Matthew Johnston 
Many people spend their lives dreaming of becoming a pilot and flying planes all around the world. Others are taking notice of the pilot shortage and want to take advantage of new opportunities for their future. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn how to become a pilot in Arizona, figuring out how to get …
Some people dream of becoming a pilot to fly high amongst the clouds in order to satisfy their personal sense of accomplishment and have a hobby they truly enjoy. Others dream of becoming a pilot as a career choice, gaining the skills necessary to transport cargo and passengers all around the world. Then, there are …
Enrolling in a flight training school is a very big step toward your future as a pilot. However, it is important to remember that it is only the first step. Once you begin your program there are additional steps you are going to have to take in order to make sure you are getting the …
Adverse yaw is a reality of flying that each pilot must learn to combat in order to successfully fly safely and effectively. [lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h3″] Adverse yaw is the tendency of an airplane, when turning and banked, to go the opposite direction. The way an airplane banks is by deflecting its ailerons. The ailerons are the hinged part …
Flying above the world when surrounded by blue skies is one thing. Trying to find your way when you cannot see anything is quite another. Low visibility can require a pilot to rely solely on instruments to handle the aircraft safely. Known as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), these regulations provide pilots with the proper procedures …
When making the decision to be a pilot, you have to choose the best way to reach your goals. A quick search online and you can see that there are many flight schools all around the country offering you a future in the sky. Each aviation program and flight school has something to offer, but …
While in the process of accomplishing a private certificate, pilots delve into the intricacies of aeronautics throughout ground school. It is crucial to learn about and understand aircraft axes, specifically pitch, yaw, roll, and the basic forces imposing themselves on an aircraft, along with how to work with them, rather than against them. Pilots who do so …
Beyond the amazing aeronautical and thrust design developments we have pursued since the Wright brothers, arguably the next greatest development in aviation has been in electronic communications, including nonverbal communication such as the transponder. The privilege of talking over a radio or transponder keys and speaking directly and instantaneously with air traffic control (ATC) or …
The cockpit of even the smallest and simplest airplane can be an overwhelming place. Fortunately, the most “hands-on” elements of the cockpit—those which enable the pilot to direct the airplane’s actual movement from taxiing to landing—are usually similar from one cockpit design to another. Even if a new single-engine student pilot had never seen the …
Altitude is a critical aspect of aviation, as it refers to the height of an aircraft above sea level. Pilots must understand and use different types of altitude to navigate the skies safely and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of altitude in aviation and their importance for pilots. By …
When flying, it’s important to know the difference between AIRMET vs SIGMET, and what to do when alerted of one. Here’s what each pilot should know. [lwptoc title=”CONTENTS:” labelHide=”hide” float=”none” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”18px” skipHeadingLevel=”h3,h4″] One of the first aspects about aviation that student pilots usually learn is that weather awareness is a massive aspect of flight. …
The transponders that you find on aircraft can have a few variances based on who manufactured them and how they are installed. However, they should all have a few basic settings that are standard – and necessary. One such setting is a special mode that will let air traffic control and other aircraft in the …
The first step to growing as a safe and competent pilot is to fully understand how an aircraft works. This includes understanding every part of an airplane, especially its control surfaces and how they affect performance. Fully comprehending the ways in which various sections of the airplane affect aerodynamics, as well as how the laws …
A well-informed pilot must understand how Newton’s Third Law applies to thrust and how an aircraft flies. It is essential for any student pilot to have a strong grasp of this basic understanding of physics. Doing so will strongly contribute to safe and efficient flying. The first two laws are also important to know and …
When a person first learns to fly airplanes, this pilot-to-be is trained to fly under what is called VFR. This is an acronym for Visual Flight Rules. Although there are multiple competencies a Visual Flight Rules pilot must master, the area of expertise the general public associates most with piloting aircraft is the actual act …
Many English-speaking people think that “V” stands for Velocity, which is generally correct. But another French aviation phrase, “Vitesse” – which means “speed” – is represented by the letter “V” in V-Speed. The FAA requires that aircraft manufacturers provide certain V-speeds to ensure the safest and most efficient flow of air traffic. They are standard …
Are you interested in a career in rotorcraft? Here are eight helicopter pilot requirements to know before you begin your journey. Rotary-wing flying is an exciting world. Unlike a conventional airplane, you can land pretty much anywhere, not to mention being able to hover and even fly backward. If you consider learning to fly, helicopters …
Understanding pressure altitude vs. density altitude is an important factor in becoming a safe, well-rounded pilot. [lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h4″] Many student pilots are confused by the difference between pressure altitude and density altitude. Understanding which is which will help you better understand the forces acting upon your aircraft; a well-educated pilot can then adjust accordingly, especially …
Soaring high above, you may feel as though you are out of touch with the world you left behind on the ground. Thanks to the development of various communication devices, including the transponder, you are not alone. Within moments, you can be in direct communication with air traffic control (ATC) or other pilots that are …
Every single piece of an aircraft has an intended purpose. These incredible machines are put together with such detail and precision in order to make air travel as safe and effective as it is. The purpose of aircraft spoilers on a plane is no exception. They may not be attached to keep the plane in …