It’s a flight that almost seems impossible to pilots from outside the US: you can fly a general aviation airplane right down the New York skyline, VFR, with no flight plan. Definitely a bucket list flight for any pilot. In this video, you can see the spectacular views and hear the busy communications as a Cirrus flies down the Hudson River Corridor. It’s not as hard as you might think, but some preparation certainly does help.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/05165244/Cirrus-NY-tour-screenshot-1.jpg439800studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-06-16 15:33:002021-06-08 19:23:29Video: Hudson River Corridor flight
The check ride is the culmination of months of work, when you get to show an FAA designated examiner all that you’ve learned – and hopefully end up as a certificated pilot. But the check ride can also be stressful, so preparing for it only makes sense. In this fascinating webinar recording, you’ll hear from Jason Blair, an examiner with years of experience conducting check rides. He offers tips about how to prepare for the big day, what the examiner is looking for, and why a few small mistakes doesn’t have to ruin your whole day.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/05175529/checkride-webinar-screen-grab.jpg5631000studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-06-15 10:27:542021-06-08 19:23:29Webinar video: how to pass your check ride
You’ve made the leap and proclaimed “I want to learn to fly.” Now what? Besides the obvious aircraft, what else does one need to attempt to defy gravity? Similar to fishing, camping, rock climbing, or boating, getting the right gear ready is almost as important (and as fun) as the actual activity. A comprehensive survey of the students and instructors at the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program yielded these must-have products for the beginning flight student.
Flight Bag
Having a bag to store all your goodies is essential. Starting out, go big. Something that will hold all the other items found on this list. Sure, an off-the-shelf backpack may do the trick, but having a bag that was designed for aviation will be well worth it in the long run.
Books
You will be unable to complete flight training without some home study. The essential books are published by the FAA and you can find them digitally for free on their website. Downloading them is fine, but buying hard copies is definitely the way to go. Must haves: FAR/AIM, Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Once you get further in your training, there will be more to buy. Those three will get you started.
Headset
The loner headset from the flight school isn’t going to cut it. Get one to call your own. Many students start with an inexpensive passive headset. When it comes to headsets, you get what you pay for. Expect to spend $200 to $300 on a quality passive headset. Once you’ve figured out that you are in aviation for the long haul, your first passive headset will eventually become your first passenger headset.
Fuel Tester
Before every flight, you will be required to check the aircraft for several things. Among them is fuel contamination, so a fuel tester will be required. Get one that has a removable metal rod in the middle. This will work on just about every type of airplane.
Charts
You know them as maps. In aviation, we call them charts. The one must-have chart for a new pilot is the sectional chart. Each sectional chart covers a different area. Your flight school should be able to tell you which one you’ll need.
Plotter
It’s a pilot’s version of a ruler/protractor combo. It’s a simple, inexpensive item, but needed for flight planning.
Flight Computer
Flying has its own set of formulas and conversions. These calculations are performed using a flight computer. Manual flight computers, better known as whiz-wheels, perform calculations on a slide rule apparatus with spinning dials. Electronic flight computers provide the same functions in a calculator format. An electronic flight computer will make your life much easier. If you have an old school flight instructor, he might insist on learning a whiz-wheel first.
Logbook
The FAA will require you to keep a written record of your flight experience. Logbooks provide an easy way to document all the information you’ll need for the FAA and the insurance company. Start with a simple, paper logbook. You can upgrade to an electronic (online or phone app) later.
Kneeboard
You will need some way of organizing your gear while flying. A kneeboard is an easy way to keep charts, calculators, pens, etc. at close hand. Get one with multiple pockets. A tri-fold kneeboard is what most students start with.
iPad
This might seem like an odd item to have on this list, but the sheer volume of aviation apps has arguably made an iPad a must-have for aspiring pilots. Every aspect is covered: training, calculations, books, navigation, charts, flight planning, weight and balance… If you do not have an iPad and are looking for an excuse to get one, now is the time.
What would you add to the list?
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/05175528/5515a.jpg300300studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-06-15 10:25:292021-06-08 19:23:29Ten Essential Products for the Beginning Student Pilot
A great pilot takes care of his or her engine, especially when flying with bigger engines found on more advanced airplanes. This means a lot more than just “keeping the needle in the green.” In this week’s tip, we offer some time-tested tips for making sure your engine is smooth, cool and happy. The video clip below is from Sporty’s Complete Learn to Fly Course.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/05182112/pilot-mixture-control-in-airplane.jpg338600studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-06-14 08:42:482021-06-08 19:23:29Video tip of the week: airplane engine operation
FAA recently announced changes to the evaluation standards for slow flight and certain stall tasks in the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and the Commercial Pilot ACS effective June 12. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course now includes the most recent ACS version.
Slow Flight – FAA maintains that the desired slow flight characteristics can be experienced without intentionally flying the airplane with the stall warning and asserts it would not be appropriate for a pilot to fly the aircraft with the stall warning present and therefore, applicants should not be evaluated in this condition.
The phrasing for the slow flight skill element has been modified to eliminate the specific speed guidance of 5-10 knots above stall speed to read as follows:
Establish and maintain an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, would result in a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
Stalls – To capture the essential components in the evaluation standards, the FAA has modified the knowledge elements for the stall tasks. In addition, the agency has revised the risk management elements for the stall tasks to focus on key considerations for stall prevention and full stalls.
Private Pilot – Airplane ACS, Power-Off & Power-On Stalls. FAA has added a requirement for the applicant to acknowledge the initial indication of an impending stall. The pilot could meet this requirement by simply stating “stall warning” or “buffet.” The element now reads:
Acknowledge cues of the impending stall and then recover promptly after a full stall has occurred.
The FAA emphasizes that as the pilot transitions from the initial indication and acknowledgement of the impending stall, the flight control applications should be smooth and coordinated – not abrupt or rushed – until a full stall is reached and throughout the stall recovery.
Commercial Pilot – Airplane ACS, Power-Off & Power-On Stalls. The FAA has maintained the requirement for stall recovery procedures to be executed at the first indication of an impending stall (e.g., buffet, stall horn, etc.); however, has modified the skill element as shown below to require the applicant to acknowledge the impending stall cues. The element now reads:
Acknowledge the cues and recover promptly at the first indication of an impending stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
For most people here in the USA, the Fourth of July is a celebration of freedom. While there is nothing wrong with grilling, fireworks, and a long weekend in the middle of summer, it is also important to remember that our freedoms are not free. First and foremost, let’s say thank you to the many men and women who fought to give us these amazing freedoms.
We aviators have benefited greatly from our freedoms. Take one quick look around at many of our international counterparts and you will realize that our open skies and plentiful airports are not very common in most of the world. Show your appreciation by exercising your freedom to fly.
Fly to breakfast. There are few things I enjoy more than taking off on a crisp morning to watch the sunrise as we fly off to a neighboring airport for biscuits and gravy. My two personal favorites are the Airport Cafe in Urbana (I74), Ohio, and the Skyline Family Restaurant in Portsmouth (PMH), Ohio. You’ll find friendly faces, cheap fare, and delicious food wherever you may roam.
Fly kids. Seeing the smile on a kids face on their first flight will warm your heart. Give them a memory that will last a lifetime. I still remember my first flight and you probably remember yours. Whether it is through the young eagles program or just some friends, get some kids in the air this summer. Not sure if you are qualified to fly kids? Check out our blog on Top 5 Questions and Answers for flying with youth.
Fly for a weekend getaway. What good is a pilot’s license if you don’t use it. There are tons of adventures out there within a couple hours of flight time from your home airport. Go find one and create your next “Remember that time…” story. Looking for some good ideas? Adventurepilot.com has a great database of stuff near you or along your route of flight. A couple of my personal favorites are Rough River State Park in Kentucky (2I3) and Put-In-Bay near Sandusky Ohio (3W2). Both offer convenient options for planes and pilots.
Fly to a Fly-In. You have a pilot’s license. Fly-Ins are held at airports. Coincidence? I think not. Make it a point to experience aviation at its finest. Even if you can’t make it to the granddaddy of them all: Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, try to make it to a regional fly-in or at least a pancake breakfast. For a list of Fly-ins, check out socialflight.com.
Make it a point this summer to get out and exercise your freedom to fly. Every flight is another celebration of the freedoms that we so proudly enjoy.
A special thank you to all of the military aviators out there. May your landings always equal your takeoffs.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/05175616/fog-in-valley-scaled.jpg19202560studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-06-12 10:00:332021-06-08 19:23:294 options for exercising your freedom to fly
Video: Hudson River Corridor flight
/in Fun Flying Videos/by StudentpltnewsIt’s a flight that almost seems impossible to pilots from outside the US: you can fly a general aviation airplane right down the New York skyline, VFR, with no flight plan. Definitely a bucket list flight for any pilot. In this video, you can see the spectacular views and hear the busy communications as a Cirrus flies down the Hudson River Corridor. It’s not as hard as you might think, but some preparation certainly does help.
Webinar video: how to pass your check ride
/in Webinars/by StudentpltnewsThe check ride is the culmination of months of work, when you get to show an FAA designated examiner all that you’ve learned – and hopefully end up as a certificated pilot. But the check ride can also be stressful, so preparing for it only makes sense. In this fascinating webinar recording, you’ll hear from Jason Blair, an examiner with years of experience conducting check rides. He offers tips about how to prepare for the big day, what the examiner is looking for, and why a few small mistakes doesn’t have to ruin your whole day.
Watch more webinar recordings here
Ten Essential Products for the Beginning Student Pilot
/in Pilot Gear/by StudentpltnewsYou’ve made the leap and proclaimed “I want to learn to fly.” Now what? Besides the obvious aircraft, what else does one need to attempt to defy gravity? Similar to fishing, camping, rock climbing, or boating, getting the right gear ready is almost as important (and as fun) as the actual activity. A comprehensive survey of the students and instructors at the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program yielded these must-have products for the beginning flight student.
Flight Bag
Having a bag to store all your goodies is essential. Starting out, go big. Something that will hold all the other items found on this list. Sure, an off-the-shelf backpack may do the trick, but having a bag that was designed for aviation will be well worth it in the long run.
Books
You will be unable to complete flight training without some home study. The essential books are published by the FAA and you can find them digitally for free on their website. Downloading them is fine, but buying hard copies is definitely the way to go. Must haves: FAR/AIM, Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Once you get further in your training, there will be more to buy. Those three will get you started.
Headset
Fuel Tester
Before every flight, you will be required to check the aircraft for several things. Among them is fuel contamination, so a fuel tester will be required. Get one that has a removable metal rod in the middle. This will work on just about every type of airplane.
Charts
Plotter
It’s a pilot’s version of a ruler/protractor combo. It’s a simple, inexpensive item, but needed for flight planning.
Flight Computer
Logbook
The FAA will require you to keep a written record of your flight experience. Logbooks provide an easy way to document all the information you’ll need for the FAA and the insurance company. Start with a simple, paper logbook. You can upgrade to an electronic (online or phone app) later.
Kneeboard
You will need some way of organizing your gear while flying. A kneeboard is an easy way to keep charts, calculators, pens, etc. at close hand. Get one with multiple pockets. A tri-fold kneeboard is what most students start with.
iPad
This might seem like an odd item to have on this list, but the sheer volume of aviation apps has arguably made an iPad a must-have for aspiring pilots. Every aspect is covered: training, calculations, books, navigation, charts, flight planning, weight and balance… If you do not have an iPad and are looking for an excuse to get one, now is the time.
What would you add to the list?
Video tip of the week: airplane engine operation
/in Video Tips/by StudentpltnewsA great pilot takes care of his or her engine, especially when flying with bigger engines found on more advanced airplanes. This means a lot more than just “keeping the needle in the green.” In this week’s tip, we offer some time-tested tips for making sure your engine is smooth, cool and happy. The video clip below is from Sporty’s Complete Learn to Fly Course.
https://youtu.be/2tHfxJa041Q
The video clip below is from Sporty’s complete Learn to Fly Course.
Updated Private and Commercial Airman Certification Standards
/in Regulations, Tips and technique/by StudentpltnewsEffective June 12, 2017 – Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course updated
Slow Flight – FAA maintains that the desired slow flight characteristics can be experienced without intentionally flying the airplane with the stall warning and asserts it would not be appropriate for a pilot to fly the aircraft with the stall warning present and therefore, applicants should not be evaluated in this condition.
The phrasing for the slow flight skill element has been modified to eliminate the specific speed guidance of 5-10 knots above stall speed to read as follows:
Establish and maintain an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, would result in a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
Stalls – To capture the essential components in the evaluation standards, the FAA has modified the knowledge elements for the stall tasks. In addition, the agency has revised the risk management elements for the stall tasks to focus on key considerations for stall prevention and full stalls.
Private Pilot – Airplane ACS, Power-Off & Power-On Stalls. FAA has added a requirement for the applicant to acknowledge the initial indication of an impending stall. The pilot could meet this requirement by simply stating “stall warning” or “buffet.” The element now reads:
Acknowledge cues of the impending stall and then recover promptly after a full stall has occurred.
The FAA emphasizes that as the pilot transitions from the initial indication and acknowledgement of the impending stall, the flight control applications should be smooth and coordinated – not abrupt or rushed – until a full stall is reached and throughout the stall recovery.
Commercial Pilot – Airplane ACS, Power-Off & Power-On Stalls. The FAA has maintained the requirement for stall recovery procedures to be executed at the first indication of an impending stall (e.g., buffet, stall horn, etc.); however, has modified the skill element as shown below to require the applicant to acknowledge the impending stall cues. The element now reads:
Acknowledge the cues and recover promptly at the first indication of an impending stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
Current versions of the ACS are available at:
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/
4 options for exercising your freedom to fly
/in Having fun, Personal stories/by StudentpltnewsWe aviators have benefited greatly from our freedoms. Take one quick look around at many of our international counterparts and you will realize that our open skies and plentiful airports are not very common in most of the world. Show your appreciation by exercising your freedom to fly.
Make it a point this summer to get out and exercise your freedom to fly. Every flight is another celebration of the freedoms that we so proudly enjoy.
A special thank you to all of the military aviators out there. May your landings always equal your takeoffs.