Category: Pilot Gear

CFI Renewal

It’s that time again for me to renew my CFI certificates. I must say that I’m nervous. Not so much as nervous about the material and getting it done, but nervous about how I’m going to fit it into my schedule. Aside from my love of flying, I have a family and a full time business that I must run. My family life is crazy busy to say the least and my company is on the grow so. Not only that, it also requires me to re-certify in my field every so often which I’m in the middle of now.

So, where am I going to find the time? I’ve been renewing online for the last six years and will do so again as it is convenient and there isn’t a live session less than 400 miles from me. In the past, I’ve used Jeppsen’s renewal course (A+ in my opinion). This year I will be trying the new eFIRC from AOPA’s Air Safety Institute. Why? Because I like the idea of being able to start well in advance on my studies and not worrrying about cramming. In fact, you are allowed to start 2 years in advance. I love that idea. I can stay current with continuos, short study sessions, not cram and

Third Class Medical or Not?

Third Class Medical or Not?

This may be a good boost for GA as many pilots have stopped flying due to a loss of their medical. If the General Aviation Community can experience a burst of interest and participation from former pilots, we may just stop feeling like a dying breed. Here’s the full article put out by AOPA on the FAA’s announcement:

http://bit.ly/1hu9UEQ

Aviation Apps

Ok, so this is not new news. Aviation apps have been around a while and more and more keep exploding on the market. I re-visited an article I read this past summer about some of the best apps available on the aviation market and wanted to share those with you.

Aside from the awesome world of digital chart applications that allow us to leave the 3-ring binders and hoards of paper at home, there are some fantastic applications available for your Apple and Android device. Keep in mind as the article states, not every pilot needs every app. Some of the apps are free, some a small fee. Also, some are only available for iPhone or iPad devices, sorry Android users.

One of my favorites is the E6B from Sport’s that is compatible with both Apple and Android platforms. I couldn’t imagine even going back to the old manual E6B after taking this for a spin. Best of all it’s cheap and with the holiday’s upon us, this would be a great gift for your pilot or in my case, myself. Of course some of the apps are so awesome that it may be encouragement enough to go buy yourself an iPad if you don’t have one yet, just to be able to access some of these wonderful apps.

Here is the link to the full article:  http://www.flyingmag.com/avionics-gear/pilot-supplies/8-great-aviation-apps?page=0,0

Free App from Sporty’s

For those of you wanting to go to the 2012 Sun n’ Fun Fly in & Expo, Sporty’s has a free app for your Apple device or Android device.

It’s packed with features to help you organize your trip while there, your schedule and getting around. It will provide show information, fly in information, schedules, shoe maps, travel information such as lodging and directions and exhibitor listings.

For those of you going, hopefully you will find this a useful tool. C’mon it’s free! Now if we can get Jeppesen to give us a free app with approach plates that would be awesome!

Combine Harvester in the Sky

Aviation is always going through changes and advances. Some for the better and some for… well, just to see. One thing is for certain. No matter how many gadgets go hi tech in the cockpit or how many structural and performance changes are integrated into aircraft, we still need pilots. Check out this “fan wing” aircraft that is set to debut at next year’s Oshkosh: