Inadvertent stalls are are an example and loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) and are a leading cause of fatal general aviation accidents. Many accidents involving stalls are caused by simple distractions. These accidents wouldn’t have occurred if the distractions had been avoided. The number of accidents could be further reduced by using proper technique to...Read More

One of the first maneuvers student pilots learn is how to fly straight-and-level. For a given airplane configuration, this maneuver is successful when the pilot can control the airplane with minimal altitude and heading changes. Except for basic instrument maneuvers, straight-and-level flight is not actually listed as a specific task in the Airman Certification Standards;...Read More

The United States was responsible for nearly 1 billion airline passengers (domestically and internationally) in 20181. We’ve already seen the how that efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic are significantly affecting air travel. There is a growing concern among pilots regarding job security. Airlines are expected to take a $113 billion hit2 due to the...Read More

Update March 24, 2020, 16:08 EDT: This closure only applies to PSI-owned and operated locations. Some PSI locations are operated by third parties. Check with your local testing center for their status. A list of all closed locations can be accessed here. PSI announced they are closing test centers at least through April 13, 2020,...Read More

The FAA published Advisory Circular 61-142, on February 25, 2020, with guidance for pilots who may share flight expenses with passengers consistent with the Federal Aviation Regulations. The new AC 61-142 expands on the previously issued AC 120-12A, Private Carriage vs. Common Carriage, to clarify some ambiguities and provide modern applications. Private Carriage vs. Common...Read More

Do you know what type of preventive maintenance you can do on the aircraft you own or operate? If you’re in flight training, you’ll likely need to talk about it with your examiner, but if it’s been a while, or if you rent and preventive maintenance is handled by the mechanics, it is important to...Read More

Q. When is a convenient time to deal with distractions on the flight deck? A. There isn’t one—that’s why they’re called “distractions.” From passengers talking loudly to trying to figure out how to use your favorite electronic flight bag app, pilots constantly encounter distractions. Recognizing that they can be dealt with in a methodical way...Read More

Flight instructors carry one of the most important responsibilities when it comes to pilot certification – single-pilot endorsements. A CFI represents the FAA when they serve as an evaluator, and their role is crucial. A CFI’s pen carries the ability to authorize student pilots to exercise their solo privileges for the first time and operate...Read More

The National Weather Service (NWS) is one of the primary sources for weather information used by pilots and dispatchers to plan and monitor flights. Weather information is a fundamental element in the lives of aviators, and has been since the first aviators took to the skies. The NWS we know today was originally called the...Read More

New student pilots often become apprehensive at the mention of the word “stall.” Without knowing what to expect, a stall can be misinterpreted as an aircraft falling out of the sky with no hope of recovery. Experienced aviators understand that this is not the case and are comfortable practicing stalls. Once you understand the aerodynamics...Read More