Why is the Autopilot Called “George”? (Two Prevailing Theories)
For the non-pilot, aviation language can sound cryptic at first, like a secret code or confusing jargon. Once you start your flight training and become more well-versed in the vocabulary it really isn’t all that confusing after all. However there are still some...
13 ATC Communication Tips and Tricks for Pilots
It’s iconic, fun, and at first, intimidating. Talking on the radio as a pilot can be kind of a language in itself. A gathering in the sky that is social yet structured, cordial yet formal. If you’re just starting out your pilot training, talking on the radio can be...
CDI, HSI, OBS, and Heading Selector Explained
In navigation days of old, a pilot was lucky to have an ADF or possibly a VOR to get around. Other than that it was true IFR – “I Follow Roads.” As technology has greatly improved over the past decades, ADFs have been all but phased out, and even VORs are on the...
Heading, Track, Bearing, and Course Explained
It’s confusing because they are often (incorrectly) used interchangeably in conversation: Heading, bearing, course, and track. Even correctly used by ATC, “on course heading” is still a little misleading because below you’ll see they’re practically referring to...
Vision Requirements for Private and Commercial Pilot’s Licenses
It can be an intimidating thing that you don't always have complete control over. Your vision is sometimes born poor, or you can regress over time to have vision challenges, or even perhaps there was a notable even in your life (trauma, illness, etc.) that caused an...
Requirements for Aerobatic Flight (License, Rating, Parachutes, etc.)
Flying upside down is probably on most pilots’ aviation bucket list. I first got to experience aerobatics in a Citabria in Alaska and the flight maneuvers were as spectacularly overwhelming as the scenery around me. Fun fact: "Citabria" comes from the name "airbatic"...
Do I Need an Instrument Rating to Get a Commercial Pilot’s License?
The commercial license is a typical next step after gaining your private pilot’s license. Whether or not you want to end up flying for a living, lots of people will get their commercial rating for either the experience, the (minor) insurance premium break, or just as...
When To Use Aircraft Lights (Beacon, Position, Strobe, etc.)
When you’re cleared for takeoff, using the checklist “Lights, Camera, Action” can be useful to remember to turn on the applicable lights [lights] and transponder [camera] before you take off [action]. While that’s a helpful memory tool, what does “lights” mean? It’s...
Do Airplanes Fly Faster After Waxing Them?
A couple weekends ago I was preparing for a long cross country trip from Texas to Idaho to do some back country instruction in the mountains. Part of my checklist leading up to the trip was to clean the airplane really well so that I could do a thorough pre-flight...
Should I Complete the Written Exam Before Flight Training?
Flight training is a big investment of time, financial resources, and mental and logistical bandwidth. Whether you are getting your private license, instrument rating, or anything else, it’s a big commitment to see it all the way through. A large portion of students...
Join the Waitlist: Private Pilot Study Flashcards
It’s taken a year to build this premium set of 350+ private pilot study flashcards. They are perfect for student pilots preparing for a checkride and licensed pilots studying for a flight review! Get more info and early access by clicking the link below.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is owned and operated by Airplane Academy LLC. AirplaneAcademy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.