What A CFI Wants You To Know

A Navion waits out the weather. [Credit: Glenn Hirsch/AVweb]

Seasonal Starts: Timing Your Flight Training for Success

Starting your pilot certificate at the wrong point in the year can lead to frustration and weather limitations.

The FARs allow a learner to be endorsed for solo at airports within 25 nm of their home airport provided the CFI has given them training to and from these alternate airports as well as in the traffic pattern. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

FARs Written in Blood: The Critical Need for Clarity in Flight Instruction

Poor phrasing and ambiguous communication can lead to costly misunderstandings and dangerous decisions for student pilots.

By the time you become a CFI, the gear bag is filled with instructional tools, and the headset has a bag of its own. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]

First Flight Bag: What Fledgling Pilots Need to Succeed

There’s a lot of essential gear that needs to be packed to ensure a safe and successful journey.

Every CFI has experienced a ‘teachable moment’ when one of their clients makes a poor decision. [Credit: Pixabay]

Student Pilots Learning From Mistakes Is Part of Process

Flight instructors can leverage those errors for effective training and improved airmanship.

Being ready for your first solo takes a lot more than you might think. [Credit: Shutterstock]

There’s a Responsibility That Comes With Solo Flight

Student pilots must resist the temptation to cut corners on procedures.

Pilot Training With a Passenger: What You Need to Know

Bringing a back-seat observer along on a dual instructional lesson can enhance the experience.

As the government shutdown continues, student pilots ask questions and think about still getting their certificates. [Shutterstock]

Government Shutdown and Aviation: What Pilots Need to Know

Will it affect training check rides, air traffic control, and certifications?

When you acquire pilot certificates and ratings rapidly, you may be ready for the next check ride while flying on a temporary certificate. But is that legal? [Credit: iStock]

Pilots Must Get Back in Air After Scare

When an instructional flight goes sideways, there are lessons to be learned about managing the aftermath and the psychology of returning to the cockpit.

An instructor and a student preflight a Cessna 152 before a lesson. [Credit: Richard Steiger]

What to Expect Your First Five Hours as a Student Pilot

Here are some tips for managing expectations when you begin flight training.

How the CFI addresses the struggling learner separates the professional CFIs and experience builders from the time builders. [Pixabay]

Even Instructors Must Stay in the Learner’s Seat

Experienced CFIs also benefit from ongoing improvement and proficiency flights.