Flight Training

The FAA has proposed a rule that would remove the 24-month expiration date on flight instructor certificates and instead establish 24-month recent experience requirements. According to a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on Tuesday, the methods of demonstrating recent experience would be the same as the current renewal methods established in 14 CFR § 61.197(a), […]

Boeing is sending experienced pilots to new customers to ensure their pilots get properly trained. In the wake of the fatal crashes of two 737 MAXes, airline officials told a media event in Washington that they now send “flight operations representatives” to airlines as they get their new aircraft. Boeing customarily sends maintenance and engineering […]

Icon Aircraft has entered the publishing business with a couple of books aimed at helping those millions of aviation dreamers to take the plunge into a lifelong vocation. The company, which builds the small amphibious A5 that is aimed at new pilots, said its conversations with numerous prospective customers inspired the literary effort. “These books […]

Republic Airways is telling new pilot hires that if they leave the company in less than three years they’ll also be leaving behind $100,000. Like all regionals, its experienced captains are being poached at a furious rate by the majors and it has plenty of low-time FOs. It is now only interested in hiring experienced […]

For student pilots at Tulsa’s Spartan College who suffer the inevitable training setbacks, one of their instructors is an example that challenges can be overcome. CFI Zack Anglin was born without hands and feet (and is classified as a quad amputee) and is one of dozens helping train future pilots at the busy school, and […]

Spirit Airlines has partnered with Illinois-based Lewis University to launch a pilot pathway program at the university’s College of Aviation, Science and Technology. Another addition to the airline’s Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, the agreement allows students pursuing an aviation technology degree to apply for the program once they complete their sophomore year and receive […]

The House Aviation Subcommittee heard polar opposite views of the pilot shortage in testimony during a hearing focused on the approaching FAA reauthorization bill on Wednesday. The Regional Airline Association appeared before the committee saying the pilot shortage has already cut the number of available flights by 25 percent as major airlines poach the most […]

Tecnam recently announced that it has received fleet orders from U.S.-based flight schools HCH Aviation and Melbourne Flight Training. HCH Aviation, which provides flight training for Texas’ Stephen F. Austin State University, has signed up for 15 single-engine P-Mentors. The school currently flies Piper 100i and Tecnam P2002 Sierra MKII for single-engine training and the […]

Over 700 people attended a “200 Free Flights” event held by California-based flight school Sling Pilot Academy earlier this month. The event brought high school and college students to Torrance Municipal Airport (KTOA) for free introductory flights and other aviation-related activities including simulator sessions, a tour of Sling’s aircraft manufacturing facility and a one-hour presentation […]

Flight training organizations along with EAA and AOPA are urging the FAA to take a hard look at the availability and effectiveness of aviation knowledge tests. In 2018, the agency awarded an exclusive contract to PSI to administer the gamut of written tests. On Jan. 1, 2023, the company cut the fee it paid to […]