Tag:
flight training
Pilot Resources
Part 61 vs Part 141 Flight Training: Why One Size Does Not Fit All
When pilots compare Part 61 vs Part 141 flight training, the discussion usually centers on minimum hours, cost, structure, and how quickly someone can...
Pilot Resources
Crosswind Landings Explained: How Pilots Safely Land in Strong Winds
The first time I experienced a crosswind landing as a student pilot many years ago, it was definitely intimidating. The airplane was pointed slightly...
Pilot Resources
Density Altitude Explained: Why Hot Days Hurt Aircraft Performance
Density altitude explained in practical terms is the altitude at which an airplane performs, regardless of what the airport elevation or altimeter may suggest....
Pilot Resources
Why Pilots Should Stop Saying “Any Traffic in the Area, Please Advise”
“Spartanburg traffic, Cessna 81318 is five miles out, inbound for landing. Any traffic in the area, please advise.”
Ugh! As a flight instructor, that radio...
Pilot Resources
MOSAIC Sport Pilot Rules: What the Biggest Changes Actually Mean
For more than 20 years, earning a sport pilot certificate came with a fairly clear tradeoff. The certificate generally required less training than a...
Pilot Resources
The Impossible Turn: When the “Impossible” Turn Is Not So Impossible
A tremendous amount of ink and space has been given to the subject of the impossible turn. The impossible turn refers to attempting a...
Pilot Resources
The Teardrop Entry: A Legal Maneuver That Keeps Causing Trouble
If you’ve spent any time flying into non-towered airports, you’ve probably flown, or at least seen, a teardrop pattern entry. It’s in the books,...
Pilot Resources
How to Read a TAF: The Complete Beginner’s Guide for Pilots (2026)
If you've already learned how to read a METAR, the next step is understanding the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, better known as a TAF. Learning...