The place: North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, FL
The aircraft: C172S
The memory: I’ve been dreaming of becoming a pilot for at least 20 years, ever since my first flight inside a 737 cockpit when I was 8 years old on an international flight unaccompanied. This year I finally managed to save up the money I needed and dove right into training with the goal of finishing before the end of the year. With the support of my family, I successfully completed my checkride on September 27, 2019! It was a momentous achievement for me, and a memory I will never forget! Now on to more learning and enjoying this achievement!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/05171752/JoanManuel-De-La-Cruz-scaled.jpeg19522560studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-10-11 10:00:042021-06-08 19:23:08Friday photo: Joan Manuel De La Cruz private pilot checkride
Student Pilot News is the best place for articles, videos, quizzes, and special offers for new pilots. But in addition to our weekly online updates, we also publish a print version once a year. You can flip through a PDF version of the 2019 edition below to learn about the booming market for airline pilots, tips for more effective flight training, and detailed product reviews.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/05171703/SPN-1019-cover.jpg922700studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-10-08 14:32:332021-06-08 19:23:08Student Pilot News print edition
If you ever dreamed of flying in a Red Bull Air Race, unfortunately it’s too late. After 12 seasons, the combination air race/aerobatics competition has flown its last event. But you can still fly along with some of the world’s greatest pilots in this video. Hear what it takes to fly the demanding course, from the Gs they pull to the roll rate of the airplane.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/05171808/Red-bull-feature.jpg450802studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-10-04 15:24:132021-06-08 19:23:08Video: what it takes to fly in a Red Bull Air Race
The place: Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport (1C5), Bolingbrook, IL
The aircraft: C152
The memory: It was a thorough and fun exam. After months of diligent studying, practicing, and preparation, I felt confident enough and was proud of my deliverance. My mind was set on earning my PPL for years, and I worked hard to get to this point to succeed. I am grateful for all of the support I’ve received over the years from my mentors – and especially my Grandfather, Arnold Zimmerman (EAA 205374.) Now on to the Instrument ! See you on the Flightline!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/05172221/Joseph-Ermel-e1568743814982-scaled.jpg25601920studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-09-27 10:00:462021-06-08 19:23:08Friday photo: Joseph Ermel private pilot checkride
A portable radio is a great way to learn aviation communications – just stand by the airport fence (or sit at home) and listen to other pilots as they talk to Air Traffic Control or other pilots. A radio is also a very helpful tool in an emergency, since it allows you to call for help even if the panel-mount avionics fail. The newest option is the PJ2, a $199 portable COM radio that has built-in headset jacks. Watch this video to see how it performs in a Cessna 172.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/05171805/PJ2-clip.jpg451801studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-09-26 10:08:052021-06-08 19:23:08Video: handheld radio with built-in headset jacks
Being a professional pilot means so much more than just flying from New York to Boston in a regional jet. In this unique video, ride along with Scott Palmer as he sprays some bean fields in his turbine Ag-Cat. It’s a demanding type of flying that rewards precise speed control and total focus, but as Scott explains it’s also a lot of fun.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/05172314/Crop-duster.jpg445795studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngstudentpltnews2019-09-20 08:21:052021-06-08 19:23:08Video: crop dusting in a turbine Ag-Cat
Friday photo: Joan Manuel De La Cruz private pilot checkride
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: Private pilot checkride
The pilot: Joan Manuel De La Cruz
The place: North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, FL
The aircraft: C172S
The memory: I’ve been dreaming of becoming a pilot for at least 20 years, ever since my first flight inside a 737 cockpit when I was 8 years old on an international flight unaccompanied. This year I finally managed to save up the money I needed and dove right into training with the goal of finishing before the end of the year. With the support of my family, I successfully completed my checkride on September 27, 2019! It was a momentous achievement for me, and a memory I will never forget! Now on to more learning and enjoying this achievement!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Student Pilot News print edition
/in Tips and technique/by studentpltnewsStudent Pilot News is the best place for articles, videos, quizzes, and special offers for new pilots. But in addition to our weekly online updates, we also publish a print version once a year. You can flip through a PDF version of the 2019 edition below to learn about the booming market for airline pilots, tips for more effective flight training, and detailed product reviews.
Video: what it takes to fly in a Red Bull Air Race
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsIf you ever dreamed of flying in a Red Bull Air Race, unfortunately it’s too late. After 12 seasons, the combination air race/aerobatics competition has flown its last event. But you can still fly along with some of the world’s greatest pilots in this video. Hear what it takes to fly the demanding course, from the Gs they pull to the roll rate of the airplane.
Video courtesy of Red Bull Air Race.
Friday photo: Joseph Ermel private pilot checkride
/in Friday Photo/by studentpltnewsThe moment: Private pilot checkride
The pilot: Joseph Ermel
The place: Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport (1C5), Bolingbrook, IL
The aircraft: C152
The memory: It was a thorough and fun exam. After months of diligent studying, practicing, and preparation, I felt confident enough and was proud of my deliverance. My mind was set on earning my PPL for years, and I worked hard to get to this point to succeed. I am grateful for all of the support I’ve received over the years from my mentors – and especially my Grandfather, Arnold Zimmerman (EAA 205374.) Now on to the Instrument ! See you on the Flightline!
Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]
Video: handheld radio with built-in headset jacks
/in Pilot Gear/by studentpltnewsA portable radio is a great way to learn aviation communications – just stand by the airport fence (or sit at home) and listen to other pilots as they talk to Air Traffic Control or other pilots. A radio is also a very helpful tool in an emergency, since it allows you to call for help even if the panel-mount avionics fail. The newest option is the PJ2, a $199 portable COM radio that has built-in headset jacks. Watch this video to see how it performs in a Cessna 172.
More information about the PJ2 COM Radio here
Video: crop dusting in a turbine Ag-Cat
/in Fun Flying Videos/by studentpltnewsBeing a professional pilot means so much more than just flying from New York to Boston in a regional jet. In this unique video, ride along with Scott Palmer as he sprays some bean fields in his turbine Ag-Cat. It’s a demanding type of flying that rewards precise speed control and total focus, but as Scott explains it’s also a lot of fun.
Video courtesy of Scott Palmer.