Entries by Eric Radtke

FAA Introduces New Rules for CFIs Effective December 1

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Big changes are coming for certified flight instructors on December 1, 2024. While it’s been widely publicized that CFIs will no longer have an expiration date associated with their certificate under the new rules, CFIs are required to maintain recent flight instruction activity or participate in a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) at least every 24 months. Failure to document and apply for recency will have the same effect as a CFI expiring.

TAA Instrument Approaches: How to Navigate Terminal Arrival Areas

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The Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) approach is designed to provide a transition from the IFR enroute segment to the approach environment with little required interaction between the pilot and air traffic control (ATC). This is accomplished by publishing operationally usable altitudes in lieu of a traditional minimum safe altitude (MSA) altitude defined within a circular sector.

How to obtain an airspace authorization for drone operations

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As a Part 107 drone pilot (commercial operator), or as a recreational drone flyer, operations in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace are allowed without air traffic control permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E (controlled) airspace require ATC approval. Since the inception of the rules governing UAS, Authorizations for controlled airspace operations have become much simpler and can be obtained from the FAA.

Test Your Knowledge: Sharing Flight Expenses with Passengers

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While you can be compensated to fly as a Commercial pilot, you can only do so under the common law term, private carriage, which is conducted under Part 91. The opposite of private carriage is common carriage which requires a Part 119 authorization (Air Carrier Certificate) issued under Part 135 for charter operators or Part 121 for airlines.

What to expect on a flight review

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The Flight Review is required under FAR 61.56 which must be completed every 24 calendar months. While it’s not a test or a checkride, it’s an opportunity to sharpen your skills and stay up to date with regulations. So, what should a pilot expect during a flight review?

Navigating the ATP Certification Process: A Pilot’s Guide

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To be eligible to serve as an airline crew member, pilots must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP). To reach the ATP level, pilots now have the option of pursuing an unrestricted ATP subject to FAR Part 61 requirements or may choose to pursue a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) qualification by graduating from an approved, collegiate-based aviation program.

Pilot’s Guide to International Flight Planning

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You’ll find that many destinations—Canada, the Bahamas and much of the Caribbean—are very accommodating of private aircraft and it’s relatively easy to comply with the local procedures. But for other international destinations, you’ll find the complexities are such that it may be worthwhile—or even required—to enlist the assistance of a local representative known as a handler to help navigate the entry and departure requirements.

How to find the smooth air

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If you climb out on a typical summer day, you’ll bump along for the first 5,000 feet in hazy air. Then, if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice there’s almost a line in the sky, above which is clear blue sky and below is murky. That’s the top of the haze layer, and below it you’ll almost always find a few bumps.