The Southwest Aeronautics, Mathematics and Science Academy, known as the SAMS Academy, at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, immerses kids in aviation starting in sixth grade, eventually allowing them to earn their private pilot certificate — for free — before they graduate from high school.
Flight Training
Picture of the Day: Check ride complete
Mihir Shah submitted this photo and note: “A long year of private pilot training ends with the successful completion of my check ride in one of the busiest airspaces around, Los Angeles. Fun landings at Hawthorne, Compton, and Torrance — all while staying well clear of the LAX Bravo. Thank you Robin and Beach Cities Aviation!”
California county launches Friendly Approach Program
The new program is designed to inform the community about aircraft noise management efforts, while engaging with pilots about how they can minimize their aircraft noise footprint, according to county officials.
Picture of the Day: Camping under Orion
Thomas Civin submitted this photo and note: “Piper Turbo Arrow IV and crew sleeping peacefully under Orion at 3 a.m. on a frosty full moon night at a grass strip fly-in at Thomas Memorial Airport (76V) in Glendo, Wyoming, in early September.”
Mindset, Motion, and Mechanics
Master Flight Instructor Rich Stowell recently published a paper identifying the first principles of light airplane flying. The nine principles are divided into the three categories: Mindset, Motion, and Mechanics.
Wayman Aviation Academy accredited to offer associate degrees
Wayman’s program gives students the opportunity to earn 72 college credits, including all FAA certifications through Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor ratings.
More than 100,000 Young Eagles take the next step in aviation
The concept to provide Sporty’s online courses at no charge for Young Eagles was developed with input from EAA pilots who had been flying Young Eagles.
Go find a rainbow
Sometimes being a student pilot is hard. Juggling other commitments, weather, and conflicting schedules it can seem like it’s impossible to do it all. But when you get up in the air, it’s all worth it.
How much did you pay for your check ride?
A new survey from the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) shows that the cost of a check ride has been going up for the last six years, with the national average coming in between $700 and $800.