So how much is all this going to cost? How much do you want to spend? You can buy a set of plans for under $100 and build an airworthy plane totally from scratch. Or you can spend $50,000 or more on quick-build kits that will have you flying in no time. Actually, it’s the…
The purpose of a short-field takeoff is to get off the ground at the best angle of climb (VX)to clear an obstacle. Make sure you know and use the best angle of climb airspeed and attitude as recommended by the manufacturer. The most practical way to perform a short-field takeoff is to set the brakes,…
If you’ve been to the airport (and I’m sure you have) you’ve seen a variety of types of aircraft, large and small, high wing and low. Maybe some older planes with two sets of wings. What’s that all about? Wings, obviously, are one of the major differences between cars and planes. I tell you how…
Again, the initial costs depend on how you “own” your wings: rent, lease, partner, or buy. For most folks, the initial investment dictates ownership form. That is, if you really don’t have enough saved up for a down payment or initial lease payment, you’re stuck with renting. If you do have more in the piggy…
That’s how aircraft performance is monitored in flight. But how do you know how fast your plane is going, at what altitude, whether you are climbing or descending, and which direction your plane is headed? How can you ensure you are in control of a safe aircraft? You, the pilot, need feedback! Most general aviation…
Let me give you one more cost-effective option that many pilots haven’t considered: buying a block of time. You simply find an aircraft owner who’s willing to let you fly his or her aircraft for a specified number of hours during a specified period. Your local FBO or aircraft rental business also may offer block-time…
Hopefully, when you land from your checkride there will be two certified pilots in your aircraft — the examiner and you! The examiner will tell you right then whether you passed or not. The examiner will also give you a test debriefing after the flight, telling you what you need to work on. Few pilots…
What goes up must come down, including your plane. That’s good—as long as you do it safely! As you’ve probably figured out already, the trick to descent is reducing your airspeed to normal descent speed, which varies between aircraft. Here’s the typical process: Abeam (90 degrees from) the end of the runway, begin the plane’s…
Any airspace that is controlled or reserved is marked on the charts to tell you what and where. Fortunately, the chart legend will help you figure it out. Here are some tips: Wide blue lines encircle Class B airspace; remember, there are multilayers or circles, solid and shaded. Wide magenta lines encircle Class C airspace;…
Your goal is to pass the FAA practical test for your private-pilot certificate. Toward that goal your instructor will help you practice for the test, giving you at least three hours of instruction that will be very similar to what the experience of taking the test will be like. You’ll be practicing … Takeoffs and…
The United States Ultralight Association (USUA) was formed in 1985 when ultralights were becoming quite popular in the United States. It has become the primary voice for ultralight pilots and manufacturers, encouraging knowledge and safety. The USUA has regional chapters, as well, to help bring together ultralight pilots and those who want to know more…
The performance of aircraft is greatly affected by weight. A heavier aircraft requires a larger engine and wings. Also, the weight limit tends to restrict the distance the aircraft can fly because each gallon of fuel weighs about 6 lbs., deducted from the useful load the airplane can carry. LSAs are limited to a maximum…
Maybe you can simply write a check for your new wings. If not, keep reading because there are many ways to save money on financing your sport aircraft. First, try your favorite bank. You might be surprised to learn the bank that holds your car loan also lends on aircraft, too. Many lenders do. Being…
It would be great if all your takeoffs were into the wind, because the wind speed lowers the amount of airspeed your plane needs to begin flying. It also would be nice if all runways were at least 5,000 ft. long and weren’t surrounded by obstacles you need to avoid. In the real world, 1,800-ft….
The oldest and most common type of flying club is called a shareholder club. Members purchase a share in the club with their initiation fee and actually own a percentage of what the club jointly owns. The club takes care of maintenance and other fixed costs out of monthly dues. Members pay the variable costs…
If your dream is to fly your own airplane someday, you have a lot to learn! You have to discover how planes fly, how to get a private pilot license, how much it costs to buy or rent an airplane, which aircraft is best for your needs and budget, how to enjoy flying on limited…
When the sport pilot regulations were issued on September 1, 2004, a simpler and easier way to obtain a pilot certificate was created. It added new aircraft category certifications and made a major change in the hours of training required to become a passenger-carrying airplane pilot. Under FAR 61, airplane private pilots require a minimum…
The major differences between sport-pilot and private-pilot certification is that sport pilots can start off with fewer training hours and lower-cost aircraft, then add endorsements as their interest and training expand. The sport-pilot certificate gets you flying faster! Let’s take a look at how sport pilots can spread their wings with endorsements. An earlier Flight…
The major differences between sport-pilot and private-pilot certification is that sport pilots can start off with fewer training hours and lower-cost aircraft, then add endorsements as their interest and training expand. The sport-pilot certificate gets you flying faster! Let’s take a look at how sport pilots can spread their wings.
So what’s it going to take to earn your private pilot certificate? Just like earning anything worthwhile, it’s going to take some effort and some money. Fortunately, it’s not like going to college—or trying to pay for college. This website as well as StudentPilotGuide.com will show you how to get your private pilot certificate in…
