Private Pilot

A private pilot certificate is for those who have always wanted to fly and is the starting point for those who have higher aviation goals.

Many private pilots are interested in flying for fun and flying a variety of different aircraft. Others learn to fly so they are able to use an aircraft to support their business or professional interests, like flying themselves to meetings to cut down on travel time. Whatever the goal, private pilots have many options.

A private pilot certificate is a certificate held by the majority of active pilots in the USA. It allows command of any aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs, (subject to appropriate ratings) for any non-commercial purpose and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). A private pilot may carry passengers and flight in furtherance of a business. However, a private pilot may not be compensated for services as a pilot. Passengers are only allowed to pay a pro-rata share of flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs.

Instrument Pilot Rating

An instrument rating qualifies a pilot to fly in the clouds, and when the weather is not favorable.

The FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook outlines the Instrument Flight Rules, as “Rules and regulations established by the FAA to govern flight under conditions in which flight by outside visual reference is not safe. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight depends upon flying by reference to instruments in the flight deck, and navigation is accomplished by reference to electronic signals.” Operating a flight in instrument conditions requires that a pilot must have filed an IFR flight plan. Flight instruments provide the necessary information commonly obtained by simply looking out the window during a VFR flight. Only a certified and current instrument-rated pilot is permitted to file and fly an IFR flight plan.

G1000 Training

In recent years general aviation has benefited from many innovations and technological advancements, including the Garmin G1000.

The Garmin G1000 system has revolutionized the cockpits of aircraft it is installed in. It adds phenomenal technological innovations that improve pilot situational awareness. Glass cockpits have now become standard equipment on new aircraft. Satellite datalink weather now assists in-flight decision-making, diversion planning, and all other phases of flight. Digital autopilots on Skyhawks now rival those found on commercial airlines. NDBs and VORs have faded out of the spotlight as GPS and WAAS technology take over as the navigation source of choice. Moving maps and iPads have replaced the traditional paper charts, plotters and E6Bs. To some pilots, “partial panel” means they lost their XM radio and have to revert to their backup iPad.

However, with all the new capabilities comes complexity. New cockpit technology increases safety and increases flying capabilities, ONLY if the pilot knows how to use the new systems and technologies. Unfortunately, the technology can also create distractions and cause pilots to fumble around with knobs wondering, “How do I do that again?” Reading manuals and figuring it out on the go is one way to learn. The trouble with that is, manuals were mostly written by tech writers, with lawyer input, and they aren’t exactly easy to understand. They certainly aren’t the most efficient way to learn.

Instrument Proficiency Check

The instrument proficiency check is necessary when a pilot allows their instrument currency to lapse. To maintain your instrument flight privileges, you must have flown and logged, within the preceding 6 months:

• Six instrument approaches.

• Holding procedures and tasks.

• Intercepting and tracking courses using electronic navigational systems.

If, at the end of six months, you are not current, you have an additional six months—the “grace period”—to regain your currency by flying the above requirements with:

• A safety pilot (in VFR conditions with a vision restricting device)

• A certified flight instructor (CFI)

• A certified instrument flight instructor (CFII)

If your six-month grace period has expired, you must complete the IPC with a CFII to fulfill the IPC requirements.

Biennial Flight Review

Looking to stay sharp and safe in the air? Get your Biennial Flight Review (BFR) with us! Our experienced flight instructors will help you review your knowledge and skills, and give you the confidence you need to fly with ease. With our thorough and efficient training, you can stay up-to-date with the latest FAA regulations and make the most out of every flight. Book your BFR today and take your flying to the next level!