Training

Pilot training icons John and Martha King announced major updates to the King Schools training video series in support of the new airman certification standards (ACS), the practical test standards replacement for pilot ratings that were put in effect on June 15. The ACS puts a stronger focus on the thought process of risk management […]

Every pilot has a plan. But if it’s an IFR flight plan, canceling that plan is not always as simple as just saying the magic words. Here are the points you should consider before canceling IFR. You may cancel IFR with ATC at any time in VFR conditions below 18,000 feet. You may cancel with […]

As a kid, I always assumed there was some process by which you formally transitioned into adulthood, perhaps earning a badge that certified you had the knowledge to handle any situation life could throw at you. Grown-ups just seemed so different. Then I had kids of my own and realized everyone is faking it — […]

When GPS first entered general aviation cockpits nearly two decades ago, skepticism ran amok — trusting the “magic” of satellite navigation took time. Those flight educators who had a firm grasp of the real conundrum to come knew then what we face today: GPS is good, sometimes almost too good. There is growing weakness in […]

When inspectors met Orville and Wilbur for that first ramp check on the sands of Kitty Hawk, the brothers ran them off and then complained to the government because these inspector guys didn’t know much about flying machines. FAA management opened a file on the complaint, convened working groups, assigned committees, consulted with cost analysts, […]

In the dead of winter earlier this year, EAA chairman and CEO Jack Pelton realized the association’s Young Eagles program would surpass the 2 million-kids-carried mark during this year’s AirVenture. Young Eagles calls upon volunteer pilots and their aircraft to deliver that first life-altering aviation experience to kids under the age of 18. While many […]

The standard terminal arrival route provides a common way for aircraft to leave the en-route structure and navigate to the destination airport. It is designed to convey critical communications between pilots and ATC in graphical and textual form that simplifies clearance delivery procedures. A STAR looks similar to a standard instrument departure, except that a […]

After spending $20 on a Discovery flight, I knew without a doubt this is what I wanted to do with my life — fly! The only flight school in town paired me with George, the best flight instructor ever, in my opinion. My first flight with George was July 6, 1978, and it was evident […]

The pilots of a Learjet 36 cruising high over Cleveland Center’s airspace are fighting a desperate battle for survival — but they don’t realize it. Suffering the effects of extreme hypoxia in the thin air at 32,000 feet, the copilot is passed out. The captain in the left seat is barely hanging on. Most chilling […]

The three-day Upset Prevention and Recovery Training course offered by Prevailance Aerospace includes stick time behind the controls of an Extra 330LX with former Navy instructors, who put students through the paces by introducing them to aerobatics, recovery from unusual attitudes and spins. The training is intended to sharpen the muscle memory needed to avoid […]