It’s one of the most distinctive airplanes ever built, and also one of the most fun. The AirCam was originally designed as the ultimate video platform, but the open cockpit, two seat airplane has since been adopted by plenty of other pilots who are looking for a unique flying experience. In this week’s video, you’ll ride along as the AirCam flies across some of the most beautiful places on earth, from remote jungles to quiet lakes.
https://youtu.be/maoHutUGv4U
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05180351/AirCam-in-flight.jpg7291400studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-20 11:16:492021-06-08 19:23:31Video: fun flying in the AirCam
There have never been better options for premium aviation headsets, as companies like Bose, Lightspeed, David Clark and AKG battle to make the quietest, most comfortable headset on the market. The only problem is that most of these headsets cost $800 or even $1000. For pilots looking to spend less, there’s an exciting new option from Faro. Their new Stealth headsets offer high performance without the high price, and are available in passive and active noise reduction models. We sent these headsets up for some test flights to see how they perform.
Faro’s new Stealth headset has an all-black finish.
A focus on value – not just price
Everyone wants a good price, but we’ve learned the hard way there’s a difference between a great price and a great value. There are plenty of cheap headsets on the market (we’ve flown with most of them), but often these “hot deals” focus exclusively on low price, which leads to low quality. Comfort is sacrificed with cheap ear seals, durability is decreased with cheap plastic components and cables are notoriously short-lived. No matter how inexpensive it is, a headset that fails after three months is not a good value.
Faro takes a different approach, which is why we’re excited to partner with them. Kevin Faro and his team focuses on low prices, but only if they can be achieved without sacrificing quality. The new Stealth headsets don’t have every last bell and whistle, but they are well made and comfortable. At $199.95 for the passive model and $399.95 for the ANR model, we think they’re a terrific value. Sure, they’re perfect for student pilots or passengers, but they’re also good enough any pilot to wear every day.
Active or passive noise reduction
Most pilots will tell you that once you fly with active noise reduction, you’ll never go back. That’s probably true, and for under $400 the Stealth makes it easy to go ANR. But we like how Faro offers both options with the same basic features. You can start with the passive, then move up to ANR as your flying and budget expands. When you do move up, you’ll be comfortable with the fit and features of the Stealth.
Both Stealth headsets have aux audio inputs.
Music input
Hardly any passive headsets offer a music input, which we think is a shame. A long cross-country flight is more fun with a little music from your phone. An auxiliary input is also helpful for receiving audio alerts from your iPad or portable GPS, like terrain or traffic callouts. Both the Stealth ANR and the Stealth Passive include a music input plug. It’s a minor detail, but we liked how it’s located on the juncture box where the headphone and microphone plugs come together, and an auxiliary input cable is included. Just plug in and enjoy.
Reversible electret microphone
The microphone on the Stealth sounded clear and crisp to us, although such judgments are fairly subjective. More noticeable was how easy it was to move the microphone on the Stealth. It has a fully-flexible mic boom for easy positioning, and it also rotates 360 degrees. That means you can place the mic on the right or left side, a great feature for flight instructors who plug into the right side of the cockpit.
Stereo audio with dual volume controls
Stereo audio is practically essential for us, especially if you’re listening to music, and both Stealth headsets offer this. In fact, there’s a simple stereo/mono switch so the headsets are compatible with all airplane intercom systems. It’s easy to independently control volume levels to both the left and right ear, with no confusing knobs.
Extra thick ear seals maximize noise reduction, but are soft and comfortable.
Double thick ear seals
Ear seals are where the rubber meets the road for a headset. While plenty of other factors affect comfort, this one is at the top of our list. For the Stealth series, Faro spent a lot of time designing a new ear seal, and we like the result. They are thick, no doubt about it, but they are also very soft and comfortable, with protein leather covers. We found the passive noise reduction to be excellent.
Modern style
You probably shouldn’t buy a headset based on looks, but we liked the all-black finish on the Stealth, which is the source of its name. It looks cool, but it also reduces glare and bright flashes in the cockpit, which is particularly noticeable on sunny days in low wing airplanes.
Helpful customer support
Faro Aviation is a relatively new name for many pilots, but they’ve actually been around for 18 years, and have a team of pilots based in Nevada. We tested their customer support and found them to be responsive and helpful. Both Stealth headsets also include a 3-year warranty.
Final verdict
So how do the Stealth headsets perform? Overall we think both models are really great values. They’re heavier than a Bose A20 and they don’t have the advanced Bluetooth features of a Lightspeed Zulu, so buyers with an unlimited budget may not be satisfied. But for anyone shopping in the sub-$600 price range, these look hard to beat. They’re surprisingly quiet, well made and have the music input we like.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05180400/Faro-Stealth-1200x2000-1.jpg12002000studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-19 16:31:532021-06-08 19:23:31Faro offers two new headsets perfect for student pilots
After the checkride, you must maintain a certain level of flying activity to stay current in the eyes of the FAA. All pilots must meet with a CFI every 24 calendar months to complete a Flight Review, but there are also additional currency requirements you must meet when you want to bring passengers along with you. This week’s tip explains the FARs related to pilot currency in plain English, including when you need to log your flight time.
One of the great traditions in aviation is, soon after earning your pilot’s license, to take a friend or family member up for a flight. It’s a fun way to exercise your pilot-in-command privileges, gain confidence and introduce someone new to aviation. Such a flight should definitely be on your to-do list, but it should also be carefully planned.
Taking a kid for his first flight? Then you’ll definitely want to be thoughtful.
Planning is particularly important if you’re taking someone up who has never been in a small airplane before – an intro flight. Without careful consideration, what should be a fun event can turn unpleasant in a hurry. Instead of welcoming a new friend into the world of aviation, you can scare them off forever.
Unfortunately, this happens all too often, as pilots fail to consider the unique concerns and expectations of non-pilots. You may have even experienced one of these nightmare intro flights yourself.
Since sometimes the best way to learn what we should do is by understanding what we shouldn’t do, let’s consider five major mistakes. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, here is how to give a truly terrible introductory flight:
1. Take off in the late afternoon on a hot day. Flying can be fun any time of day, but mornings really are the best, particularly if you’re flying in the summer. By late afternoon, the bumps are usually worst (due to both thermals and wind), the visibility is often lower, and flying generally just isn’t as fun. A hot, bouncy day at low altitude is a surefire way to sour someone on general aviation.
2. Wait for a cloudy, gusty day. In addition to thermals, gusty winds are another guaranteed way to make a flight uncomfortable. Add in some gray clouds and even a little rain and you can ruin the view too. The point is, only you decide when the time is right to go flying. Just because the flight was scheduled for Saturday doesn’t mean Mother Nature will necessarily cooperate. Be patient.
3. Talk about why airplanes crash. This mistake is often the result of good intentions, as pilots attempt to reassure passengers how safe airplanes can be. The safety part is fine, just make sure you don’t stray into the NTSB accident files too much (“we check the control cables because if there’s a problem we could spin out of control and die”). A new pilot wants to hear about the magic of flight, not the worst case scenarios, so keep it positive.
4. Do steep turns and stalls. This may be the cardinal sin of intro flights, and is responsible for far too many horror stories. Your job is to provide a calm, inspiring trip through the skies, not create an airborne thrill ride. Resist the urge to say “watch this” and start cranking and banking. Instead of impressing your passenger, you’ll probably scare them instead.
5. Talk the entire flight. Enthusiasm is great, and you should definitely explain what you’re doing as you fly. Most passengers love to learn about the controls, the instruments and what the maps says. But don’t go overboard; you’re not there to be a flight instructor and you can easily overwhelm (or bore) a non-pilot with too much technical talk.
All kidding aside, your job on an intro flight is to be an ambassador for aviation, not an airshow performer. Can you fly on an overcast day at 5pm with a gusty crosswind? Sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right time for a new passenger’s first flight.
While it’s not found in the Airman Certification Standards anywhere, learning how to manage passenger comfort is a critical skill for a Private Pilot. If you’re a flight instructor, these five lessons are even more essential. Flying with passengers is an awesome responsibility. Take that responsibility very seriously, and make each of your intro flights memorable – for the right reasons.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05180412/kid-in-cockpitsmall-2.jpg433500studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-16 10:05:522021-06-08 19:23:315 ways to give a terrible intro flight
Some pilots think flying aerobatics or gliders is the most fun you can have with a pilot certificate. But for others, nothing beats the rush of a well-flown instrument approach to minimums. In this week’s video, you’ll fly left seat in a Citation CJ1+ jet on an ILS approach all the way to minimums. See how early you can see the runway lights, then tell us – does this look like fun or hard work?
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05180408/ILS-to-mins.jpg5451000studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-13 14:43:492021-06-08 19:23:31Video: ILS to minimums in a Citation
Sporty’s popular home study courses have helped over 50,000 pilots learn to fly or add a rating. One reason they’re so popular is that they are continually updated and improved. The Sporty’s Academy team recently released the latest version of their Learn to Fly Course, with a host of new features for 2017.
7 New Features
1. Over 5 hours of new HD video and animations. Sporty’s course focuses on showing you what flying is really like, with realistic in-cockpit video and stunning graphics – now thoroughly updated for 2017. Enhanced segments cover essential topics like airplane engine operating techniques, weather theory, thunderstorm development, short and soft-field takeoff and landings, and the latest regulations.
2. New video segments cover hot topics in aviation. Technology is always changing, and Sporty’s team of pilots works hard to keep up to date with it. All-new video segments cover: ADS-B weather and traffic, angle of attack indicators, tips for flying with the iPad, and runway safety technology.
3. Up-to-date test prep questions and figures. The CFIs at Sporty’s continuously revise and update their massive database of test questions, removing old questions that are no longer on the test and adding new questions the FAA is focusing on. You won’t waste time studying outdated material, and you’ll have access to the exact same set of figures you’ll see on the actual FAA test.
4. ForeFlight Logbook integration. One of the most popular features in Sporty’s courses is the ability to earn your written test endorsement right from the course – automatically! New for 2017, you can log your endorsement (complete with CFI signature) right in your ForeFlight digital logbook. You’ll be ready to visit the testing center, with no CFI required.
5. Integrated Airman Certification Standards. The FAA recently introduced this all-new document, its official guide to the checkride, and the complete ACS is available right in the course. Plus, each section is cross-referenced to relevant video segments for easy review.
6. Ask a CFI. Stumped by a complicated aviation topic? Talk to Sporty’s team of experienced flight instructors and get straight answers. Just click on the Help button in the course menu.
7. Lightspeed Tryout program. An exclusive benefit for Sporty’s course users, this innovative program offers pilots an affordable way to fly with an outstanding ANR headset for an affordable price. Rent a Lightspeed Sierra ANR headset for just $50/month; after six months you purchase the headset for an attractive price. This is only offered to Sporty’s course users.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is perfect for student pilots, but it’s also ideal for rusty pilots or anyone else who wants to become a better aviator. There has never been a better time to get started, so sign up today!
Already own our Learn to Fly Course? You’ll get these updates automatically next time you log in – for free.
Video Demo
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05180414/Courses-screen_flight-illutions550.jpg400550studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-10 14:46:322021-06-08 19:23:31What’s new in Sporty’s 2017 Learn to Fly Course
Video: fun flying in the AirCam
/in Fun Flying Videos/by StudentpltnewsIt’s one of the most distinctive airplanes ever built, and also one of the most fun. The AirCam was originally designed as the ultimate video platform, but the open cockpit, two seat airplane has since been adopted by plenty of other pilots who are looking for a unique flying experience. In this week’s video, you’ll ride along as the AirCam flies across some of the most beautiful places on earth, from remote jungles to quiet lakes.
https://youtu.be/maoHutUGv4U
Faro offers two new headsets perfect for student pilots
/in Pilot Gear/by StudentpltnewsThere have never been better options for premium aviation headsets, as companies like Bose, Lightspeed, David Clark and AKG battle to make the quietest, most comfortable headset on the market. The only problem is that most of these headsets cost $800 or even $1000. For pilots looking to spend less, there’s an exciting new option from Faro. Their new Stealth headsets offer high performance without the high price, and are available in passive and active noise reduction models. We sent these headsets up for some test flights to see how they perform.
Faro’s new Stealth headset has an all-black finish.
A focus on value – not just price
Everyone wants a good price, but we’ve learned the hard way there’s a difference between a great price and a great value. There are plenty of cheap headsets on the market (we’ve flown with most of them), but often these “hot deals” focus exclusively on low price, which leads to low quality. Comfort is sacrificed with cheap ear seals, durability is decreased with cheap plastic components and cables are notoriously short-lived. No matter how inexpensive it is, a headset that fails after three months is not a good value.
Faro takes a different approach, which is why we’re excited to partner with them. Kevin Faro and his team focuses on low prices, but only if they can be achieved without sacrificing quality. The new Stealth headsets don’t have every last bell and whistle, but they are well made and comfortable. At $199.95 for the passive model and $399.95 for the ANR model, we think they’re a terrific value. Sure, they’re perfect for student pilots or passengers, but they’re also good enough any pilot to wear every day.
Active or passive noise reduction
Most pilots will tell you that once you fly with active noise reduction, you’ll never go back. That’s probably true, and for under $400 the Stealth makes it easy to go ANR. But we like how Faro offers both options with the same basic features. You can start with the passive, then move up to ANR as your flying and budget expands. When you do move up, you’ll be comfortable with the fit and features of the Stealth.
Both Stealth headsets have aux audio inputs.
Music input
Hardly any passive headsets offer a music input, which we think is a shame. A long cross-country flight is more fun with a little music from your phone. An auxiliary input is also helpful for receiving audio alerts from your iPad or portable GPS, like terrain or traffic callouts. Both the Stealth ANR and the Stealth Passive include a music input plug. It’s a minor detail, but we liked how it’s located on the juncture box where the headphone and microphone plugs come together, and an auxiliary input cable is included. Just plug in and enjoy.
Reversible electret microphone
The microphone on the Stealth sounded clear and crisp to us, although such judgments are fairly subjective. More noticeable was how easy it was to move the microphone on the Stealth. It has a fully-flexible mic boom for easy positioning, and it also rotates 360 degrees. That means you can place the mic on the right or left side, a great feature for flight instructors who plug into the right side of the cockpit.
Stereo audio with dual volume controls
Stereo audio is practically essential for us, especially if you’re listening to music, and both Stealth headsets offer this. In fact, there’s a simple stereo/mono switch so the headsets are compatible with all airplane intercom systems. It’s easy to independently control volume levels to both the left and right ear, with no confusing knobs.
Extra thick ear seals maximize noise reduction, but are soft and comfortable.
Double thick ear seals
Ear seals are where the rubber meets the road for a headset. While plenty of other factors affect comfort, this one is at the top of our list. For the Stealth series, Faro spent a lot of time designing a new ear seal, and we like the result. They are thick, no doubt about it, but they are also very soft and comfortable, with protein leather covers. We found the passive noise reduction to be excellent.
Modern style
You probably shouldn’t buy a headset based on looks, but we liked the all-black finish on the Stealth, which is the source of its name. It looks cool, but it also reduces glare and bright flashes in the cockpit, which is particularly noticeable on sunny days in low wing airplanes.
Helpful customer support
Faro Aviation is a relatively new name for many pilots, but they’ve actually been around for 18 years, and have a team of pilots based in Nevada. We tested their customer support and found them to be responsive and helpful. Both Stealth headsets also include a 3-year warranty.
Final verdict
So how do the Stealth headsets perform? Overall we think both models are really great values. They’re heavier than a Bose A20 and they don’t have the advanced Bluetooth features of a Lightspeed Zulu, so buyers with an unlimited budget may not be satisfied. But for anyone shopping in the sub-$600 price range, these look hard to beat. They’re surprisingly quiet, well made and have the music input we like.
The Faro Stealth ANR Headset is $399.95 and the Faro Stealth Passive Headset is $199.95.
Video tip: maintaining your flight currency
/in Video Tips/by StudentpltnewsAfter the checkride, you must maintain a certain level of flying activity to stay current in the eyes of the FAA. All pilots must meet with a CFI every 24 calendar months to complete a Flight Review, but there are also additional currency requirements you must meet when you want to bring passengers along with you. This week’s tip explains the FARs related to pilot currency in plain English, including when you need to log your flight time.
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
5 ways to give a terrible intro flight
/in Tips and technique/by StudentpltnewsOne of the great traditions in aviation is, soon after earning your pilot’s license, to take a friend or family member up for a flight. It’s a fun way to exercise your pilot-in-command privileges, gain confidence and introduce someone new to aviation. Such a flight should definitely be on your to-do list, but it should also be carefully planned.
Taking a kid for his first flight? Then you’ll definitely want to be thoughtful.
Planning is particularly important if you’re taking someone up who has never been in a small airplane before – an intro flight. Without careful consideration, what should be a fun event can turn unpleasant in a hurry. Instead of welcoming a new friend into the world of aviation, you can scare them off forever.
Unfortunately, this happens all too often, as pilots fail to consider the unique concerns and expectations of non-pilots. You may have even experienced one of these nightmare intro flights yourself.
Since sometimes the best way to learn what we should do is by understanding what we shouldn’t do, let’s consider five major mistakes. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, here is how to give a truly terrible introductory flight:
1. Take off in the late afternoon on a hot day. Flying can be fun any time of day, but mornings really are the best, particularly if you’re flying in the summer. By late afternoon, the bumps are usually worst (due to both thermals and wind), the visibility is often lower, and flying generally just isn’t as fun. A hot, bouncy day at low altitude is a surefire way to sour someone on general aviation.
2. Wait for a cloudy, gusty day. In addition to thermals, gusty winds are another guaranteed way to make a flight uncomfortable. Add in some gray clouds and even a little rain and you can ruin the view too. The point is, only you decide when the time is right to go flying. Just because the flight was scheduled for Saturday doesn’t mean Mother Nature will necessarily cooperate. Be patient.
3. Talk about why airplanes crash. This mistake is often the result of good intentions, as pilots attempt to reassure passengers how safe airplanes can be. The safety part is fine, just make sure you don’t stray into the NTSB accident files too much (“we check the control cables because if there’s a problem we could spin out of control and die”). A new pilot wants to hear about the magic of flight, not the worst case scenarios, so keep it positive.
4. Do steep turns and stalls. This may be the cardinal sin of intro flights, and is responsible for far too many horror stories. Your job is to provide a calm, inspiring trip through the skies, not create an airborne thrill ride. Resist the urge to say “watch this” and start cranking and banking. Instead of impressing your passenger, you’ll probably scare them instead.
5. Talk the entire flight. Enthusiasm is great, and you should definitely explain what you’re doing as you fly. Most passengers love to learn about the controls, the instruments and what the maps says. But don’t go overboard; you’re not there to be a flight instructor and you can easily overwhelm (or bore) a non-pilot with too much technical talk.
All kidding aside, your job on an intro flight is to be an ambassador for aviation, not an airshow performer. Can you fly on an overcast day at 5pm with a gusty crosswind? Sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right time for a new passenger’s first flight.
While it’s not found in the Airman Certification Standards anywhere, learning how to manage passenger comfort is a critical skill for a Private Pilot. If you’re a flight instructor, these five lessons are even more essential. Flying with passengers is an awesome responsibility. Take that responsibility very seriously, and make each of your intro flights memorable – for the right reasons.
Video: ILS to minimums in a Citation
/in Fun Flying Videos/by StudentpltnewsSome pilots think flying aerobatics or gliders is the most fun you can have with a pilot certificate. But for others, nothing beats the rush of a well-flown instrument approach to minimums. In this week’s video, you’ll fly left seat in a Citation CJ1+ jet on an ILS approach all the way to minimums. See how early you can see the runway lights, then tell us – does this look like fun or hard work?
https://youtu.be/LsNLs_Rcibc
Video from David Bamford
What’s new in Sporty’s 2017 Learn to Fly Course
/in Pilot Gear/by StudentpltnewsSporty’s popular home study courses have helped over 50,000 pilots learn to fly or add a rating. One reason they’re so popular is that they are continually updated and improved. The Sporty’s Academy team recently released the latest version of their Learn to Fly Course, with a host of new features for 2017.
7 New Features
1. Over 5 hours of new HD video and animations. Sporty’s course focuses on showing you what flying is really like, with realistic in-cockpit video and stunning graphics – now thoroughly updated for 2017. Enhanced segments cover essential topics like airplane engine operating techniques, weather theory, thunderstorm development, short and soft-field takeoff and landings, and the latest regulations.
2. New video segments cover hot topics in aviation. Technology is always changing, and Sporty’s team of pilots works hard to keep up to date with it. All-new video segments cover: ADS-B weather and traffic, angle of attack indicators, tips for flying with the iPad, and runway safety technology.
3. Up-to-date test prep questions and figures. The CFIs at Sporty’s continuously revise and update their massive database of test questions, removing old questions that are no longer on the test and adding new questions the FAA is focusing on. You won’t waste time studying outdated material, and you’ll have access to the exact same set of figures you’ll see on the actual FAA test.
4. ForeFlight Logbook integration. One of the most popular features in Sporty’s courses is the ability to earn your written test endorsement right from the course – automatically! New for 2017, you can log your endorsement (complete with CFI signature) right in your ForeFlight digital logbook. You’ll be ready to visit the testing center, with no CFI required.
5. Integrated Airman Certification Standards. The FAA recently introduced this all-new document, its official guide to the checkride, and the complete ACS is available right in the course. Plus, each section is cross-referenced to relevant video segments for easy review.
6. Ask a CFI. Stumped by a complicated aviation topic? Talk to Sporty’s team of experienced flight instructors and get straight answers. Just click on the Help button in the course menu.
7. Lightspeed Tryout program. An exclusive benefit for Sporty’s course users, this innovative program offers pilots an affordable way to fly with an outstanding ANR headset for an affordable price. Rent a Lightspeed Sierra ANR headset for just $50/month; after six months you purchase the headset for an attractive price. This is only offered to Sporty’s course users.
Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is perfect for student pilots, but it’s also ideal for rusty pilots or anyone else who wants to become a better aviator. There has never been a better time to get started, so sign up today!
Already own our Learn to Fly Course? You’ll get these updates automatically next time you log in – for free.
Video Demo