Types of EASA Pilot Licenses Explained: From Student to Airline Transport Pilot Thinking of becoming a pilot in Europe under EASA regulations? Whether you’re aiming to fly for fun, pursue a commercial career, or operate drones professionally, there’s a license tailored to your aviation goals. Understanding the various EASA pilot licenses is essential before you…
Fatal AW139 Crash in Night Fog: Understanding the Human Factors Behind the Tragedy Flying at night already presents unique challenges, but when dense fog is added to the mix, even experienced pilots can find themselves in dangerously unfamiliar territory. In this spotlight, we examine a tragic accident involving an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter in the U.K.,…
The Ultimate Commercial Drone Buyer’s Guide for EASA Students in Europe If you’re exploring commercial drone operations in Europe—or planning your future as an EASA-certified UAS operator—understanding the cost, capability, and purpose of each drone type can go a long way in helping you build a successful flight operation. With drones now playing a pivotal…
Newton’s Third Law in Aviation: Understanding the Force That Keeps You Flying How does an aircraft weighing over 500,000 kg lift off the ground and stay suspended in air? The answer lies in one of physics’ most elegantly simple principles—Newton’s Third Law of Motion. Whether you’re studying for the EASA ATPL exams or aiming to…
10 Critical Lessons I Learned the Hard Way in 7 Years as a HEMS Pilot Flying helicopters for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) is one of the most demanding, fast-paced roles in aviation — both technically and emotionally. Over the past seven years as a HEMS pilot, I’ve made mistakes that taught me more than…
Best DJI Drone Alternatives for Every Budget: A Complete Guide for EASA Student Pilots Looking for a powerful drone but want to explore beyond DJI? You’re not alone. While DJI has long been the industry leader, dominating an estimated 80% of the market, it’s far from the only option—and many European drone pilots and EASA…
Quick Crosswind Calculations Made Easy for EASA Pilots in Europe Flying isn’t just about controlling an aircraft—it’s about interpreting the environment around you. One of the most common challenges pilots face, especially in Europe’s varied weather conditions, is dealing with crosswinds. Whether you’re on a VFR approach or flying IFR, quick crosswind estimation is essential…
BasicMed Explained for EASA Students: A Simplified Guide for General Aviation Pilots If you’re working toward your pilot license in Europe under EASA and have come across the term “BasicMed,” you might be wondering what it means—and whether it applies to you. Although BasicMed is a U.S.-based medical certification alternative, understanding its structure can help…
Understanding Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence: A Complete Pilot’s Guide Ever wondered what really happens to the air around an aircraft in flight? You might think engine exhaust is the most turbulent trail a plane leaves behind—but the real culprit is far more subtle and dangerous: wingtip vortices. These powerful swirls of air form as…
LPV, LNAV, and LNAV/VNAV Explained: A Pilot-Friendly Guide to RNAV Approaches Studying for your instrument rating can feel like navigating through clouds without a GPS—especially when it comes to complex RNAV approaches like LP, LPV, LNAV, and LNAV/VNAV. Too often, pilots resort to memorizing approach plate details without truly grasping how these systems work and…