Entries by Flight Training Central Staff

Ask a CFI: What is an ILS critical area and when should I hold short?

The critical area for the instrument landing system is located near the ILS antenna array, where an airplane on the ground (or vehicle) in that space could interfere with the radio signals for airplanes flying an ILS instrument approach. An ILS consists of two separate facilities that operate independently but come together in the cockpit to enable both lateral and vertical precision guidance.

June 2024 test question update from Sporty’s

Sporty’s recently released its June written test question update in its 2024 Learn to Fly Course test preparation module. While the FAA does not publish actual test questions, representative test questions are available, and new questions released by Sporty’s represent emphasis areas which you will likely enounter on the test.

The Road to PIC YouTube Series from Baron Pilot

Learning to fly is fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating and even scary at times—and that’s exactly what Kim and Kristoffer from the Baron Pilot YouTube channel wanted to show in their new video series. In The Road to PIC, you can follow along on the exhilarating, but often raw and emotional journey, as Kim goes from first lesson, to first solo to PIC.

Inflight emergency scenarios with Spencer Suderman

Airshow pilot and flight instructor, Spencer Suderman, simulates several inflight emergency scenarios and how to handle them, including loss of engine power, flight instrument failure and loss of radio communications. Then on the return flight back to Jacksonville’s Craig field, Spencer shows how to work with ATC in a busy traffic pattern.

Five Ways to Save Money During Training

The most popular question I address with prospective pilots is how much and when? Of course the time and money variables go hand in hand. While difficult to arrive at an exact date and decimal point, pilots control much of their own destiny and we can provide ranges for time and money with reasonable accuracy based on past performance.