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
Flying aerobatics is fun; flying in formation with other airplanes is fun; flying at sunset is fun. Put all three together and you’ve got one spectacular flight. That’s what you get to experience in this video, as you ride along with the famous AeroShell team as they fly their AT-6 formation demo at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/05180451/T-6-formation-aerobatics.jpg6751200studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-06 10:23:562021-06-08 19:23:31Video: formation aerobatics at sunset
When I accomplished my solo, the wind was a direct crosswind at 10 knots – maybe a little much for my first solo. I had delayed getting my medical for some time and finally had it completed. I think I had 28 hours in my precious logbook.
I worked extra to pay for my flight lessons
I’m not a wealthy man but any means. Rich yes!! Wealthy, not so much. Like many student pilots, I had some gaps in my training as I would work after hours to acquire money for more time in the sky. So on this great day my instructor gets in the airplane and asked me what my plan was for the day. I was hoping to solo so my wife came to the airport in case this really was “the day”. I told him I would have liked to get my first solo in if the wind was better. He laughed and said where we live this is good wind.
We took off to do some touch-and-go landings. After the third landing, and with my instructor not saying a word, I asked him how I was doing. His response was “you are extremely boring me.” I laughed and told him if he was so bored I would just let him out on the next trip around. I came around the pattern for another and greased it. Sure enough, I pulled up to the FBO and my instructor jokingly commented “let me out before you kill me.” I laughed and responded with a casual, “as you wish,” trying to mask my nervousness.
I asked him what I should do as he was getting out. He told me I should do what I know and what I was capable of, have fun, and do as many landings as I wanted. And he couldn’t resist reminding me that while I should do as many as I like, I should stop before running out of gas. Noted.
After my first solo takeoff, I knew it was all up to me
I dreamed of this moment since I had been six years old. I lived, breathed, and dreamed aviation all my life. The moment was here and it was staring me in the face. No matter who you are or how much you want to fly, there is a moment after completing the run-up for the first time on your own that causes you to take pause and consider if you REALLY want to do this and if you’re REALLY up to the challenge. After all, nobody is here to save me if I screw up.
I sat for a moment before taxing to the active and resolved that once I took off, I had no choice but to get myself down. So I throttled up and after a very short roll in an airplane that was suddenly much quieter and lighter, I was in the air.
It wasn’t until downwind when the reality of the situation hit me. I looked over to the empty seat next to me and reflected “What the heck are you doing Dana – this is crazy.” I came down final and greased my first landing. After three more uneventful laps around the pattern, I reasoned that I had better stop pushing my luck. It was starting to get gusty and I was happy with what I had accomplished.
I taxied to the hangar and put the aircraft away. My wife came running to greet me with a hug and said I was either the bravest man she knows (or the craziest). I found my instructor in the maintenance hangar arm-deep in a Piper cowling. He was smiling (a rare occurrence) and asked me how it went. I responded with the obvious – I’m here so it went well.
When he asked why I didn’t fly longer and I responded with how I didn’t want to push my luck, he stopped in his tracks. With a serious look in his eye he shared:
In aviation we have skills. If you have skills, you have no need for luck. Never get yourself in a situation where you need luck!
We retreated to the hangar where I had my shirt tail clipped, pictures taken, and the whole nine yards. My shirt tail is now pinned on the ceiling of the FBO – a very proud feeling.
I have since earned my ticket by nailing my checkride with plenty of compliments from my DPE. He said I passed all my maneuvers to commercial standards and that it had been years since he had a applicant perform as well on the oral. He remarked that I was a realistic, practical person and will be a great pilot.
I think I floated home instead of flying! I owe it all to my great instructor! Thank you.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/05180504/checkride-scaled.jpg19002560studentpltnewshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/05155154/FTC-logo-horizontal-fianl.pngstudentpltnews2017-01-02 10:00:452021-06-08 19:23:31Was this really the day?
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
Video: formation aerobatics at sunset
/in Fun Flying Videos/by StudentpltnewsFlying aerobatics is fun; flying in formation with other airplanes is fun; flying at sunset is fun. Put all three together and you’ve got one spectacular flight. That’s what you get to experience in this video, as you ride along with the famous AeroShell team as they fly their AT-6 formation demo at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in.
Was this really the day?
/in Personal stories/by StudentpltnewsWhen I accomplished my solo, the wind was a direct crosswind at 10 knots – maybe a little much for my first solo. I had delayed getting my medical for some time and finally had it completed. I think I had 28 hours in my precious logbook.
I worked extra to pay for my flight lessons
I’m not a wealthy man but any means. Rich yes!! Wealthy, not so much. Like many student pilots, I had some gaps in my training as I would work after hours to acquire money for more time in the sky. So on this great day my instructor gets in the airplane and asked me what my plan was for the day. I was hoping to solo so my wife came to the airport in case this really was “the day”. I told him I would have liked to get my first solo in if the wind was better. He laughed and said where we live this is good wind.
We took off to do some touch-and-go landings. After the third landing, and with my instructor not saying a word, I asked him how I was doing. His response was “you are extremely boring me.” I laughed and told him if he was so bored I would just let him out on the next trip around. I came around the pattern for another and greased it. Sure enough, I pulled up to the FBO and my instructor jokingly commented “let me out before you kill me.” I laughed and responded with a casual, “as you wish,” trying to mask my nervousness.
I asked him what I should do as he was getting out. He told me I should do what I know and what I was capable of, have fun, and do as many landings as I wanted. And he couldn’t resist reminding me that while I should do as many as I like, I should stop before running out of gas. Noted.
After my first solo takeoff, I knew it was all up to me
I dreamed of this moment since I had been six years old. I lived, breathed, and dreamed aviation all my life. The moment was here and it was staring me in the face. No matter who you are or how much you want to fly, there is a moment after completing the run-up for the first time on your own that causes you to take pause and consider if you REALLY want to do this and if you’re REALLY up to the challenge. After all, nobody is here to save me if I screw up.
I sat for a moment before taxing to the active and resolved that once I took off, I had no choice but to get myself down. So I throttled up and after a very short roll in an airplane that was suddenly much quieter and lighter, I was in the air.
It wasn’t until downwind when the reality of the situation hit me. I looked over to the empty seat next to me and reflected “What the heck are you doing Dana – this is crazy.” I came down final and greased my first landing. After three more uneventful laps around the pattern, I reasoned that I had better stop pushing my luck. It was starting to get gusty and I was happy with what I had accomplished.
I taxied to the hangar and put the aircraft away. My wife came running to greet me with a hug and said I was either the bravest man she knows (or the craziest). I found my instructor in the maintenance hangar arm-deep in a Piper cowling. He was smiling (a rare occurrence) and asked me how it went. I responded with the obvious – I’m here so it went well.
When he asked why I didn’t fly longer and I responded with how I didn’t want to push my luck, he stopped in his tracks. With a serious look in his eye he shared:
In aviation we have skills. If you have skills, you have no need for luck. Never get yourself in a situation where you need luck!
We retreated to the hangar where I had my shirt tail clipped, pictures taken, and the whole nine yards. My shirt tail is now pinned on the ceiling of the FBO – a very proud feeling.
I have since earned my ticket by nailing my checkride with plenty of compliments from my DPE. He said I passed all my maneuvers to commercial standards and that it had been years since he had a applicant perform as well on the oral. He remarked that I was a realistic, practical person and will be a great pilot.
I think I floated home instead of flying! I owe it all to my great instructor! Thank you.