Let's Go Flying October Newsletter

Live the Dream

Commuter Pilots
Flying is not the cheapest way to get to work but for a number of pilots and their passengers, saving time and keeping their sanity and quality of life is worth a little extra expense. Read more >>

A Western Adventure
Private pilot Philippe Archambault lives in Hong Kong and enjoys flying light aircraft throughout the world. One of his favorite memories is of his first day of flying on a Parkwest Air Tour in the southwestern United States. Read more >>

Natural Fear
Fear is a natural thing, and a good thing if you make it work for you. Every pilot has to face some degree of fear. The best advice on fear may well be this—the only time you should be truly afraid is when you are not afraid. Read more >>

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

Start Flying

Let's Go Flying at AOPA's Expo
Let's Go Flying will offer free learn-to-fly sessions at AOPA's (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's) Expo in San Jose, CA on November 7 and 8. Each qualifying participant will receive a $149 introductory flight lesson rebate. Read more >>

Flying Clubs: A Resource for Aspiring Pilots
When individuals consider flying lessons, one option is often overlooked—the flying club. If there’s a flying club in your area, keep in mind that in addition to providing the training you need, the club may also provide a gateway to aviation-related social activities in your area. Read more >>

Aircraft VS Minivan
Most small airplanes bought and sold in the United States today cost less than a typical SUV, and many two-seat airplanes cost as little as a used car. Don't believe it? Read more >>

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

Aircraft of the Month

Powered Parachute
A powered parachute’s design allows for fun, recreational flying with a relatively short training period. A pilot’s license is not required because the FAA classifies powered parachutes as ultralight vehicles. Recreational ultralights can only be flown during daylight hours in clear weather conditions (visual flight rules). There are five classes of ultralights today: single-seaters, two-seaters, trikes, powered parachutes, and powered paragliders. Each class of ultralight is subject to varying pilot certification and configuration rules.

Ask a Pilot

Question: How long does a flying lesson last?

Answer: While most lessons are based on a one-hour flight, they may take two hours from start to finish because you do more than just fly. There are pre- and post-flight discussions with your certificated flight instructor (CFI) to talk about what you're going to do, how you did, what you did well, what needs work, and what you'll do during your next lesson.

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.

Knot (nautical mile per hour): The most common measure of aircraft speed. 100 knots is equivalent to 115 statute miles per hour (for MPH, multiply knots by 1.15).

Transponder: A special onboard radio transmitter that sends a radar signal. Air traffic control uses the signal to identify and tag the flight on their computerized video display radar screen.

Squawk: In aviation, “squawk” can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the radio transmission of the radar transponder onboard an aircraft. Air traffic control may use “squawk” as a verb to instruct a pilot to set one of 4,096 possible codes so his or her aircraft can be identified on controller radar.

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 air shows. Find out what’s going on in your area! You can search by city, state, or geographic region.

Featured Events: American Flyers will host Let's Go Flying Airport Day BBQs in Addison, TX and Pompano Beach, FL on Saturday, November 8, at noon. There will be free food and flight simulator training. A $149 introductory flight lesson rebate will be provided to each qualifying attendee. Read more about featured events>>