How do you start a jet engine?

Smaller jet engines are started using electrical power, either from a battery or an external power unit. Upon initiating the start, generally with the push of a button, the battery powers the starter motor which begins rotating the engine just like a piston-powered airplane or your car.
collision avoidance quiz

How to fly a standard airport traffic pattern

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1 Comment
A left hand pattern is considered standard and should be used unless specified otherwise for an airport. It is important to fly standard traffic pattern procedures to ensure the safe and orderly flow of aircraft to and from an airport.

The 7 deadly sins of radio communications

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4 Comments
Nobody wants to sound bad in front of the "audience" of your fellow pilots. But there are a few things that can instantly make you sound less professional--let's call them the 7 deadly sins of radio communication. These phrases should not be in your aviation vocabulary.
Traffic Pattern Legs

FAA updates Advisory Circular for non-towered airport operations

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4 Comments
The AC notes that when entering the traffic pattern at an airport without an operating control tower, inbound pilots are expected to observe other aircraft already in the pattern and to conform to the traffic pattern in use. If there are no other aircraft present, the pilot should check traffic indicators.

New online service: train with flight instructors anytime, anywhere

A new online training resource called InstaCFI connects pilots with CFIs across the country to meet virtually for ground instruction, assistance with complex flight planning, avionics instruction and much more.

Pilot’s Guide to the FAA WINGS Program

Pilots complete knowledge and flight activities to earn WINGS credits. When the appropriate credits have been earned and approved on the FAASafety.gov website or in the pilot's logbook, a Basic phase of WINGS is earned.

Round-Dial or Glass, Which Is Right for Me?

When deciding between training in a traditional round-dial airplane or training in a glass flight deck airplane, the first thing you must ask yourself is the question, "What type of airplane will I be flying after I get my rating?"
Safety pilot monitoring while pilot flied wearing a view limiting device.

What qualities to look for in an instructor with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)

Having a good CFI who is invested in the learner and really understands the learning process, cares about the relationship and his or her student's success, is a vital component of successful flight training. Finding a CFI who excels at instructing  provides lifetime benefits.
landings

Five common student pilot mistakes

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15 Comments
Learning to fly is almost like a full-time job. It requires a lot of study outside the airplane. One of the mistakes we see students making is coming to the lesson under-prepared.

What’s the best time of year for pilot training?

Each spring in the Midwest, we anxiously await Daylight Saving…