While the pilot shortage has “extensively disappeared” the need for pilots is expected to continue for years to come, says the president of the Flight School Association of North America, as he discusses the latest in the flight training industry.
Flight Training
Cirrus introduces instrument rating program
The Instrument Rating Program, designed by Cirrus instructor pilots, combines self-study content with in-person flight training, according to company officials.
Sporty’s continues free webinar series for pilots
Upcoming webinars delve into home simulators, legal issues for pilots, engine operations in the real world, and flying with the iPad as your copilot.
Rider Jet Center to host Aviation Education & Career Expo
Designed primarily for students aged 16 to 22, the event offers a full day of exploration and hands-on discovery into the world of aviation. It gives students “a rare opportunity to connect directly with aviation professionals and learn about a wide range of high-demand careers in aerospace,” according to organizers.
Tuskegee Airmen fly into the 21st century
Isaiah Hand, a 20-year-old Aviation Science major at Tuskegee University, made history in August 2025 by earning his private pilot certificate at Moton Field — the first Tuskegee student in nearly 80 years to earn his wings under the relaunched four-year Aviation Science Degree Program. He follows the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen, who became the nation’s first Black military pilots in 1942.
$145,000 in scholarships offered to high school students
“This is the largest amount we have ever allocated for the annual scholarship awards,” said Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna.” To date, we’ve given more than $445,000 to 35 high school students since we began making these awards in 2016. We give scholarships for both pilot and aircraft mechanic training.”
Questions from the Cockpit: Night and day
Mack, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I just learned that there are three different definitions of night in the regulations! What’s the deal with all these overlapping definitions? Is the FAA just trying to make it harder on students than it needs to be?
Sling Pilot Academy integrates AI into flight training
The collaboration will bring NAVI AI’s tools directly into the hands of student pilots and instructors, supporting everything from ground school preparation to real-time flight analytics and post-flight debriefs, according to officials with Sling Pilot Academy.
Sporty’s and PilotWorkshops launch Real World Flight Review course
The course pairs Sporty’s Flight Review online video course with PilotWorkshops’ Real World VFR program, Sporty’s officials explained.