Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. It felt like pushing it for that airplane, but checkrides are so hard to schedule I went. Several times I’ve landed smoothly in a strong crosswind, then had trouble keeping the airplane on the runway. More likely it’s random.

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Knot Crosswind Rudder Turbulence 98

Air Facts

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Christmas reading list: 24 books for pilots to read in 2024 Air Facts Journal Back in 2018, I shared a list of 18 good aviation books , in the hopes that Air Facts readers might find a Christmas gift for the pilot on their list (or for themselves). For current pilots, reading such a book can evoke nostalgia and maybe even gratitude.

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Pilot Weather Airplanes Approach 96

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Airline Pilots Continuing education is required for airline pilots. Most professional pilots will be required to complete a flight proficiency check, either in an actual aircraft, or in a simulator, every six to 12 months. Most professional pilots will be required to complete a flight proficiency check every six to 12 months.

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Pilot Wind Shear Airline Airlines 52

Air Facts

MAY 15, 2024

But in reading some of the proposals above, I was struck by how becoming a pilot can provide many of the positive experiences these experts recommend. A related point is that flight training isn’t something you can fake; there are real checkrides and real consequences for not meeting standards. Flying teaches independence.

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Checkride Airplanes Pilot Crosswind 98

Northstar VFR

APRIL 21, 2024

By Jordan Bullock CFI, Boeing 737 Pilot Traditionally, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (commonly abbreviated as CFI) has been a required step to build hours before inevitably leaving for a coveted airline gig. So, knock out that Commercial checkride, and hopefully in a relatively fast timeline, start on the CFI prep.

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Checkride Airplanes Pilot Crosswind 56

CFI Academy

JANUARY 26, 2024

As aviation enthusiasts pursue their dreams, the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) emerges as a guiding force, molding aspiring pilots into skilled aviators. Tailoring Instruction to Diverse Learners Every aspiring pilot is unique, with distinct learning styles and paces.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Checkride Weather Pilot 52

Northstar VFR

JULY 2, 2023

By Jordan Bullock CFI, FO B737 Almost every single pilot at some point or another has heard of the FAR/AIM. We’ll break down some important regulations all pilots should be aware of later, but for now let's discuss the formatting. For example, qualifications required for each type of pilot license would be in section 61 (aka Part 61).

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Federal Aviation Regulations Aeronautical Information Manual Crosswind Pilot 52