Getting current with a full time job – can it be done?
The thought of taking on flight lessons while maintaining a 40+ hour work week can be daunting. Do not be deterred! There is a path to knocking the rust off while still paying the bills.
About Eric Radtke
It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. Eric now serves as Chief Instructor at Sporty's Academy and directs the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Training Program. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.
Entries by Eric Radtke
Webinar video: aviation headsets
/in Webinars/by Eric RadtkeJoin Doug Ranly as he demystifies the world of aviation headsets, shares what’s new, and highlights the features important to you. When you’re ready to purchase your headset, visit Sporty’s interactive buyers guide and see a complete lineup of headsets available for sale.
Rusty Pilot Week Launches at Sporty’s
/in News/by Eric Radtkeyour pilot’s license never expires, and you don’t have to pass a checkride to regain currency. All it takes is some studying and a few hours with a flight instructor. Sporty’s and Flight Training Central are here to help.
Are you prepared to go around?
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeMinutes later we were told to slow to our final speed as the Falcon tri-jet had not yet begun its taxi. We were fortunate to have about 20 seconds at our 120kt final approach speed to discuss the possibility of a go-around given the slow progress of the Falcon’s taxi run. This discussion involved the steps we would take performing the go-around.
Chart Smart: VFR sectional remote communications outlet
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeThe Greenville VORTAC communications box indicates that you are able to communicate with the Gainesville Flight Service Station by transmitting on 122.1 (122.1R) on your comm radio.
Can a pilot perform maintenance on an aircraft?
/in Regulations/by Eric RadtkePilots are allowed to perform simple or minor maintenance on their aircraft – what the FAA refers to as preventive maintenance. Appendix A to Part 43 contains a list of tasks that meet the preventive maintenance definition.
Do you really have the available runway distance published?
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeIn the Chart Supplement entry for many airports, especially those frequented by jet aircraft, you’ll see a collection of runway distance information that may differ from the runway length information published on the airport diagram.
How do you start a jet engine?
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeSmaller jet engines are started using electrical power, either from a battery or an external power unit. Upon initiating the start, generally with the push of a button, the battery powers the starter motor which begins rotating the engine just like a piston-powered airplane or your car.
How to fly a standard airport traffic pattern
/in Tips and technique/by Eric RadtkeA left hand pattern is considered standard and should be used unless specified otherwise for an airport. It is important to fly standard traffic pattern procedures to ensure the safe and orderly flow of aircraft to and from an airport.
FAA proposing rule that will expand aircraft eligible for sport pilot
/in News/by Eric RadtkeUnder the proposal, aircraft weighing as much as 3,000 pounds will be eligible for Sport Pilot. This more than doubles the weight of aircraft under the current definition of Light Sport of 1,320 pounds, allowing larger and stronger aircraft to qualify as Light Sport.
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