Pia Bergqvist

The simple design, appealing shape and fun flying characteristics of the Piper Cub put a glint in the eye of most pilots. Countless aviators trained and made their first solo flights in this beloved bird. But, being introduced in the 1930s, it’s no wonder the original Cub design could benefit from some improving modifications. Piper […]

When, if at all, would you let a student bring an iPad or other electronic flight bag into the cockpit?_** **_ Chris Esposito co-founded Orlando, Florida’s first sport pilot flight school, First Landings Aviation, before putting his skills to use at Air Orlando Aviation, where he instructs in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Chris has […]

These days, with GPS-direct clearances available for IFR flights, you may think that filing for a VFR-on-top clearance doesn’t make sense. And being governed by both VFR and IFR rules may not sound particularly attractive either. But there are times when these clearances can be very handy. When there are localized low clouds, as there […]

Flying Eyes, a new company out of Manhattan Beach, California, has launched sunglasses specifically designed with pilots in mind. The design features a strap made of soft, flexible webbing, which fits unnoticeably underneath an aviation headset and doesn’t appear to disturb noise cancellation. The strap is also easily adjustable to keep the glasses in position. […]

Eclipse Aerospace has made jet ownership a little easier by offering a limited number of Eclipse 550 positions with an incentive program called the Eclipse Carefree Ownership Program. During the first year of ownership, customers will receive up to $75,000 worth of fuel, which covers approximately 225 hours of flight, according to Eclipse Aerospace. In […]

When we talk about risk management, there is a lot of focus on the preflight and making sure you’re fit to fly. But it is equally as important to make sure your focus is on safety of flight while in the air. Flying requires a combination of many complex tasks and you need to have […]

The Breitling Jet Team lost the number two Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros this weekend after an apparent engine problem, which prompted pilot Bernard Charbonnel and technician Raphael Savoye to eject safely from the airplane. The incident occurred while the team was repositioning the airplanes from Den Helder, Netherlands to Kleine Brogel, Belgium. “When we were […]

****There are a number of different products on the market that can help pilots of all skill levels refine and maintain their skills. Here are a few of the best options out there. Redbird TD If your goal is to maintain instrument proficiency, you can legally do so at home with Redbird’s TD desktop simulator, […]

With the economic downturn and unemployment and underemployment that ensued, many Americans are enjoying less disposable income. As a result, your flying budget may not be what it was a few years ago. And meanwhile, the cost of flying has risen. We all know that staying proficient is equivalent to reducing the risks associated with […]

Bombardier has announced that the Eugene Cernan Safety Award will be handed out for the first time at the annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, scheduled this year Oct. 8-11 in Wichita, Kansas. Several criteria must be met to be eligible as a nominee for the award, including previous participation at the Bombardier Safety Standdown. “The nominee […]