“This approval marks a critical milestone in Sterling’s strategic expansion and reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional aviation education across multiple locations,” flight school officials said in a statement.

Benefits of Part 141 Programs

Having an FAA Part 141 certification enables the Tallahassee campus to offer a more structured curriculum, “designed to provide an accelerated path to a professional pilot career, meeting the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” according to the company.

“The FAA’s approval of our Tallahassee location for Part 141 training is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in aviation education,” said Wayne Heller, CEO of Sterling Flight Training. “This expansion not only strengthens our ability to train the next generation of pilots but also enhances our capacity to serve the aviation needs of the Tallahassee community and beyond.”

School officials said the 141 program at the new location is designed to complement Sterling Flight Training’s Jacksonville, Florida, operation, which has been providing both recreational and career-oriented flight training for years. Certificate options include remote pilot (drones) through college degree programs and airline careers.

The post Sterling Flight Training Receives Part 141 Certification appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

This was the learner’s third flight lesson, and already he had mastered the use of the checklist. 

I stood back, silently observing—it appeared someone had not used the checklist when they shut down the aircraft. 

To shut down the engine, the mixture knob or lever is pulled full aft, with the knob or lever left out. Yet, looking at this cockpit it was obvious someone had put the knob back in.

As that was not the correct procedure, the learner took extra care with the inspection, calling my attention to several other discrepancies. He found several electrical switches left “on,” the most disconcerting of which was the avionics master switch. This aircraft had several placards warning the pilot to make sure the radio was off before activating the avionics master switch and to make sure the avionics master was off before activating the aircraft master switch.

According to the chief mechanic and owner of the Cessna 172, if these procedures were not followed, a surge of power could be sent to the radios, possibly damaging them. Apparently this had happened in the past. In addition to the placards, there was a warning written in all caps and in red on the checklist.

• READ MORE: How to Beat the Summer Heat When Flying

This wasn’t a one-time experience. The mixture knobs in other aircraft were also found in the full rich position. It was obvious someone—perhaps several someones—were not following the checklists.

The flight school was busy, as most of the instructors were flying eight hours per day, and there were multiple student pilots with solo privileges renting the aircraft. The concern of the chief CFI was that the instructors were not teaching checklist use, or worse yet, not demonstrating and modeling proper cockpit procedures. The CFIs were reminded to carefully watch their learners and remind them to use and follow the checklist during each phase of flight. 

An email was sent to all the renters and students, asking them to please use the checklists especially on aircraft shutdown. Some of the learners were confused by the email, because they thought the only problem that could arise from an improperly shutdown aircraft was the potential of a “hot prop,” the term for the magnetos being left on.

When the magnetos are shut off, the spark is grounded to the airframe. If the magnetos are left on, the spark is not grounded, and there is the possibility the prop can “kick,” as in move forcefully on its own if bumped or repositioned by hand. Approach the propeller like it is a big dog you don’t know—with caution and respect.

• READ MORE: Discovering Situational Awareness in the Instrument World

I have seen the aftermath of someone getting hit by a prop. It was at a Saturday morning fly-in pancake breakfast. It was winter and one of those cold, clear days that are so rare in the Pacific Northwest. The owner of the Cessna 172 was moving the prop by hand to a vertical position to signal that he needed fuel. 

I was two spots away when I heard the impact. I turned in time to see him on the ground. The engine hadn’t started because the mixture was out, but the prop had rotated on its own, coming down rapidly and striking his arm.

Although shaken, he said he was fine, as he was wearing a heavy winter jacket, and it prevented him from getting a serious injury. Or so he thought. A few minutes later he collapsed. We thought he was having a heart attack. He was lucky that several of the people in attendance were paramedics. When they got his jacket off, they discovered his arm was broken— there was bruising and swelling — and determined that he was in shock. 

I share this story with my learners. Oddly enough, the one who was skeptical of the damage a  live propeller could do was the one who had the ignition key break off during aircraft shutdown. It was the policy of the school to quickly switch to “off,” then back to “both” to determine the mags could be grounded to the airframe, then shut the engine off. As he switched back to both, the key sheared off. The mags were stuck on. 

We shut the aircraft down by pulling the mixture full after and depriving the engine of fuel and turned off the master switch. I ran inside to get the chief mechanic while the learner stayed with the airplane, standing behind the strut, and warning his classmates of the potentially live and therefore dangerous prop. 

We both watched as the chief mechanic used one of his specialized tools to turn the mags to the off position and removed what was left of the key. As he got out of the aircraft he looked at the student and playfully admonished him: “Go easier on the Wheaties! You’re breaking the keys!”

As for the identity of the pilot who was improperly shutting down the aircraft, he was a private candidate who thought he was helping the other pilots by putting the mixture to the “rich” position at the end of the flight because it was on the engine start checklist, and he wanted to save the pilots a step.

After he was educated about the importance of following the checklist, the behavior ceased as learning had taken place.

The post The Importance of Following Checklists appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Dallas-Fort Worth’s KXAS-TV, Denton-based TWU is now the only woman-focused university nationwide with a professional pilot program.

Backed by a $15 million grant from the Doswell Foundation, TWU’s program will offer two degree tracks: professional pilot and flight operations. Classes will be held on campus, with flight training conducted at Denton Enterprise Airport (KDTO) in partnership with the U.S. Aviation Academy. The initiative aims to enhance career opportunities for women in aviation and support the growing demand for pilots.

Brittany Dinsmore, the school’s associate director and chief flight instructor, highlighted the program’s success.

“What we’re really excited about with our program is that we’re kind of seeing a reverse,” Dinsmore told KXAS. “So, in traditional aviation programs like the one I went to, it’s usually mostly men. And you might get two or three women. But what we’re seeing with our inaugural class that’s coming in, it’s actually 25 women and two men. So, we’ve completely reversed the ratio.”

Each semester is limited to around 30 students, so the school with a total enrollment of about 15,000 is already at capacity for the fall. However, recruitment for the spring semester is underway.  

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Texas Woman’s University Launches Flight Program appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Kevin Rychlik is facing a prison term but by pleading guilty he avoided indictment on a laundry list of serious federal charges relating to his operation of American Aviation at Manassas Regional Airport (KMNZ) in Virginia and several other businesses.

• READ MORE: Virginia Flight School Closure Leaves Students Stranded

The charges were filed against Rychlik in May, three months before he abruptly closed the school on August 1 and filed for bankruptcy for the businesses and personally.

The result is that dozens of students, some of which had as much as $100,000 on deposit, have no chance of getting more than a small fraction of their money back as they join about 500 other creditors named in the proceedings.

The tax evasion case makes their situation even bleaker because the IRS is always the first to be paid in cases like this. The IRS said Rychlik evaded taxes and withheld employee deductions without remitting them to the government for years and owes it $3.4 million. Any assets will go toward paying that before creditors see any reimbursement.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Flight School Owner Who Allegedly Stiffed Students Facing Jail appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Skilled pilots are in great demand in today’s market. For the best opportunities, it’s important to graduate from an excellent flight school.

There are a lot of options for flight schools in the Northeast U.S., and we did not have the opportunity to review them all. But we did choose these five to showcase. They offer a range of training to meet a variety of career or personal goals.

The Northeast’s diverse terrain and weather create an ideal backdrop for aviation training. Proximity to major airports and population centers affords ample job opportunity.

Here are five flight schools in the Northeast that can help you launch your career:

Quick Look: Flight Schools in the Northeastern United States

• New York metro college: Farmingdale State College
• New York metro private: EssexAir
• Mid-Atlantic for job placement: Ocean Aviation Flight Academy
• Mid-Atlantic instructors and affordability: Navy Annapolis Flight Center
• New England fleet variety: East Coast Aero Club

Flight schools in the New York Metro Area

Farmingdale State College

Focus: Four-year college program

Highly rated in the New York metro area is Long Island’s Farmingdale State College. It’s the largest collegiate flight school in the Northeast. It’s also the only school in the state to offer a four-year aviation degree. Tuition is reasonable and 94 percent of graduates go on to find immediate employment. Graduates also qualify for an R-ATP after 1,000 hours instead of the typical 1,500. This enables Farmingdale grads to be employed as airline first officers sooner.

Location: Farmingdale, New York

Tuition and fees:

• In-state tuition – $3,500 per semester
• Out-of-state tuition – $8,500 per semester
• Flight fees – Approximately $9,000 per semester

 Financial assistance: Yes – Scholarships, Loans

Accreditation: Yes

Program length::

• Bachelor’s degree – Eight semesters aviation administration, aviation science-professional pilot
• Minor – Four semesters Air Force ROTC, aviation administration, aviation flight, certificate-drone pilot
• Flight program – 1,000 hours

Endorsements: 

• Bachelor of Science Aviation Administration
• Bachelor of Science Aeronautical Science: Professional Pilot
• Minor Air Force ROTC
• Minor Aviation Administration
• Minor Aviation Flight
• Drone Pilot Certification

Fleet: 19 Piper PA28 training aircraft: 12 Warrior IIIs, 3 Piper Arrows, 4 Piper Archers; 1 Cessna 172 spin demonstrator, 1 multiengine Piper Seminole for advanced training

Job placement: High graduate employment rate within first year

Virtual learning: No

EssexAir

Focus: Self-paced affordable program

EssexAir is situated just outside New York City at the Essex County Airport (KCDW) in New Jersey. Future pilots can hone their skills in the sophisticated airspace of the New York metropolitan area. Students benefit from flying in and out of an established airport that many other flight schools lack. Instructors are highly experienced with thousands of hours of flight time. You’ll enjoy one-on-one instruction and get into the pilot’s seat on your very first flight.

Location: Essex County Airport, New Jersey

Tuition and fees: Hourly and package flight instruction rates

• Piper Warrior – $165
• Beechcraft Skipper – $155
• Primary Instruction (Private) – $65
• Instrument/IPC – $75
• Commercial Pilot – $75
• Ground Instruction (Private) – $65
• Ground Instruction (Instrumental) – $75
• Ground Instruction (Commercial) – $75
• Flight Review – $75
• Chief Pilot/Stage Check – $85

Financial assistance: Can finance your training through AOPA Flex Aviation Loan

Accreditation: Authorized to conduct training under Part 61 Federal Aviation regulations

Program length: Six months to a year, self-paced

Endorsements: Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor

Fleet: Piper Warrior, Beechcraft Skipper

Job placement: No

Virtual learning: No

There is much to gain from building your pilot skills in the challenging environs of the New York City air space. For more flight schools in New York city and state, take a look here.

Flight schools in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy

Focus: Accelerated program, partnerships with airlines

With locations in Maryland and Delaware, Ocean Aviation Flight Academy is known for accelerated programs and strong job placement opportunities. You can start with zero hours and complete flight training in as little as eight months. Students benefit from learning in an unrestricted airspace with proximity to the largest cities in the northeast. This flight school earned the AOPA Top Flight School award.

Locations: Ocean City Municipal Airport (KOXB), Berlin, Maryland; Delaware Coastal Airport (KGED), Georgetown, Delaware

Tuition and fees: Ranges from $11,995 for Private Pilot to $49,995 for the Airline Pilot Professional Program

Financial assistance: Loans and deferred payment options

Accreditation: Yes

Program length:

• Accelerated or self-paced
• Accelerated: Private Pilot Course (30 days), Instrument Rating Course (21 days)
• Commercial Pilot Course (45 days), Flight Instructor Course (15 days)
• Accelerated Pro Pilot Course (Commercial Pilot) in as little as eight months. As an FAA-approved flight academy, students can subtract 60 hours off typical requirements to complete the Commercial Pilot Course in 190 hours.
• Instrument Course – 35 hours
• Flight Instructor – 12 months
• Professional Airline Pilot – 36 months
• Finish-up programs – vary per student

Endorsements: Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor, Professional Airline Pilot License (Commercial)

Fleet: Brand-new (2022) Cessna Skyhawk Aircraft 

Job placement: Yes. Excellent due to partnership with airlines

Virtual learning: No

For ground courses that offer a virtual learning experience, look into a source like Sporty’s Learn to Fly programs, covering instruction from Pilot to Recreational to Sport Pilot ground training. 

Navy Annapolis Flight Center

Focus: Affordable program, instructors are Naval pilots

Navy Annapolis Flight Center (NAFC) offers personalized, one-on-one instruction. As a Part 141-approved flight school, students can complete their training quickly with reduced hour requirements. This can result in significant savings. A Part 61 option is available for students who prefer a more relaxed training program. Instructors include former and active duty Naval pilots, and veterans receive reduced or fully reimbursed tuition. You’ll be making your first solo flight after as little as 8-10 hours of instruction.

Location: Edgewater, Maryland

Tuition and fees: 

• Private Pilot – $5,120
• Commercial Pilot – $12,500
• Instrument Rating – $6,295
• Flight Instructor Certificate – $4,975
• Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate – $2,660
• Multi Engine Commercial Certificate – $3,085

Financial assistance: 

• Flight school grants and scholarships
• Pilot finance program
• AOPA finance
• Personal loans
• Veterans’ benefits

Accreditation: Yes

Program length: 

• Private Pilot – 35 flight hours and 30 hours of ground classes
• Commercial Pilot – 190 flight hours plus testing
• Instrument Rating – 35 flight hours and 35 hours of ground courses
• Flight Instructor Certificate – 5 flight hours and 40 hours of ground courses
• Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate – 15 flight hours and 10 hours of ground courses
• Multi-engine Commercial Certificate – 20 hours of ground courses

Endorsements: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor CFI, Flight Instructor Instrument CFII, Multi-engine Instructor (MEI), Private Pilot, Drone Certification

NAFC also offers a “pinch-hitter” five-course basic training for the passenger who might have to intervene in the event of a pilot emergency.

Fleet: Cessna 152, Cessna 172N, Cessna 172S, Piper-PA-23-180 Geronimo, Piper-PA-28-161 Cadet, Piper-PA-28R-200 Arrow II

Job placement:: Yes

Virtual learning:: Yes

Some flight schools accept virtual ground school training to complement time spent in the air. WifiCFI is an excellent source for online study courses from Pilot to Commercial and offers FAA written test prep.

Flight School in the New England Region

East Coast Aero Club

Focus: Diverse fleet, tailored Programs

East Coast Aero Club (ECAC) is the largest flight school in New England, with three locations across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Highly qualified FAA-certified instructors provide individualized instruction tailored to your needs. The club boasts one of the most diverse fleets in the region, including the technologically advanced models. A convenient, pay-as-you-go option is a plus. The ECAC has been recognized multiple times for high standards in flight training excellence.

Location: Bedford and Norwood, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire

Tuition and fees: 

• Private Pilot – $12,234-$15,398 
• Instrument Rating – $8,322-$8,852
• Commercial Pilot – $6,208
• Multi-Engine Rating – $5,045
• Certified Flight Instructor – $5,693-$6,968
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument – $3,898
• Multi-Engine Instructor – $5,242

Financial assistance: Financing options available through AOPA, Pilotfinance.com, Lending Tree, Aero Club of New England, and The Ninety-Nines.

Accreditation: Yes

Program length: 

• Private Pilot – 55 hours
• Instrument Rating – 40 hours of instrument training plus a minimum of 50 hours as a pilot in command
• Commercial Pilot – 30 hours, requires a minimum of 250 recorded flight hours and must be completed before earning pilot title 
• Multi-Engine Rating – 16 hours
• Certified Flight Instructor – 40-45 hours
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument – 21.5 hours
• Multi-Engine Instructor – 21.5 hours

Endorsements: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Aircraft, Complex Endorsement, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument Training (CFII), Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI), Airline Transport Pilot

Fleet: Over 45 aircraft, including Piper Tomahawk, Piper Warrior, Piper Archer, Piper Arrow, Piper Seminole, Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cirrus SR 22, Diamond DA40

Job Placement: No

Virtual learning: Fifty hours in a flight simulator is available toward the commercial pilot license.

To consider additional options in the New England area, including colleges and helicopter programs, take a look here.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flight School

There are important criteria to consider when selecting a flight school that’s best for you:

Location and Weather Conditions

A full range of weather conditions common to the Northeast offers students the valuable opportunity to train in a variety of scenarios they’ll face in the skies. The varied terrain of this region, from mountains to plateaus to coastal stretches, provides a broad experience for the flight student. 

Curriculum and Certification Programs

When selecting a flight school, consider your goals and what curriculum or certifications best suit your objectives. Are you flying for recreation? A private pilot license may be sufficient. Are you looking for a career in aviation? Then you’ll want credentials that best position you for success in your field.

Aircraft Fleet and Maintenance

Safety is paramount and so is ensuring your flight school prioritizes it. Equipment should be well maintained. Schools also vary greatly in types of aircraft. Which type of craft applies best to you? Look for schools with excellent records and reputations.

Instructor Qualifications and Experience

Having a highly qualified instructor is of prime importance. Look for schools with instructors who bring many hours of experience to the table. They should have backgrounds in the area of expertise where your interest lies.

Cost and Financial Aid Options

While cost is always a consideration, many flight schools offer financing or pay-as-you go options. Some airlines offer reimbursement. It pays to do your homework.

Job Placement Assistance

If you’re looking for a career in aviation, don’t go it alone. Pay attention to schools that have placement programs and relationships with airlines. They can help jump start your career.

Kick-Start Your Flight Training Today

The first step to achieving your pilot’s license begins with selecting a flight school that best fits your goals, finances, and location. With plentiful programs and options, these top-tier Northeast flight schools are an excellent place to start.

To search further, FLYING’s Flight School Guide offers a comprehensive look at flight schools across the country to help find your perfect fit. 

We encourage you to visit campuses where possible. Talk to current students and alumni to find out more.

Whether you want to launch a meaningful career or pursue an exhilarating hobby, we hope this curated list will help you take that first step toward achieving your aviation aspirations.

FAQs

Which school has the best flight program?

If you want to pursue a degree in aviation, Farmingdale College is highly ranked in the New York metropolitan area. If your piloting aspirations are aimed at recreational flying, a private school like the East Coast Aero Club could be ideal for your needs.

What is the best state for flight school?

The Northeast offers premier training in varied types of weather conditions and geographical terrain you may face as a pilot. Near major population centers and airports, it lends practice in crowded airspace and offers a wide career opportunity. The Northeast is home to many longstanding aviation communities.

Which school is best for flying?

Each of the schools listed will provide excellent flight training – some have varied programs while others focus strictly on piloting. The Navy Annapolis Flight Center is staffed with many instructors who are former or active naval pilots, offering a unique experience with highly skilled aviators.

How do you know if a flight school is good?

Good flight schools should prioritize safety and work with highly qualified instructors. Quality can also be measured in student outcomes, percent of graduates employed, or partnerships with major employers. The type of aircraft you train on may be a factor, depending on your personal objectives.

The post Flight Schools in the Northeastern U.S. appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Answer: Pilot candidates learn about the role of the NTSB because it’s important to know what constitutes an accident or an incident, and when the agency needs to be notified. The criteria for both is listed under Part 830 in the  (Federal Aviation Regulations/ Aeronautical Information Manual FAR/AIM).

Talking about accidents in ground school helps learners recognize risks that were not properly managed by the accident pilots. This leads to discussion about ways to identify and develop ways to mitigate those risks.

By deconstructing previous accidents, pilots can learn from the mistakes of others and develop the skill to mitigate risk by seeking an alternative course of action resulting in a better outcome.

The post Why Are Flight Students Taught About the NTSB in Ground School? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Several passenger airlines have established pathways with flight schools to facilitate the recruitment of new pilots, but New York-based Atlas Air is one of the only known cargo airlines to work directly with a flight school on a dedicated pilot training academy.

Spartan Education Group, which provides government-approved training programs and career pathways for pilots and aviation technicians at a handful of U.S. campuses, announced Monday that it has opened the Atlas Cadet Academy at its West Chicago, Illinois, flight school. The initiative offers participants a defined avenue to potential first officer positions with Atlas Air, which also operates Boeing 767 and 777 widebody aircraft.

In addition to the normal curriculum covering essential aeronautical knowledge and preparation for FAA certification and rating exams, the academy will provide customized instruction and firsthand exposure to the airline’s culture. The idea is to facilitate integration of new employees and give Atlas Air better control of the labor pipeline. 

Unlike a typical flight school where graduates can eventually be recruited by any airline, the academy clears a lane for students to work at Atlas Air.

“We work very closely with Atlas to design a program that creates the skills and competencies that they’re looking for,” said Dan Bregman, Spartan Education Group’s vice president of strategy and development, in a phone interview. “If I’m a university or flight school and I’ve got 20 airlines all recruiting, it’s really tough for me to tailor my program for any one of those airlines, We are recruiting students from day one who are interested in flying for Atlas, which is different from a lot of other partnerships. We don’t want another airline poaching you. We want to keep you focused on this path that you’ve chosen.”

Enhanced training might include flying a 250-mile route with three stops to replicate what a short-haul cargo pilot might experience. 

The Atlas Cadet Academy initiated its first class in June with 13 new students and one certified flight instructor. It will continue to grow each month as more people meet the entry requirements, including an FAA-approved medical exam, and complete the Academy orientation, said Bregman.

Cadets can earn their FAA certifications and ratings (instrument, multiengine, etc.) as quickly as 13 months flying small, single-turboprop planes and then build toward the 1,500 hours necessary to earn an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot certification by working as a certified flight instructor. (Those who obtain a business degree in aviation only require 1,200 hours of flying time.) After that, each flight instructor will continue training with a minimum of 250 hours in more advanced aircraft—Cessna Caravan, Beechcraft 1900, Saab 340B, and Aerostar turboprop aircraft—flying for unscheduled charter operators Castle Aviation and Planemasters, Bregman explained. Planemasters is co-located with Spartan’s College of Aeronautics and Technology at DuPage Airport (KDPA).

It may take four to five years for a high school graduate to achieve an unrestricted commercial pilot’s license because certification has a minimum age of 23. Spartan’s relationships with Castle Aviation and Planemasters allow fledgling pilots to earn money and build necessary hours until they’re eligible to join Atlas Air. 

The airline employs more than 2,900 pilots. International Aviation Professionals Local 2750, the Teamsters union that represents Atlas Air pilots, says 532 pilots resigned last year and 269 have left the company this year.

Tailored Approach

Bregman said Spartan plans to unveil a proprietary app in late September that will contain features such as supplementary Atlas Air training materials, interview tips and the ability to do virtual fireside chats with Atlas crew members and managers.

Atlas Air doesn’t cover students’ costs or pay Spartan for each graduate but has made an undisclosed investment in the program and provides resources, according to Bregman. Potential program benefits include visits from Atlas Air pilots to discuss professional development and company safety practices, touring Atlas’ flight operations center to see how an airline operates behind the scenes, experiencing a flight simulator, having lunch with executives, and attending training for flight attendants (Atlas operates some 747 passenger aircraft under charter contracts) to gain the cabin crew perspective.

Familiarizing students with the company early on demystifies the hiring process and makes the transition to a first officer much easier, he said.

Cadets can finance their training through a private loan program or get an associate flight degree from the College of DuPage, which provides access to federal financial aid and has a relationship with Spartan. 

Spartan a couple years ago changed its strategy to one that treats airlines, rather than the student, as the customer and the student as the product, said Bregman. The approach resembles the way community colleges work with a manufacturer or other company to develop students with specific skills that make them more attractive hires than someone with generic industry skills. The Atlas academy is similar to a recent program Spartan started with Allegiant Airlines. 

“It allows us to incorporate into the FAA-mandated training other kinds of experiences that we think make you a more competent pilot and enhance your skill set,” Bregman told FreightWaves. “We don’t want our students to be the deer in the headlights. We want them to walk into ground school at Atlas feeling full of confidence that they can do this.”

He made clear that Spartan doesn’t guarantee employment.

United Airlines in February 2022 opened a pilot academy at Phoenix-Goodyear Airport (KGYR) with the goal of training 5,000 pilots by 2030. It is the only flight academy operated by a major U.S. airline. Spartan College also provides an academy program for American Airlines that is less structured than the ones for Allegiant and Atlas Air.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on FreightWaves.

The post New Atlas Air Academy Creates Direct Pathway for Hiring Young Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Students from American Aviation Flight School, including Thida Aung, reached out to local news station WTTG-TV (FOX 5 DC) seeking help.

According to FOX 5, Aung had paid the flight school $100,000 up front for the school’s “Career Pilot Package,” which includes training sessions. However, Aung reported that the school’s owner, Kevin Rychlik, allegedly informed her that no refunds would be issued.

FOX 5 obtained an email from the school to its students stating: “After reflection and exploring every possible scenario, we have come to the conclusion there is no viable path forward.” The email also mentioned several health issues the owner has faced over the past year.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) reported that Rychlik filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on August 6, citing business debts between $10 million and $50 million as the main cause.

Students are considering legal action to address the situation.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Virginia Flight School Closure Leaves Students Stranded appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The aircraft are the second installment of Pilot 100i deliveries this year, according to Piper. The FIT fleet of 50 aircraft includes Piper Seminoles, Archers, Warriors, and now the Pilot 100i. 

“At Florida Tech, our students learn by doing, and we are eager to get them into the flight deck of these cutting-edge Piper Pilot 100is to start learning with our amazing flight instructors,” John Nicklow, president of FIT, said in a statement. “What makes all of this even more meaningful is that many of our alumni working at Piper helped design, build, and test these aircraft. It’s a high-flying example of the power of a Florida Tech education in action.”

According to school officials, the additional aircraft were necessary to support growth of the program and student need. 

Seventeen Florida Tech alumni currently employed at Piper Aircraft joined Florida Tech staff to celebrate the fleet expansion. The alumni fulfill roles in engineering, project management, technical marketing, and production flight testing.

“It’s an honor to continue supplying planes to our long-term Flight School Alliance member, Florida Tech,” said Marc Ouellet, Piper’s vice president of engineering and manufacturing. “Their program is one of the best, and we know from firsthand experience as we have multiple Florida Tech graduates working at the Piper factory.” 

The post Florida Flight School Expands Fleet With Piper Pilot 100i Aircraft appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Maybe you’re unsure if you can hold a medical or don’t want to make flying a career. The sport pilot license offers an accessible entry into aviation at a lower price point and without requiring a medical.

As with any other type of pilot license, ground school is a great way to prepare for sport pilot flight training, exams, and real-world flying. We’ve rounded up six of the best programs to support your training journey.

Quick Look: 6 Top Sport Pilot Certification Courses

• Sport pilot-specific curriculum: King Schools Sport Pilot Airplane Ground School & Test Prep
• All-in-one bundle: Pilots HQ: Gleim Sport Pilot Online Ground School
• Tech resources: Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course
• Bonus content and resources: Rod Machado’s 40-hour Private Pilot eLearning Ground School
• Free ground school: Fly8MA Basic Private Pilot Ground School
• Live instructor access: Pilot Institute Private Pilot Made Easy

Best Sport Pilot License Ground Schools

The sport pilot license (SPL) is a beginner-level certificate similar to the better-known private pilot license (PPL).

The main differences are that sport pilots have more flying restrictions and must fulfill fewer training requirements. While sport pilots don’t need as many flight hours as a PPL, the written and practical exams are very similar. Because of this, many flight schools don’t offer sport pilot ground school and only offer PPL programs.

Taking a PPL ground program to get a sport pilot license may sound strange, but it’s not a bad idea.

PPL knowledge goes above and beyond the requirements for sport pilots. As a sport pilot going through a PPL course, you’ll learn a little more than is required. But in aviation, no knowledge is wasted. The more aeronautical information you can absorb, the better off you’ll be as a pilot.

King Schools

King Schools is a household name in flight training. It’s also one of the only ground schools to offer a program just for sport pilots. Its ground school and test prep companion apps are convenient for offline study. It also offers unlimited practice tests, lifetime course access, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best feature: Sport pilot-specific curriculum

Website: King Schools

Course length: Self-paced modules totaling 7.5 hours of content

Subscription access: Lifetime access and automatic updates

What you’ll learn:

• Airspace
• Weather
• Aircraft performance
• Navigation
• Flying maneuvers
• Check ride and test prep

Price: $299

Gleim Pilots HQ

Pilot’s HQ is an online retailer offering pilot and aircraft supplies, educational resources, apparel, and more. It has a bundle of Gleim products specifically for sport pilots, and it’s an incredible value.

For under $200, the bundle includes online ground school and test prep, a stack of textbooks, and flight planning tools. The Gleim ground school alone is valued at $160 when purchased independently.

This is the only ground school program on this list that includes physical resources. It’s a great buy for anyone on a tight training budget.

Best feature: All-in-one bundle

Website: Pilots HQ

Course length: Average of 35 hours to complete

Subscription access: 12-month access to the program, with extension that can be purchased for 50 percent of the original price if you need more time

What you’ll learn:

• Airports
• Airspace
• Federal aviation regulations
• Aeromedical factors and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
• Aviation weather
• Weather services
• Sectional charts and airspace
• Navigation and preflight preparation
• Airplanes and aerodynamics
• Airplane instruments
• Airplane engines and systems
• Airplane performance weight and balance

Price: $199

Sporty’s

The tech-savvy will most enjoy Sporty’s online ground school.

Its 3-D animations, interactive simulation exercises, and 15-plus hours of high-quality video make for a well-rounded ground school experience. Sporty’s has the most diverse compatibility options with learning apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Roku. They also have a strong money-back guarantee—pass both your written exam and check ride or receive a full refund.

Although the course is called “Private Pilot Ground School,” it is noted in the  information that sport pilot topics are covered.

Best feature: Tech resources

Website: Sporty’s

Course length: Approximately 23 hours of material

Subscription access: Lifetime access and updates

What you’ll learn:

• Your first few hours
• Practicing landings
• Your first solo
• Dual cross countries
• Private Pilot Test
• Supplemental training (optional)
• Interactive scenarios (optional)

Price: $299

Rod Machado

Rod Machado is known for his entertaining and memorable teaching style.

The module titles listed below give insight into his punny and clever ways of making dense topics easier to understand. This is one of the longer courses on the list with more than 40 hours of video content.

Try the course for free through the demo module linked on the sales page.

Best feature: Bonus content and resources

Website: Rod Machado

Course length: 40 hours of video content

Subscription access: Lifetime access with automatic updates

What you’ll learn:

• Aerodynamics: The Wing Is the Thing
• Engines: Knowledge of Engines Ist Power
• Electrical Systems: Knowing What’s Watt
• Flight Instruments: Clocks, Tops, and Toys
• Federal Aviation Regulations: How FAR Can We Go?
• Airport Operations: No Doctor Needed
• Radio Operations: Aviation Spoken Here
• Airspace: The Wild Blue, Green, and Red Yonder
• Aviation Maps: The Art of the Chart
• Radio Navigation: The Frequency Flyer Program
• Understanding Weather: Looking for Friendly Skies
• Weather Charts and Briefings: PIREPS, Progs, and METARS
• Flight Planning: Getting There From Here
• Airplane Performance Charts: Know Before You Go
• Weight and Balance: Let’s Wait and Balance
• Pilot Potpourri: Neat Aeronautical Information

Price: $279

Fly8MA

While many ground schools offer a demo module or two, hardly any offer an entire program for free.

Fly8MA provides generous access to its basic private pilot ground school. If you’re just beginning to look for a ground school and are overwhelmed by the choices, start here.

This course can supplement training you’re already doing or serve as a solid first step. There’s always the option to upgrade to a more advanced course and get an endorsement to take the written exam when you’re ready.

Best feature: Free ground school

Website: Fly8MA

Course length: 20 modules with 93 topics

Subscription access: Lifetime access to the free course, with monthly subscriptions available to a larger library of training materials

What you’ll learn:

• Your first flight
• Traffic pattern
• Understanding wind and turns
• AOA and stalls
• Maneuvers and landings
• FARs
• Airspace
• Performance calculations
• VFR charts and navigation
• Aeromedical factors
• Flying at night
• Flight planning
• Test prep

Price: Basic Ground School is free with the option to upgrade for $149 to get an endorsement to take the written exam. Monthly subscriptions to a larger library of training materials start at $79 per month.

Pilot Institute

One thing that many online programs neglect is real-life interaction between instructors and students. Pilot Institute bridges the gap between prerecorded and live instruction.

Its students have access to virtual study groups and a community Facebook group. They can also receive instructor support by online chat, phone, or email. Study with classmates and ask questions as they come up instead of slogging through difficult material alone.

Best feature: Live instructor access and community support

Website: Pilot Institute

Course length: 35 hours of video

Subscription access: Lifetime access

What you’ll learn:

• Introduction to flight training
• Aerodynamics
• Performance and limitations
• Regulations
• Aeronautical decision making
• Weather theory
• Airport operations
• Radio communications
• Airspace
• Charts
• Navigation

Price: $225

What Is a Sport Pilot License?

A sport pilot license is an entry-level type of pilot certificate. It is less expensive and has fewer training requirements than a private pilot license. It also has tighter limitations.

A sport pilot can only fly during the daytime and may only carry one passenger. They are also restricted to flying smaller aircraft and must fly below 10,000 feet MSL.

Sport pilots fly light sport aircraft (LSA), which are very small and lightweight. The typical LSA has no more than two seats and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds.

Sport pilots may also be endorsed to fly other categories and classes of light aircraft, such as gliders and balloons.

FAA Sport Pilot License Requirements

Training requirements for sport pilots are much lower and more lenient than with other types of pilot licenses. Only 20 total flight hours are required to qualify for a sport pilot certificate.

Fifteen hours must be with a flight instructor, and five must be solo. Sport pilots can also legally fly without a medical certificate as long as they hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Get Your Sport Airplane License Training Off the Ground

A sport pilot certificate is an underrated entry point into the exciting world of aviation.

It’s typically much more affordable and accessible than a standard private pilot license. If you’ve ever thought flying was too expensive or otherwise out of reach, a sport pilot certificate may be your solution.

When choosing a ground school program, don’t overthink it. Getting hung up on this decision can hold you back from your ultimate goal—learning how to fly.

There are many incredible programs on the market. The best way forward is to choose one and dedicate time to completing it. Focus, study hard, and be excited to apply that knowledge to your new role as a licensed pilot.

FAQ

How much does a sport pilot license cost?

Light sport aircraft are usually cheaper to rent and more fuel-efficient than other training aircraft, and sport pilots only need to log 20 hours of training. Because of this, the average sport pilot license costs between $4,000-$6,000.

Is a sport pilot license worth it?

A sport pilot license is a great way to start your piloting journey, especially if you can’t qualify for a medical or just want to fly for fun. It’s much more affordable than other types of pilot certificates, and training takes less time to accomplish.

What can I fly with a sport pilot license?

Sport pilots usually train in light sport aircraft but can be endorsed to fly other light aircraft like gliders and balloons.

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