Flight Training Archives

Ask a CFI: What does the phrase “clear of the active” mean at a non-towered airport?

Rebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:34-05:00

I cringe when I hear the phrase “clear of the active” used over the CTAF at non-towered airports because the term “active” is totally meaningless; all runways are potentially active at a non-towered field. One of the advantages of non-towered airports is that pilots can opt to use any of the available runways, regardless of wind direction. And yes, that means they can land with a sporty crosswind or a howling tailwind if they so choose, and as long as they are able to stop before they run off the end of the runway, no one cares. When the winds are [...]

Ask a CFI: What does the phrase “clear of the active” mean at a non-towered airport?Rebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:34-05:00

Ask a CFI: How does density altitude affect aircraft performance in the traffic pattern in winter?

Rebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:36-05:00

If you have flown in the chilly midwest recently you may have noticed a significant improvement in the takeoff performance of your aircraft. Increased performance is a good thing, but it can take inexperienced pilots by surprise when the airplane leaps off the runway in less than 400 feet and reaches traffic pattern altitude with alarming efficiency! Private pilot training focuses heavily on less dense air at higher altitudes and in hotter temperatures and the negative affects on aircraft performance. For those of you who need a reminder; lower density air reduces lift because there is less force on the airfoils, [...]

Ask a CFI: How does density altitude affect aircraft performance in the traffic pattern in winter?Rebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:36-05:00

Calling All Time Builders

Rebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:43-05:00

We have received many phones calls asking about block time in our airplanes. So you have asked and we are listening! Give us a call to reserve either a 50 hour block or a 25 hour block in our Cessna 150. Block rates as low as $60 an hour dry. Dry rate is the rental right minus fuel and oil. Fly where you want to fly, just top the airplane off when you get back. Must have at least your private pilot single engine land, a valid medical certificate or BasicMED, and complete a checkout with an instructor.

Calling All Time BuildersRebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:43-05:00

FAA Removes Requirement of Complex Aircraft CFI & Comm Pilot Checkrides

Rebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:43-05:00

This week the FAA published FAA Notice N8900.463 which specifically addresses a change in policy in the Commercial Pilot ACS and the CFI PTS documents to allow for completion of a practical test without requiring demonstration of a complex aircraft on certain tests. This represents a significant change of interest to flight training providers. While the changes to the ACS and PTS documents in no way (at this time) eliminate the regulatory requirement for training toward a rating or certificate in a complex aircraft or the completion of an endorsement for such a certificate, it does eliminate the requirement to [...]

FAA Removes Requirement of Complex Aircraft CFI & Comm Pilot CheckridesRebekah Busse2023-02-28T19:07:43-05:00

Cessna 172’s