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Alt text=N/A. Satellite Navigation - Global Positioning System (GPS). [photograph]. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/GPSIII_satellite.png

How Do Pilots Navigate?

Knowing how to navigate is an essential part of flying. A pilot can understand the logistics behind flying a plane, such as when to check the airspeed indicator or how to land, but if they do not know how to get from Point A to Point B, they cannot successfully fly. Pilots need to be ... Read more

Traits of a Successful Commercial Pilot

Successful commercial pilots possess a high level of technical skills, such as understanding how an aircraft works and how to operate it. Flying also requires exceptional cognitive skills like being able to think quickly and being able to learn and retain information. Theoretically, a pilot could know everything there is to know about an aircraft ... Read more

Guide to Checkrides

Passing a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) practical exam, or checkride, is a crucial milestone in a pilot’s career as it demonstrates their proficiency in applying knowledge to real-world flying scenarios, validates their ability to operate an aircraft safely, and is a mandatory requirement for obtaining pilot licenses and ratings. In some cases, pilots may be required to complete checkrides routinely to maintain their flying ability.

photo looking out of Cessna 172 window wing in shot, while another Cessna 172 is flying in the opposite direction

Difference Between VFR and IFR

As a student pilot, learning the different flight terms and abbreviations can be tricky. It’s important to understand the proper terms and what they mean before you enter the flight deck.

Female student pilot close up of side profile looking out window showing Bose headset

Guide to a Student’s First Solo Flight

You may have heard the phrase “flying solo,” which typically means to “go one’s own way.” For student pilots, this has a literal meaning. There comes a point where a student is ready to fly on their own and demonstrate their capabilities as a pilot in the absence of an instructor, and this is known as a student’s “first solo flight.”

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