The final FAA rule for the proposed new student pilot certificates was issued in the Federal Register today. Fortunately the idea of photos and biometric IDs was dropped, but student pilots will no longer get their certificates from their AME. Instead they will apply in person at their FSDO (unlikely), through a DPE, with a … Continue reading “Plastic Student Pilot Certificates Start April 1st”
According to the new FAA rule, as of April 1st, 2016 all new pilots now have to apply for their student pilot certificates through IACRA or on a paper 8710-1 (not encouraged). It helps to repeat after me “IACRA is my friend” because a positive attitude helps immensely when navigating this website for the first … Continue reading “How to Apply in IACRA for a Student Pilot Certificate”
Previously published in the FAA Pilot Examiner Quarterly (shared by permission) Here is a unfortunate story of a “Rusty CFI” (not current teaching though probably very current in his biz jet). DPEs see cases like this too often- where the well-meaning CFI was not up to speed. New CFIs need mentoring, non-current CFIs need refreshing … Continue reading “CFIs Are Not All Equal: CFI-PRO®!”
Our essential guidance as aviation educators, the FAA Advisory Circular 61.65, has finally been updated. This essential document contains all the official FAA guidance on certification standards, knowledge test procedures and “everything in flight training.” Additionally, it conveniently provides the “script” for accurate endorsements. With a stroke of your CFI pen (and the correct solo … Continue reading “The New AC-61.65 is Available! CFI Power of the Pen!”
The FAA has finally created new sUAS (aka “drone”) regulations and the result is greater freedom and access for aspiring unmanned aviators. The peril will be more activity in the airspace and undetectable traffic threats for larger aircraft. For this to work we all have to “play nice” in the airspace and follow the rules carefully. … Continue reading “Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)”
FAA Rotorcraft Safety Conference Set for October The FAA’s second annual International Rotorcraft Safety Conference will be held October 25-27 in Fort Worth, TX. The goal of the conference is to reduce the helicopter accident rate in the U.S. The free event is intended for rotorcraft pilots, mechanics, small company owners, industry executives, operators and … Continue reading “September e-News; “Read More””
Read more…(Complex) “We had heard hints of this change at Sun ‘n Fun last month when we interviewed the FAA’s Brad Palmer of AFS 800,” explained David St. George, SAFE Chair. “His team at the FAA was very concerned about the safety of our fleet of aging complex airplanes.” St. George said he thought the … Continue reading “May 2018; “Read More””
“Good pilots are always learning” but this commitment is also vital for good flight instructors. To improve at anything, we must be continually curious, seeking new knowledge or inevitably cynicism and a glassy-eyed complacency set in. You know this look, 70% of US workers on the job are “disengaged”. A commitment to growth as a … Continue reading “CFI Good to Great; Learn From Your Students!”
Read more…(FAA Awards) Brian John Carpenter, 2017 National Aviation Technician of the Year, was described by the GA Awards Committee members as as “the go-to guy when it comes to the construction and maintenance of—and education about—Light Sport Aircraft.” He regularly teaches a Light Sport Repairman Workshop and is currently working on his EMG-6 Electric … Continue reading “March 2017 “e-News” Read More”
Read more… (Demand For Pilots) In yet another sign of a golden era for flight instructors, two Utah universities are spending big bucks attempting to satisfy the demand for primary flight instruction. “This is a very exciting time; airplane pilot demand is insatiable,” said Mike Mower, executive director of Southern Utah University’s (SUU) aviation program … Continue reading “August 2017 e-News “Read More””
