How does a public charter school manage to offer private pilot certificates — for free — to any student who wants one? It all comes down to a unique funding system for schools in New Mexico.
Flight Training
FAA rescinds controversial flight training policy
The FAA has published a Notice of Policy in the Federal Register confirming that letters of deviation authority (LODAs) are no longer required for most flight training in experimental aircraft where the use of the aircraft is not being compensated.
300 new pilots and counting…
“The cost of flight training can be a barrier for many aspiring pilots, so EAA working with the Ray Foundation helps break down the barrier and make the goal of becoming a pilot even more attainable for future generations,” says Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming. “We’ve found that more than 80% of Ray Aviation Scholars are completing their pilot training, which is the complete opposite ratio of those who would start flight training on their own, so this program’s outcomes are having a direct, significant effect on the pilot population.”
Old dog, new trick
My new role with the AOPA Foundation is once again something audacious, something that has never been done on a large scale. I now hold the title of High School Aero Club Liaison, which gives me the freedom to work with kids, parents, teachers, administrators, airport administrators, and community leaders from coast to coast to help them create aero clubs where kids can get into aviation in a meaningful way.
Able Flight reveals Class of 2023
One member of this year’s class is a veteran wounded in combat, and all use wheelchairs. They will fly three specially-adapted Sky Arrow Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), and will be taught by instructors at Purdue University.
CFI Summit in the works
“The NAFI Summit will bring stakeholders in the flight instruction community together to share CFI tips, techniques and best practices, relevant business skills, and networking opportunities,” said NAFI President Paul Preidecker. “We will focus on the important topics of professionalism, proficiency, and pilot well-being, along with changes to FAA regulations and rules.”
Picture of the Day: Frosty morning before the flight
Andrey Beketov submitted this photo and note: “Clear frosty morning before a training flight in this Cessna 172. The strip is rolled snow in the central region of Russian. The air is cold and dense, ideal conditions for training.”
Sporty’s Launches IFR Month
In addition to special savings on pilot gear, Sporty’s will offer a new YouTube video series, interactive webinars, articles, livestream events, and contests. The goal is to encourage pilots to earn their instrument rating, get current, and enjoy more utility from their pilot certificate, officials noted.
New flight training association takes off
Founded in late 2022, the new association was created “to focus exclusively on the interests of professional flight training organizations based in the United States,” according to officials.