Median costs for a private pilot certificate remain approximately $14,000, with training durations steady at around six months.
flight simulation
Registration now open for FlightSimExpo 2025
The convention will feature developers, non-profits, virtual airlines, air traffic control demos, seminars, product announcements, off-site activities and tours, and much more, according to organizers.
Flight Sim Coach debuts Private Pilot Prep System
Flight Sim Coach unveiled its Private Pilot Prep System, which combines instruction with “modern simulation technology to help students maximize the effectiveness of their actual flight training hours,” according to company officials.
Joby aircraft featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Players can explore the same aircraft that has already completed piloted exhibition flights in locations like New York City, according to company officials.
ForeFlight Voyager 2.0 released with Infinite Flight aircraft models
Previously, Voyager depicted every aircraft using one of eight blue models representing the general category of each aircraft. With Infinite Flight’s contribution of nearly 1,000 aircraft models and liveries, users will now see realistic depictions of a wide range of aircraft, officials said.
New collaboration adds flight sim scenarios to Sporty’s Learn to Fly course
Sporty’s has partnered with Infinite Flight to integrate its scenario-based flight simulator training with Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, allowing students to practice maneuvers virtually. This collaboration offers pilots the chance to apply flight lessons in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk simulator with realistic weather scenarios before transitioning to real-world flying.
FlightSimExpo heads to New England in 2025
Registration opens Dec. 14, 2024, for the 2025 expo, which will be held June 27-29, 2025, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, R.I., according to officials with the Flight Simulation Association (FSA).
New Redbird flight sim scenarios qualify for WINGS credit
After completing a scenario, a CFI can validate the training immediately by going to ezwings.net — provided by the WINGS Industry Network — selecting the option to give credit, and choosing Redbird Flight from the list of approved organizations.
Study confirms flight simulation benefits pilot training
A newly published study shows that students who use home flight simulation during their private pilot training receive their certificate with 5.5 fewer flight training hours than those who don’t.