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Basics of Flight: The Fundamentals Every Student Pilot Should Know

The basics of flight come down to a handful of ideas every student pilot learns first: the four forces that act on an airplane, the control surfaces that steer it, the three axes it moves around, and the ways speed is measured in the air....

Traits of a Successful Commercial Pilot

Successful commercial pilots possess a high level of technical skills, such as understanding how an aircraft works and how to operate it. Flying also requires exceptional cognitive skills like being able to think quickly and being able to learn and retain information. Theoretically, a pilot...

5 Non-Airline Pilot Jobs to Consider

As the old saying goes, “sky is not the limit, it is only the beginning.” This quote resonates with many aviators, particularly those beginning their journey at Phoenix East Aviation. It serves as a reminder that the opportunities are as boundless as the sky itself...

What Is a Checkride? Everything Student Pilots Need to Know

A checkride (the FAA’s term for a practical test) is the final exam every student pilot must pass to earn a certificate or rating. It combines an oral exam with a flight evaluation, both conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Understanding what a checkride...

VFR vs. IFR: What’s the Difference?

Key Takeaways VFR relies primarily on outside visual references, while IFR relies on cockpit instruments and FAA-established procedures. VMC supports VFR operations, while IMC typically requires pilots to operate under IFR procedures when weather conditions warrant. VFR flights must meet FAA visibility and cloud-clearance minimums,...

Difference Between Certificates, Ratings, and Endorsements

A pilot certificate, rating, and endorsement each serve a different purpose in aviation training. A pilot certificate is the FAA credential that grants basic flying privileges, while a pilot rating expands those privileges by authorizing specific aircraft operations or flight conditions. Endorsements are instructor-authorized logbook...