How to Read a METAR – Our Full Guide to Aviation Weather Reports
Airplanes | Instrument Rating | Private Pilot | Weather Services

How to Read a METAR – Our Full Guide to Aviation Weather Reports

When flying an airplane, you become a part of the air around you. So, you will want to know what the air and prevailing weather conditions are doing.  Forget checking your phone apps or the TV. You will want detailed and accurate weather information. The best way to do that is to read a METAR….

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas XTB2D-1 Skypirate
Articles | Douglas XTB2D Skypirate | Today in Aviation History

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Douglas XTB2D-1 Skypirate

On March 18, 1945, the Douglas XTB2D-1 Skypirate took flight for the first time. Designed as a carrier-based torpedo bomber, the Skypirate was intended to operate from the larger, planned Midway and Essex-class aircraft carriers. However, at the time of its development, the aircraft was too large for existing carrier decks. Ultimately, only two prototypes…

Safety Pilot Explained: How to Log Your Time and Stay Legal
Airplanes | Instrument Rating | Private Pilot

Safety Pilot Explained: How to Log Your Time and Stay Legal

A safety pilot has a key job: keeping the flight safe during simulated instrument training. Simple right? By handling specific tasks and staying sharp, the safety pilot supports the flying pilot and makes sure the flight meets FAA requirements.  This guide will explore what being a safety pilot involves, how to log your time correctly,…

Today in Aviation History: The Convair B-58 Hustler Enters Service
Articles | Aviation Museum News | Convair B-58 Hustler | Today in Aviation History

Today in Aviation History: The Convair B-58 Hustler Enters Service

On March 15, 1960, the Convair B-58 Hustler officially entered service, marking a major milestone in Cold War aviation. Designed to meet the U.S. Air Force’s need for a supersonic strategic bomber, the Hustler was built for speed—able to get in, deliver its payload, and exit quickly. Convair’s signature delta-wing design, also seen on its…

HSI vs. CDI: What’s the Difference?
Airplanes | Flight Instruments | Instrument Rating | Private Pilot

HSI vs. CDI: What’s the Difference?

The Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) and the Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) are both crucial to effective navigation. But there’s a slight problem. You may unknowingly be misusing the terms! Let’s dive into the difference between HSI and CDI and how to use them correctly. Key Takeaways CDI shows course deviation; HSI combines CDI with a…

What Is Bernoulli’s Principle? A Simple Guide for Pilots
Airplanes | Private Pilot

What Is Bernoulli’s Principle? A Simple Guide for Pilots

Aircraft are massive, heavy machines. How do they manage to fly, supported by nothing but thin air? Many explanations on websites, videos, and even some textbooks oversimplify or misrepresent the true mechanics of lift. In reality, lift generation involves both Bernoulli’s principle and Newton’s third law working together. Read on to understand Bernoulli’s principle and…

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Drone Business
Drones | Part 107

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Drone Business

Have you ever thought about turning your love for flying drones into a business? It’s easier than you might think! These days drones can do it all, from capturing amazing real estate photos to even inspecting tall buildings. Starting a drone business is like combining fun with making money.  In this guide, I’ll show you…

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky SH-3 ‘Sea King’
Articles | Aviation Museum News | Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King | Today in Aviation History

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Sikorsky SH-3 ‘Sea King’

On this day in aviation history, March 11, 1959, the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King took to the skies for the first time. Known internally by Sikorsky as the S-61, the Sea King was a twin-engine Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter developed to counter the growing threat of Soviet submarines during the Cold War. The U.S. Navy…

Turbofan vs. Turbojet: What’s the Difference?
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Turbofan vs. Turbojet: What’s the Difference?

Both the turbofan and turbojet are jet engines that rely on the same principles to provide thrust.  But what makes them different from each other? Is one design better than the other?  Let’s see how the turbofan is different from a turbojet and compare the advantages and disadvantages of either system. Key Takeaways Turbojet engines…

Pilot Safety Simplified: Proficiency vs. Currency Explained
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Pilot Safety Simplified: Proficiency vs. Currency Explained

You might assume that staying legal means staying safe. In reality, though, that’s not always the case. You shouldn’t get complacent just because you’re legal. Ask yourself: Are your skills sharp enough to handle any situation? Currency confirms that you’re legally allowed to fly, but proficiency keeps you safe and ready to fly confidently. In…

Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know
Drones | Part 107

Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know

Drones have their own language, and it’s filled with abbreviations and acronyms that can be overwhelming for new drone pilots. But it is valuable to learn these terms for the sake of safety, compliance, and communication in the aviation world. This guide simplifies the most common drone-related acronyms, from flight regulations to airspace classifications and…