Fuel Calculation Quick Reference
Running out of fuel ranks among the most preventable causes of aviation accidents. A simple fuel calculation process, performed before every flight, eliminates this risk...
Flight Training
Quick ATC Phrase Guide for Student Pilots
Clear communication with ATC intimidates many student pilots. Here are the essential phrases you’ll use on almost every flight, along with what they mean and...
Pre-Flight Tip: Checking Control Surfaces
Control surface checks are a critical part of every preflight, yet pilots often rush through them or miss key elements. A methodical approach ensures you...
Slow Flight Mastery: Flying on the Back Side of the Power Curve
Slow flight training develops the skills and awareness needed to operate safely near the stall—the region where the aircraft becomes less responsive, control inputs produce...
Stall Recovery: What Happens Aerodynamically and How to Recover
Every pilot learns stall recovery, but understanding what actually happens aerodynamically during a stall transforms memorized procedures into genuine skill. When you understand why the...
Steep Turns at 45 Degrees: The ACS Standards and Common Mistakes
Steep turns represent one of the most fundamental flight maneuvers, yet they reveal weaknesses in coordination, scan, and aircraft control that simpler maneuvers hide. The...
What to Do in the First 30 Seconds of an Engine Failure
Engine failure remains every pilot’s most practiced emergency, yet the first 30 seconds after power loss determine whether the outcome is a safe landing or...
The Go or No-Go Decision Every Pilot Gets Wrong
Understanding the Go/No-Go Decision Every flight begins with a critical decision that separates professional aviators from those who take unnecessary risks: the go/no-
Planning a Cross-Country Flight Without Getting Stranded
The Art of Cross-Country Flight Planning Cross-country flying represents a significant milestone in a pilot’s training, requiring the integration of navigation, weathe
Why Night Flying Is Nothing Like Day VFR
Night flying transforms familiar landscapes into alien terrain. The airport you’ve visited dozens of times looks completely different after sunset. The visual cues you rely...