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…
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…
Slow flight is an essential part of your flight training. There are numerous reasons why you might want to fly slowly, such as giving yourself room in the pattern, allowing an aircraft to clear the runway, and of course, when you are coming into land. Today, I will address what slow flight is, how to…
Cross country flying is what aviating is all about. Going from one place to another in a (relatively) straight line, completely unrestricted by roads. A successful cross-country flight requires solid cross-country flight planning. Today I’m going to show you what it is all about. Can You Fly Cross Country VFR? Yes, you absolutely can! In…
All great journeys have to start somewhere, and this is your beginning. Knowing where to start is one of the first major hurdles that all would-be pilots face, but you’ve done the right thing and come to the right place. This article, and indeed my whole site, will talk you through various flying-related questions in…
The Private Pilot Knowledge test might seem a little daunting, but it truly is your time to shine. It is your chance to show how much you have learned during your training and to try and get the highest score possible. I’m here to help you achieve that goal. Today we’ll be discussing the Private…
Technically, you cannot fly your private aircraft for pay. You can’t carry passengers or freight for money. However, you can accept remuneration of their fair share of costs (fuel, oil, etc.). To fly passengers for profit you’ll need to step up to a commercial rating. But you can use your aircraft in your business, if…
You may be surprised to learn that there are different ‘rules’ regarding the type of aircraft and even pilot’s licenses. And they aren’t all created equal. This is not a bad thing. By being selective and knowing the rules, you can get up and fly at a significantly reduced cost. This section will explain the…
It’s a fact: Learning how to fly has never been cheap. You have to hire an instructor and a training plane, take lessons, study for tests, pass those tests, buy or rent a plane, buy fuel and insurance, and find the time to get into the sky. You’d be amazed at the number of requirements…
If you aren’t quite sure what airplane stall is, then you’re in the right place. Today I’m going to tell you, in detail, all about it. In the most basic terms, a stall in an aircraft is when the wing stops producing lift. Lift is one of the key forces needed for a successful flight….
Are you ready to learn some aerodynamic theory? The four forces of flight are essential in understanding how an airplane flies and how it behaves. A firm grasp of these concepts is the foundation of nearly all your flight training, both in theory and practice. Today I will describe the four basic forces of flight…
Think about any famous pilot that you know. Take, for example, Chelsea Sullenberger or Chuck Yeager. What do you think their attitude to taking tests was? Cool and collected, right? Your mindset and the way you’ psyche’ yourself before taking your flight test will have a direct effect on your performance, so you’ll need it…
Once you’ve studied the rules of airspace for a while it will all start to make sense. However, your first look at how airspace is designated might seem odd. Who designed this plan anyway? Actually, the rules of airspace over the United States are those accepted around the world. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)…
Most of the fun in flying comes from maneuvering the aircraft. And for that, we are going to need something vital. Flight controls! Without flight controls, we’d have a pretty boring flight! You might be surprised to learn that there are only 4 primary flight controls. I will tell you all about them, how they…
Welcome to Frugal flying. We know why you are here. You want to be able to fly an airplane for as little as possible, right? As with most things in life, the cost is a huge factor to consider and will influence your decisions. The good news is that flying doesn’t have to be prohibitively…
Your first solo flight, while short, is a significant step in your journey to becoming a pilot. It will be the first time you fly while relying on your own skill and abilities, without any help. Everyone (myself included) remembers their first solo. Today I’ll talk you through your first solo, giving details of what…
If we wanted to fly along aimlessly without following a set route, we’d fly in a balloon instead of an airplane. Understanding what charting a course and being able to follow it is a key skill in navigation. While maps and charts might look complicated, it is pretty straightforward once you’ve got the basics down….
Flying is fun, fast, and exciting. There is no experience more rewarding than getting aloft, navigating through the skies, and pulling off a ‘greaser’ of a landing at the end of it all! Every pilot you meet will have started with a little trepidation, don’t worry, it’s natural. Today we will talk you through all…
