Let's Go Flying November Newsletter

In This Issue:
Pilot goes from air to space    |    Airplanes 101
Interested in a career as a pilot?    |    Let’s Go Flying blogs take off

Live the Dream

Up, up and away
Michael Ranieri was jerked around for two decades in the corporate world before he decided to waft along on the breeze as a hot-air balloon pilot. He does not regret his decision. Read more >>

100 flights in 60 seconds
Would you believe that a flight school could book 100 introductory flights in 60 seconds? US Flight Academy in Denton, Texas, did just that in conjunction with a Dallas radio station. A special promotion offered discovery flights to the station’s listeners for half the normal price. Read more >>

Pilot goes from air to space
Col. Eric A. Boe, a pilot on the space shuttle Endeavour, credits the Civil Air Patrol with helping him to achieve his career goals of becoming a fighter pilot and an astronaut. Read more >>

Gone flying? Submit photos and video of the experience!

Start Flying

Airplanes 101
Want to fly an airplane but don't know which type is right for you? We have assembled a presentation that explains the many types of airplanes and what makes them unique. From private jets to floatplanes, there are many airplanes from which you can choose. Read more >>

Interested in a career as a pilot?
Individuals considering careers as pilots may have a multitude of questions swirling in their minds. How do you begin? What kinds of pilot jobs are available? Are there other good-paying jobs in the industry? If you’re considering a career as a pilot, we have your answers. Read more >>

Let’s Go Flying blogs take off
The Let’s Go Flying blogs are expanding! Two new bloggers have joined the team. Paul Tocknell is a corporate pilot and certified flight instructor. Evan Krueger, “the airplane kid,” is a high school student who is passionate about aviation. Visit the blog page to learn more.

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

Aircraft of the Month

ICON A5
The ICON A5 is a newly designed, two-seat light sport airplane that features an amphibious design. Its retractable landing gear allows for flying off land and water. New technology allows its wings to fold so the airplane can be easily stored and towed on the road with a trailer.

Ask a Pilot

Question: Some of the new light sport aircraft can only carry 500 lbs. With the weight of me and my instructor, it’s impossible for us to fly some of them. What light sport aircraft can carry heavier weight?

Answer: Light sport aircraft have a maximum gross weight of 1320 lbs, which is why useful load amounts over 500 lbs are challenging. However, through innovative construction techniques, many aircraft manufacturers have exceeded 500 lbs useful load. Examples of such aircraft include the Flight Design CT, Remos G-3, A-22 Valor and Gobosh 800XP.

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.

Aerostat: A lighter-than-air craft. A hot-air balloon is an aerostat.

Thrust: Generated by the engine of an aircraft, thrust is the force that moves an aircraft through the air.

Drag: The force that works in the opposite direction of thrust. Drag slows an aircraft and can be used to make the aircraft change direction in the air.

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 barbecues in Santa Monica, Calif., and West Chicago, Ill., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 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>>

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