Let's Go Flying September Newsletter

In This Issue:
From ‘Top Gun’ fan to pilot: A true story
Pilot certificates 101
An inside look: Introductory flight lesson plan
Financing your flight training

Live the Dream

Make the world your neighborhood
A world of great adventure, general aviation maximizes your vacation and recreation time and stretches you intellectually, emotionally, and geographically as few activities can. Island hopping, adventure sport trips, football games—the possibilities are endless when you have a pilot certificate. Read more >>

From ‘Top Gun’ fan to pilot: A true story
My father came home with a copy of Top Gun when I was merely three-and-a-half years old, but I still knew what airplanes were. My parents were dumbfounded that a movie held my interest—and boy did it. For years, all I ever wanted to do was to become a fighter pilot flying just like Maverick. Read more >>

Three seasons, one flight
For pilots, autumn is an extraordinary time of year. As the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, cooler, drier air begins to move south, displacing the haze and humidity of summer. Visibility improves each week, until you can see a hundred miles or more in every direction from the cockpit of your airplane. Read more >>

Gone flying? Tell us about your flight and submit photos and video of the experience!

Start Flying

Pilot certificates 101
Each type of pilot certificate provides specific benefits—and is accompanied by different requirements. Whether you want to fly long distances in a short time or enjoy the sights flying “low and slow”—or just to fly for the sake of flying—there’s a pilot certificate and training regime that will fit your busy lifestyle. Read more >>

An inside look: Introductory flight lesson plan
If you’re a little nervous about what to expect on your introductory flight lesson, why not read a CFI’s (certified flight instructor’s) lesson plan for an introductory flight? This is a real lesson plan, written for CFIs by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Read the lesson plan >>

Financing your flight training
Learning to fly is less expensive than you think, and you set the pace. Fly often and you’ll earn your certificate in just a few months. You’ll be flying the aircraft solo even sooner! Financing is available in the form of loans, lines of credit, and scholarships. Read about flight training financing >>

First Steps • Types of Certificates • Time and Cost
Choose a Flight Instructor • Safety • Take Your First Flight

Aircraft of the Month

Cessna Caravan Amphibian
This amphibious floatplane carries 10 passengers and cruises at speeds of more than 185 mph. There is plenty of power and room in the Caravan Amphibian. This plane is used worldwide in bush operations, on-demand charter services, commuter services, and a variety of other applications. What makes is so useful is the fact that it can touch down on water or land!

Ask a Pilot

Question: I heard that medical certificates are required for some pilots. What is a medical certificate? Will I need one?

Answer: In order to fly, pilots must meet a certain medical standard based on their type of pilot certificate. Sport pilots can use their current driver’s license as their medical certificate. Recreational and private pilots must get a flight physical from an aviation medical examiner in order to receive a medical certificate. Your flight instructor should be able to recommend an aviation medical examiner in your area.

Do you have a question about flying? Ask a pilot! Call 877-58-PILOT, or send an e-mail.

Learn the Lingo

As with any passion, there’s a special “insider’s language.” We’ve pulled together some key terms to get you in the loop.

Honker back: A honker back is a maneuver used by helicopter pilots. It describes a dramatic cease in forward motion (a quick stop).

FBO: In general aviation, FBO stands for fixed-base operator. An FBO is an airport-based business that parks, services, fuels, and sometimes even repairs aircraft. Often, FBOs rent aircraft and provide flight training.

Cocoon: In hang gliding, a cocoon is a type of harness that encloses the pilot from shoulders to feet. A cocoon reduces wind resistance.

Have you heard or seen a term at the airport that you didn’t understand? Send us the word, and we can explain it to you—it might even appear in a future Let’s Go Flying eNewsletter!

Airport Days

Experience the camaraderie among pilots, listen to exciting flying stories, and go up for a flight at an airport near you! Airports all across the United States offer different weekend activities, from pancake breakfasts and barbecues to car and airshows. Find out what’s going on in your area! You can search by city, state, or geographic region.

• Destinations and Events

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