iFLYblog.com has released a new eBook that walks people through the process of getting their pilot’s license, step-by-step. Written by an experienced CFI, the free book is full of insider tips and techniques to set candidates up for success. Brent Owens, the force behind iFLYblog.com, suggests people who are already pilots should take advantage of […]
Pilots
Fractional ownership: Getting a piece of a high-end aircraft
Would you like to fly a well-maintained, newer airplane, but can’t afford to buy one just yet? Rather than back-burner this dream, you might want to consider fractional ownership. One of the first fractional programs available to the single-engine piston driving crowd was PlaneSmart!, which began operations in 2003, “as a means to give pilots […]
MITRE seeks pilots for runway visibility study
The MITRE Corporation’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development is recruiting pilots for a study evaluating proposed changes to runway standards at general aviation airports. The study will examine whether or not infrastructure standards, such as runway width and length, pavement markings, visual guidance systems and edge lighting, can be changed to accommodate satellite-based instrument […]
I do not consent to searches
By DAVE HOOK. When did American citizens give up Fourth Amendment rights just because they became pilots? Over the past year, there have been numerous reports of searches of private aircraft without warrants. The accounts described by the pilots also suggest that insufficient cause was given by the law enforcement agencies conducting the searches. This […]
Reversed adventures
We have an agreement that if chores get too strenuous, projects get too overwhelming, or lists get too long, it’s time to hit the road. Sometimes, it’s just for the day, but every few weeks, we’ll do an overnighter, and every couple of months we do several days. We don’t go far; maybe a few […]
Protect yourself from ‘get-there-itis’
By BRENT OWENS It’s a fancy name for “get-there-itis” — plan continuation bias, which is an unconscious cognitive bias to continue the original plan in spite of changing conditions — and it can be deadly for general aviation pilots. Plan continuation bias was identified in a NASA Ames human factors study from 2004 which analyzed […]
Type club established for Sonex aircraft
A national type club, the Sonex Builders & Pilots Foundation, has been established for the Sonex line of aircraft. In alignment with NTSB recommendations for the improvement of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft safety, the Sonex Builders & Pilots Foundation was founded as a type club to promote safety and education in building and operating Sonex aircraft, according […]
Pilot Central launches
Pilot Central of Atlanta launched its one-stop-shopping website at last week’s SUN ’n FUN. It’s designed to centralize a pilot’s personal and aviation needs all in one place, according to Pilot Central president Elliott Borenstein. Those who enroll on the website can select a permanent, lifelong aviation email address. Choices are ‘YourName’@FAAInstructor.com, ‘YourName’@FAAExaminer.com ‘YourName’@FAAPilotCentral.com, ‘YourName’@FAAPilotMail.com, ‘YourName’@AVSportPilot.com […]
Fifth edition of ‘The Pilot’s Manual: Private Pilot Syllabus’ released
The fifth edition of “The Pilot’s Manual Private Pilot Syllabus” is now available from ASA. This updated syllabus offers a flight and ground training course for private pilot airplane certification and meets both Part 61 and Part 141 requirements, according to company officials. Flight lessons are presented side-by-side with their coordinating ground lessons. The syllabus […]








