeoff.

How Many Hours is Average to Earn a Pilot Certificate?

December 16, 2024

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I went back through a bunch of practical tests I had given and came up with some averages of how many hours people had when they completed practical tests. The goal was to answer the question, how many hours does a pilot typically have when they complete a private or commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating? So, I compiled hours for each event from each practical test I have given through the end of 2023 and this is what I found.

Most frequently missed instrument test questions—November 2024

December 13, 2024

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These commonly missed questions often relate to IFR regulations, ATC clearances, meteorology, and complex instrument procedures. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes. Here are the five most often missed questions from November 2024.

Video tip: how do VORs work?

December 11, 2024

In the age of GPS and iPad it can be tempting to look past the traditional forms of ground-based radio navigation like VOR in favor of direct-to navigation and moving map displays. It's important you still take the time to understand how to use these systems since VORs serve an important role in the national airspace system and can provide a reliable source of backup navigation.

Quiz: BasicMed

December 9, 2024

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BasicMed underwent a significant expansion in November 2024, increasing the number of allowable passengers in a covered aircraft to six (up from five); increasing the allowable number of seats to seven (up from six); and increasing the maxium certificated takeoff weight to 12,500 pounds (up from 6,000 pounds). Test your knowledge of BasicMed in this quiz.