Jason Blair, Author at Flight Training Central

About Jason Blair

Jason Blair is an active single- and multi-engine instructor and a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner with over 5,000 hours total time and over 3,000 hours of instruction given, and he has flown over 100 different makes and models of general aviation aircraft. In his role as Examiner, he has issued over 2000 pilot certificates. He works and has worked for multiple aviation associations that promote training and general aviation. He also consults on aviation training and regulatory efforts for the general aviation industry.

Entries by Jason Blair

Pilot training experience requirements—just do what the regulation says!

April 14, 2025/in Regulations, Tips and technique/by Jason Blair

The crafty, creative CFI thought it would be a great opportunity for the student to get in some practice at another airport. In this case, he had the student grab another airport (a 4th) along the way. They thought that the student doing another landing at Marion (KMWA) would be some good additional experience for them at a towered airport. They aren’t wrong about that, but in a strict sense, it now means that cross-country solo flight doesn’t count toward the experience requirements for a private pilot certificate.

How Many Hours is Average to Earn a Pilot Certificate?

December 16, 2024/in Personal stories/by Jason Blair

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.

Excuses to Proceed with a Checkride (You Probably Shouldn’t be Using)

July 15, 2024/in Tips and technique/by Jason Blair

If you do proceed forward with a test with any of these or other handicaps already identified, you will get a fair shake from a DPE. However, they can’t stretch the standards because of conditions or circumstances. You will have to perform to the same standards despite any outside pressures as you would if you did it on a day when these pressures were not present.

Round Out Your Pilot Skills with an Instrument Rating

February 19, 2024/in Tips and technique/by Jason Blair

Instrument flying certification and skills can be something that a pilot can use even on good VFR weather flying days. The process, and the skill set that comes with being an instrument pilot, and even a proficient one, can be a set of tools that makes any flight safer and more predictable.

Pilot certificates are not participation trophies

December 8, 2022/in Personal stories/by Jason Blair

A statistic was recently shared with us that indicates that in the past approximately 6-months, it appears first-time pass rates on private pilot airplane single-engine land practical tests are hovering somewhere in the 50-60% range. Take this to heart, please. It means that nearly half of our pilot applicants are failing their first attempts at a private pilot certificate.