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Though I'm still able to hold a first class medical (for my day job) without difficulty, this is great news for my future full-time retirement plans.

I've seen this error a dozen times or more on practical tests. Definitely one to avoid, but my view is that it's recoverable - if the applicant continues the hold entry while remaining in protected airspace. It's some knob-twisting/button pushing while maintaining an instrument scan. I've...

I can't argue your points - financially, completely valid. Ever think about working at a 142 like FSI or CAE? The money is substantially better than piston instruction (depends on which program and center of course), schedule and benefits aren't bad and heaven forbid you ever lose it, but you...

It's the challenge we've wrestled with for many generations of pilots -- we lose most of our good instructors to other career paths. I'd not be so quick dismiss academy style flight training operations. One size doesn't fit all, and neither does the assumption that lower-time CFIs can't be...

I have had some challenges with Database Concierge too, here and there over the last 8 years or so. It seems like some of the recent GP updates have improved its functionality. It’s been working pretty reliably for quite a few cycles now. My application is pretty simple, I only update a...

You’re not necessarily one of a kind, but that’s a unique perspective. I see glass to steam all the time - it’s one of the common scenarios at some of the accelerated training academies. Client does all of their learning and flying in G1000 single engine airplanes, including lots of instrument...

I've owned my own light GA aircraft for 24 years. I wouldn't have it any other way; it's been a marvelous experience. Is it practical? No, I could have flown all of my "needed" trips first class on the airlines for a pittance compared to what I've spent. Is it cost-effective? No, especially...

With a background in specialized spin/upset recovery courses and aerobatics (owned a Pitts Special) I was always curious how it would be possible to “truly” get into a developed spin a Cessna C-172. The darn things are so spin-resistant that you literally have to force them into the profile...

Normal cycles - personally speaking, I don’t think this particular “trough” will be very dramatic. It’s still an excellent time, overall, to become a professional pilot. We came through a big swell and there will be another swell, moderate this time, after this slight bump. I have long been...

I've done some number of practical tests for private pilot, ASEL applicants in late generation Cirrus SR-22s (including SR-22T). In all of those cases, the only airplane they had ever flown was a Cirrus. A couple had flown the SR-20 early in their training and then shifted to the SR-22, but...

I taught and checked the GNS430 for so many years that it's still second nature to me personally. But to your point, yes, the "next generation" is a huge leap forward in terms of intuitive operation. Wouldn't want to go backwards.

I’ve had some “over-endorsed” applicants and didn’t send any feedback to the instructor, primarily because they weren’t there to receive the feedback. ;) No harm done, Russ. Some wasted ink, nothing more. I’ve been doing this for over five years now, and still learn new details on procedural...

That’s the quick short-cut to the end of the conversation, but I was curious what the thought process/justification was around commercial vs. private pilot levels of certification. (No difference with regards to this matter of course)

Why would it be required for a commercial practical test and not private pilot?

Good instructors tend to be available/around/accessible on the day of their student’s practical test…. Thank you!

Most CP-AMEL add-on applicants never flew the multiengine airplane without an instructor, and therefore never needed a solo endorsement. I assume that’s what you’re alluding to? Or are you getting into PDPIC for an initial commercial pilot with multiairplane airplane land practical test? Same...

You can only see portions of the plate zoomed in, no matter the orientation of the device. And you will always have to scroll left/right as well as up/down. No way to fit the whole width of the plate in. Love my little Aera 660, but it’s too small to use for approach plates, in my opinion.

I encourage my applicants to get the FSDO involved any time there’s a disagreement on a matter of procedure, regulations, eligibility, etc. Everything should be done in the “sunlight” and I welcome the opportunity to improve my understanding on those matters. No repercussions, no adjustment to...

In plain language, “simple scenario, all things being equal,” the student pilot applicant is not technically required to possess a “current” solo endorsement for the purpose of the Private Pilot practical test. If the student pilot applicant flies solo to the evaluator’s location (somewhat...

I probably shouldn't add to this, but... *sigh.* Sir, Designated Pilot Examiners have an extremely narrow scope of authorizations to act on behalf of the Administrator. Providing legal interpretations is not one of them. That's the job of the FAA's Chief Counsel. All evaluators (this includes...