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. …
California Aeronautical University (CAU) and Olive Drab Drivers (ODD) of Bakersfield will host a WWII memorial plaque dedication on Monday, September 18, 2023 in remembrance of the 547th Night Fighter Squadron (NFS). The memorial will be held at the Meadows Field Airport terminal at 10:00 am. Activated in March 1944 by the U.S. Army Air …
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 …
Air racer and aerobatic pilot Vicky Benzing will debut “Plum Crazy” at the final National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada this September, an iconic purple P51 Mustang with a rich history in air races and shows across the country. From a WWII military fighter to the 1970 National Air Race Champion to a full …
READ MORE Vicky Benzing Debuts “Plum Crazy,” Iconic Purple P51 Mustang, at Final Reno Air Races
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 …
READ MORE Wing Flaps: How Do They Function and What Is Their Purpose?
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 …
September 2023 Events Horizon Air Visits CAU Date: Thurs, September 7th Pilot and maintenance recruiters from Horizon Air will be visiting the CAU Bakersfield campus to give a presentation to our students. The pilot recruitment team will give a presentation to current CAU students about their Pilot Development Program and Horizon maintenance recruiters will be …
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 …
READ MORE Pressure Altitude vs. Density Altitude: What’s the Difference?
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 …
READ MORE What is the Purpose of Aircraft Spoilers on a Plane?
There is a lot of power behind a jet engine – enough to get it into the sky and stay there. Though when it is in the midst of takeoff, the aircraft can benefit from a little extra boost. That is where high-lift devices, such as Fowler flaps, come in. Located on the wing, flaps …
As an aviation student, you will learn a lot about the significant role that altitude plays in flying an aircraft. There are, after all, different altitudes and different reasons why you would choose to fly within each one. The FAA and ATC officials plan carefully to make sure that every aircraft takes off, lands, and …
August 2023 Events Date: Mon, August 7th CAU’s fall term begins on August 7th. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (pilot degree) and the Aviation Maintenance Technology programs begin their coursework. Schedule an admissions meeting to learn about our next term:
California Aeronautical University (CAU) is proud to announce its Phoenix (opens in a new window) campus recently received FAA Part 141 approval (opens in a new window). This federal recognition demonstrates the structured flight training CAU offers and allows eligible students to take advantage of time and cost savings. Structure Flight Training at CAU …
There are many different things that pilots learn when they undergo their flight training. Due to its significance, the different illusions that they may encounter while in the sky is something that is sure to be mentioned. For the most part, the bird’s eye view allows you to see far and wide. However, every now …
If you have ever flown on a plane after the sun has set, then you know the view from the sky is quite dark. Sure, you can see some lights here and there if altitude allows – and it is pretty simple to know whether you are flying over a populated area. If that is …