Pitch Perfect

As an educator I believe in rigorous discussions. You can define rigor as not having one answer, that there is ambiguity, it leads to more questions. Rich complex discussion occurs when there is nuance. Unfortunately, flight training can become dogmatic, always focusing on the correct answer for the written test, and the ACS standard on …

Understanding Checklists and Flows

From the Private Pilot ACS: Use of ChecklistsThroughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an appropriate checklist.Assessing proper checklist use depends upon the specific Task. In all cases, the evaluator should determine whether the applicant appropriately divides attention and uses proper visual scanning. In some situations, reading the actual checklist …

Five Things to Change in Your Pilot Training

Learning to fly is challenging and rewarding. However, for 5 out of 6 student pilots, it becomes daunting. That’s right, only 1 in 6 students pilots earn their certificate. So you want to be a Pilot? covers some simple things you can do to help put the odds in your favor. This article covers specific …

So You Want to Become a Pilot?

Congratulations on wanting to be a pilot! Before you begin your flight training you need to be very aware of one sobering fact: only two out of ten student pilots will earn their private pilot license. During the heyday of general aviation, 1950’s – 1960’s, there were about two million certified pilots in the United …