Flight Instructor Blog

Joshua is wondering if he’s gotten the right information about CFI requirements:
I recently obtained my multi-engine commercial license in a DA-42 Twin Star. Since I did my commercial in a complex aircraft, do I have to train in a complex single for my initial CFI? I am being told that I do, but it does […]

Here is a simple enough question that made it to my inbox today:
What exactly is meant by Manifold Pressure?
The manifold pressure gauge is an engine instrument typically used in piston aircraft engines to measure the pressure inside the induction system of an engine.   In other words, it literally reads the pressure inside the induction […]

Erik needs to build time and is considering a cheaper path:
I just got my private and am working on my instrument rating now but of course I need to get PIC too. Does PIC time in an LSA count as regular PIC time towards things like commercial and CFI ratings?
Erik, you’re in luck. As far […]

John writes asking about the W in the A.R.R.O.W. acronym:
With regards to the acronym “ARROW” for required documents: Where in the FARs is the specific requirement for the “W”? I realize the requirement would be indirectly there because of the requirement for the AFM. But the acronym would be rather lengthy if we listed all […]

We have been receiving a lot of Sport pilot and LSA-related questions lately. Ken has two more:
“If I get my PPL, can I count my hours in a non-LSA aircraft toward a SP CFI?”
And, a more general question, “Is there some common reason why schools and FBOs seem very cold to the suggestion of having […]

Bob writes asking about the best place to complete a engine-run-up at a busy airport:
On a controlled field, where is the appropriate place to complete the aircraft run-up checklist? I trained at an uncontrolled field where there was space where the taxiway meets the runway to pull off to the side and do the run-up, […]

Nick has two questions about currency:
If I do 3 full stop landings at night, do I have to do 3 T&G’s and/or full stop landings in the day time time to fly as PIC during the day or do my night landings take care of the day requirement?
Do I have to complete 3 FS landings […]

Mike has a great question, one that is often brought up at the start of instrument training:
When given a heading by ATC, is it magnetic, true, or something else?
Whenever you are working with an air traffic control facility, any radar vectors they give you will be turns to magnetic headings only. This simplifies things, both […]

Daniel is a student pilot with a good question that’s prompted by an unfortunate circumstance:
I took my Private Pilot Knowledge Test in September [and] failed it. I got a 55% and haven’t been able to talk to the CFI whom I studied with… what do I do? Do I go through another course with another […]

It’s easy to get lost in the FARs, as most instructors will agree. Clayton asks a question that I had myself a few months back:
I cannot find a clear explanation in the regs saying that a CFI w/asel privileges can teach sport pilot students. Everything I am seeing is referring to someone that wants an initial CFI […]

Mike is looking into regaining his currency and asks:
I’m thinking about doing the Recreational Pilot flight review instead of the Private Pilot this time around. I haven’t been able to fly much in the last 15 yrs. but want to restart. Can I do the Rec Pilot and then get a medical and redo a […]

Here’s a question from Brandon, who’s working on cross country planning:
When you track a VOR and log the VOR heading, what do I log that as? I know you put it under Course (Route), but what is that called, Magnetic Course? If so, how do I get from Magnetic Course to Magnetic Heading, or are […]

Right now I’m sitting at an airport, and as I look out the FBO window it is all too painfully obvious, that winter weather is here.  Along with the snowy icy weather comes a new array of NOTAMS and their confusing contractions.  Here are some of the most commonly used winter weather NOTAM contractions and […]

Just received another good question from Todd who asks:
I passed my IFR written and failed the checkride. The written expires in a few days. Is it extended until I re-take the flight test?
Well Todd, I might have some bad news for you.  Your practical test must be completed within 24 calendar months of the completion […]

This question comes from Sylvia:
This came up recently at the airfield coffee shop: what qualifies a pilot to act as a safety pilot? Specifically in terms of the 3 take-offs and landings every 90 days in order to stay current … is it ok to take a pilot with you for safety? Or do you […]

Freddie wrote me to ask:
Hi Paul. I have waited my entire life to finally get to this point where I am able to make flight teaching my one and only. My wife has taught high school for 25 years, and that helps a great deal so now I can devote my heart, soul and mind […]

Here’s the question Paul just sent me:
Special VFR at night requires, amongst other things, that the pilot be IFR-rated. But it strikes me that there is no requirement for the pilot to be IFR-current – is that true? Seems dangerous to me.
Well, Paul (great name by the way).  I agree with you that it would […]

Here’s the question I received this morning from Jorge:
Hi could you please tell me if the alternator handles all of the electrical load?
It would have been easy to answer this question (yes) but I thought it would be fun to use a flash animation developed by MSAviation with some narration to demonstrate this point.  Here […]

The FAA has just released a new web tool / service called “Lessons Learned” and it is worth checking out.  The idea behind the site of course, is learning lessons from aviation accidents.  And although the site focuses mainly on commercial transport category accidents, there is still something to be taken away for even an […]

Like most of the pilot’s that I know, I have another interest in addition to aviation, photography.  I love taking pictures, especially of airplanes.  That’s why my ears perked up when I got an email from my a fellow aviation blogger, Plastic Pilot.
In honor of 500th post at PlasticPilot.net, he is holding an aviation photo […]

Rob wrote me and asked, in essense, “What do I have to do to become a ground instructor?”
Maybe it’s the economy and people are looking to utilize their skills sets but I am glad that so many people are thinking about instructing! Whether it is ground or flight instruction, general aviation needs you!
First off, there […]

Steve from New York just sent me a question about how to become an flight instructor:
I want to train to be a CFI as a second career and I’m perplexed about the steps to take. I want thorough training so that I can be a professional CFI and be able train with confidence. I’m currently […]

Just got a question from Kerry who asks:
I have a renewed interest in getting my private certificate. I did have over 40 hrs of flight time albeit 20 years ago. The school I received instruction from is no longer in business and I have no personal contact with the instructors I flew with. I believe […]

This question comes from John who asks:
Can a CFI instruct without a medical? Under what circumstances?
Hi John.  Thanks for taking the time to submit your question.
A CFI can flight instruct without a medical as long as he is not the PIC (pilot-in-command) or a required crewmember.  To demonstrate this point, here are some examples of […]

Today’s question comes from Daniel who asks:
I have a private pilot certificate with a glider rating only. I am training for an airplane single-engine rating.
The FARs seem to describe the requirements for student pilots to solo, and the requirements for additional ratings to be issued, but I can’t find anything about solo requirements for rated […]