FLYING Staff

In the simplest terms, controlled airspace is exactly what it sounds like – airspace that is controlled by some sort of government authority. Controlled airspace doesn’t mean the aircraft in it are necessarily under the control of, or otherwise receiving services from, air traffic control (ATC) but it does provide a number of considerations for […]

Editor’s note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary. If you’re just getting started with aviation, flying an ultralight aircraft can offer ease for your first solo flights and a great deal of […]

Pilots and hobby builders love homebuilt aircrafts because they’re a ton of fun to build and to fly. You can either start with just the plans or buy a complete kit to start assembling your aircraft!  Construction times and costs are dependent on what type you buy. In addition, they have to meet specific standards […]

If you’re interested in beginning flight school, you may be asking yourself, how do I begin financing my way through? Similar to how you may begin your research for college, it’s important to find out how much flight school will cost you. Once you have that information, you can begin the process of researching the […]

“Kick the tires and light the fires” is a cheeky reference to preflight checks and engine starts –  but is not a best practice for before flight actions for any aviator. Whatever stage of flying you are in, preflight checks before takeoff are a necessary element of your flight.  “Preflight action” is so important that […]

Though some pilots will tell you that there is no such thing as a normal takeoff or landing, the FAA considers a normal landing as one that includes engine power, low wind, a firm surface to land on, and ample runway space for the plane to be stopped. A normal takeoff is defined in the […]

Though the term high-performance may lead to mental images of stunning World War II warbirds gleaming on the ramp, like thoroughbreds that look fast even when sitting still, the term actually covers a wide array of general aviation airplanes.  Whether flying for pleasure or for the sake of pursuing a professional career in aviation, the […]

Understanding the difference between type, category, and class of aircraft can be confusing. That’s especially the case for people who haven’t had to sort through each of the differentiating factors involved.  Although it’s crucial to gain an understanding of each, doing so can be simple since the differences are pretty stark. For more insights into […]

Find out everything you need to know about it, including the five types of altitude.

Today, pilots who fly the latest model aircraft benefit from glass panel equipment with the latest GPS technology. However, many pilots in older aircraft have to rely on other means of navigation or want to have a backup unit if their electrical system quits. A portable GPS unit could offer you peace of mind if […]