A new study suggests that many private pilots may be overestimating their proficiency, particularly in critical slow-flight maneuvers. Despite high confidence levels, data shows that infrequent flying and a lack of dedicated practice are quietly eroding essential safety skills.
Flight Training
Work begins on new university aerospace facility at KSYI
Middle Tennessee State University has begun construction on its new aerospace facility at Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI) in Tennessee.
FAA Proposes Pilots Complete DPE Survey After Check Rides
The FAA is seeking public comments on a proposed survey that pilots will fill out after check rides to assess the DPE’s level of professionalism, the suitability of the exam environment, the content of the exam, and the duration of the ground portion and the flight portion of the exam.
CFI Tackles Confusing Roll Recovery Guidance
Master Instructor Rich Stowell has published a new paper that tackles decades of conflicting guidance on recovery from spiral dives and other roll upsets. The paper then offers “a simple, ready‑to‑adopt standard for general aviation: Power-Push-Roll.”
The Killing Zone Updated
In the book author Paul Craig leverages his knowledge as a flight instructor and researcher to analyze National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident reports with the goal of helping prevent accidents that injure or kill pilots and their passengers. His examination of 40 years of accident data found that pilots are at the greatest risk of being involved in an airplane accident when they have between 50 and 350 flight hours — what he calls the Killing Zone.
Old school flight training
To hear my flight instructor tell it, I was the most inept student he ever had. I heard these words repeatedly: “Why, oh why, do I always draw the worst students? Can’t you remember anything? How the hell did you get a diploma from an engineering college? Use the damn rudder pedals when you make a turn! Can’t you feel the plane slipping? How will I ever make a pilot out of you?”
Climb launches Training Management System for flight training
Partnering with ASA, the new company aims to change the way people learn to fly.
17th annual Flight School conference ready for takeoff
Events include 19 education sessions, three general sessions, roundtable workshops, and a trade show with more than 60 exhibitors.
New flight training program in the works at KTXK
Texarkana College will launch a new flight training program at Texarkana Regional Airport (KTXK) in Arkansas in the spring of 2026.