Flight simulation has become a critical component of primary flight training. Simulators help pilots complete their flight training faster and they tend to learn more about their aircraft, systems, procedures, and maneuvers. This all helps students become safer pilots while also saving money. To help pilots-in-training, Gleim launched the X-Plane Flight Training Course in 2015 which revolutionized...

Turns in an airplane may seem like a simple maneuver, but how well do you really understand the aerodynamics? Pilots should understand the principles of adverse yaw, coordinated turns, and overbanking tendencies to fly safely in various flight configurations. Mastering these concepts at the start of your training ensures that more complex maneuvers are less of a challenge. Lift and its Vector C...

August 19 has been celebrated as National Aviation Day since 1939 to honor the birth date of civil aviation pioneer Orville Wright. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established National Aviation Day by presidential proclamation, designating the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday for the observance. Orville Wright was granted the honor of witnessing the moment President Roosevelt issued th...

Hazards Associated with Hydroplaning Wet weather season is upon us, and it is wise to review how to safely navigate inclement weather conditions. Wet weather can make air travel precarious both in the air and on the ground—during takeoffs and landings. In this article, we will address the types of hydroplanes, their causes, and how to avoid them. The three basic types of hydroplaning are: Dynami...

How well do you know your aircraft? Whether you’ve been flying the same aircraft for several years, or are transitioning into a new make and model, knowing your plane is crucial to understanding its systems and limitations. Prior to a first solo flight, a student pilot will complete a presolo knowledge exam. This exam will, in part, ask about the aircraft intended for use on the flight to help ens...

Summer is here, and although there will be plenty of perfect flying days, pilots should be prepared for volatile weather, such as thunderstorms, which can pop up quickly and unexpectedly. While there are many hazards associated with thunderstorms, this article specifically addresses microbursts. Formation When a thunderstorm develops, the updraft can be so strong that it suspends large a...