CFI Blog

Jan 1, 2011 --- VFR flight following is a service provided by air traffic control (ATC) and available to all VFR pilots which can improve your situational awareness and safety. While receiving flight following, you'll be in radio contact with a radar controller.
[More]

Dec 7, 2010 --- While it seems that this publication is always going out of date, the AFD is published every 56 days. FAR Part 91.103 says that each pilot, before beginning a flight become familiar with ALL available information concerning that flight. It goes on to say that that information must include runway lengths at airports of intended use. The AFD is our source for this information.
[More]

Nov 1, 2010 --- The basis for predicting aircraft performance is pressure altitude.  By definition it is indicated altitude corrected for non-standard pressure.  As a pilot you are responsible for calculating the effect that weather conditions will have on your takeoff, climb, cruise and landing performance.
[More]

Oct 1, 2010 --- Flight Watch is the name for an Enroute Flight Advisory Service (EFAS) dedicated to providing weather to and collecting it from pilots operating at lower altitudes. While Flight Service (FSS) operates Flight Watch, Flight Watch does not provide a full range of FSS services such as filing flight plans, acquiring preflight weather briefings, providing NOTAMs, or picking up IFR clearances.
[More]

Sep 1, 2010 --- If the ceiling and visibility at your destination is at least 1,000 feet and three miles, then pilots on instrument flight plans can ask for a visual approach. Likewise, controllers can assign visual approaches when these conditions prevail.
[More]

May 1, 2010 --- Non-owned or renters insurance, is a liability policy that can provide protection for a pilot that is flying an aircraft they do not own.  Most flight schools and flying clubs carry insurance that have some sort of deductibles.
[More]

Apr 1, 2010 --- The term flight review is defined in the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61.56. It consists of a minimum of one hour of flight instruction and one hour of ground instruction from a certified flight instructor.

[More]

Mar 1, 2010 --- Anyone who is qualified to act as Pilot in Command of the aircraft you are flying can act as a safety pilot.

[More]

Feb 1, 2010 --- It's true that if you fail an FAA medical exam you cannot act as a Sport Pilot based on your driver's license. Under the Sport Pilot rule you can "self certify" yourself as physically fit to act as pilot in command of a sport aircraft if you hold a valid US drivers license and have never been turned down for a medical certificate.

[More]

Jan 15, 2010 --- Proper logging of PIC time is a favorite subject of CFI’s sitting around these rainy days.
[More]

Jan 1, 2010 --- Having just a Private license will not allow you to work as a professional pilot. Having a commercial license will, but your options will be limited. Most companies like to see their pilot candidates have some experience as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).

[More]

Dec 1, 2009 --- The phrase "Traffic please advise" has been a hot topic of discussion for some time. It is your job to advise others and listen, not the other way around.
[More]

Nov 1, 2009 --- This question is difficult to answer because so many variables go into it. The FAA says that you need to log at least 40 hours of flight time to apply for a pilot's license. Very few people actually finish their training in the minimum number of hours. The national average is closer to 62 hours. Another factor that affects the cost is the type of aircraft you learn to fly in. A Cessna 152 or a Flight Design CTSW's rental rates are less than a Piper Warrior.

[More]

CFI Blog --- VFR flight following is a service provided by air traffic control (ATC) and available to all VFR pilots...