January 20, 2025January 21, 2025

A Ray Scholar’s Flight Training Journey

By Greg Alberti, EAA 1225585, EAA Chapter 196 Ray Aviation Scholar As an 18-year-old, recently minted private pilot, I have been flying airplanes for over half of my life. The ... Read more

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

Part 61 or Part 141?

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the November 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Learning to fly under FAR Part ... Read more

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

How to Say “Thanks” for the Gift of Flight

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Ella Lucas, EAA 1518806, EAA Chapter 96 A Ray Aviation Scholarship is the best Christmas gift ever. I recently received the Ray Aviation Scholarship from EAA. When I went ... Read more

November 13, 2024November 22, 2024

Flying Blind

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Youth & Young Eagles

By Ginger Jabour, EAA 1465016, EAA Chapter 288 Newsletter Editor “What is an airplane? I hear them and someone tried to explain it to me, but I don’t get it.” ... Read more

November 13, 2024November 13, 2024

EAA’s The Green Dot — EAA Director of Flight Proficiency Jeremy Desruisseaux

EAA Museum, Learning to Fly, Podcast

This time on The Green Dot, hosts Hal and Tom are joined by Jeremy Desruisseaux, EAA’s director of flight proficiency programs, to talk about EAA’s Pilot Proficiency Center, which opened ... Read more

October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

The Old Man and The Kid

Honoring The Past, Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Brian Hart, EAA 1457879 The Old Man was not always old; he had once been young and dreamed of flight. And when he was young, he had an Old ... Read more

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024

Are You an Airplane Hack or a Smooth Operator?

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Youth & Young Eagles

By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Sitting at the picnic table and ... Read more

October 24, 2024October 24, 2024

Two New Pilots in Grand Rapids: Meet Emily and Nathan

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Youth & Young Eagles

By Joel Kersting, EAA 882109 On August 21, 2024, Emily Ericson and Nathan Ewens both passed their private pilot checkrides, becoming certified private pilots. Emily, EAA 1571675, is a senior ... Read more

October 1, 2024October 1, 2024

Ruffled Feathers: Once You Start, Don’t Stop!

Bits and Pieces, Learning to Fly

By John Wyman, EAA 462533, Chapter 266 Montreal For the longest time, I have been contemplating the hurdles to get a pilot license and FLY! It seems that the endeavour ... Read more

September 26, 2024September 26, 2024

I Remember When…

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the August 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. I remember when learning to fly ... Read more

September 19, 2024September 19, 2024

Uncomfortable Is Good

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Matt Ringen, EAA 1304226 “Uncomfortable is good, stay there,” was the response I received from a flying mentor as he recognized I was at the very edge of my ... Read more

September 12, 2024September 12, 2024

A Pilot, a Passion, a Calling

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Sharon Puschmann, EAA 1382843 Pilots come in all shapes and sizes with different motivations, drives, and desires. Some are inspired by family members, military ambitions, or dreams of becoming ... Read more

September 3, 2024September 3, 2024

Fulfilling My Dream of Becoming a Pilot!

Bits and Pieces, Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Tristan da Cunha Monday, July 17, 2023, is a day I vividly remember. The VFR flight conditions were textbook perfect. It was on this day that I flew my ... Read more

August 1, 2024August 1, 2024

Fear Factor and Flying

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the June 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. I read a statement the other ... Read more

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024

KidVenture Celebrates 25 Years of Inspiring Youths in Aviation

AirVenture, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

By Abigail Oleniczak The excitement of KidVenture began 25 years ago when then EAA Chairman Tom Poberezny and Vice President Greg Anderson asked EAA Director Dan Majka to create somewhere ... Read more

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024

Cox Advocates for Disabilities While Encouraging Fearlessness, Adaptability

AirVenture, Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Barbara A. Schmitz To say Jessica Cox, of Tucson, Arizonia, has a can-do attitude is a massive understatement. She was born without arms and learned to do things with ... Read more

July 23, 2024July 23, 2024

Teen Pilots Are Amazing!

AirVenture, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

By Paul Maloy, EAA Director of Education Far too often, teenagers are categorically labeled as inadequate, unmotivated, unfocused, and lazy. However, the truth for many teens is exactly the opposite! ... Read more

July 21, 2024July 21, 2024

Wisconsin Air National Guard Debuts Boom Simulator

AirVenture, Learning to Fly

By Master Sgt. Kellen Kroening The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Refueling Wing is unveiling a state-of-the-art mobile boom simulator at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024. This cutting-edge tool is ... Read more

July 11, 2024July 11, 2024

Should You Install a Parachute in Your Homebuilt?

Homebuilding, Learning to Fly

By: Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the June 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. It’s that perfect spring day when ... Read more

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

How to Become Immortal: My Ticket to Oshkosh and Aviation Scholarships

AirVenture, Learning to Fly

By: Ella Lucas, EAA 1518806 Do you dream about living forever or becoming a legend, like Davy Crockett? I think many people do. There is something instinctive inside of us ... Read more

July 1, 2024July 3, 2024

EAA Chapter 1682 Hosts Rally on International Young Eagles Day

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

By: Angela Satterlee For International Young Eagles Day, EAA Chapter 1682, led by Bill Wright, EAA 663877, was busy putting together the first Young Eagles rally at its local airport in ... Read more

June 26, 2024June 27, 2024

South African EAA Chapter 322 Hosts Young Eagles Rally

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA has a long history of engendering the passion for flying amongst its members as well as the youths of the world. EAA is a worldwide organisation with International Young ... Read more

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024

Attitude Flying

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the May 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Last week we began working with ... Read more

June 24, 2024July 2, 2024

My Journey to Becoming a Pilot

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

By Isabella Downton, Northern Manitoba My student pilot journey did not begin with a discovery flight, it began when I was five years old. My family co-owned a floatplane charter ... Read more

June 24, 2024June 24, 2024

A Former Young Eagle Flies a Young Eagle for their First Flight

Eagle Flights, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

By Ted Luebbers, EAA 875984 Luke Nunez, now a certified private pilot, flew his first Young Eagle on May 11, 2024, at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg, Florida. This ... Read more

June 13, 2024

Navigating the Skies of Doubt: A South African Pilot’s Journey

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

To all aspiring pilots out there, remember: the journey may be long and arduous, but the view from the cockpit makes it all worthwhile. Keep your eyes on the horizon ... Read more

March 28, 2024March 28, 2024

A Winter Chill

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses hypothermia and the effects it can have on pilots.

February 7, 2024February 8, 2024

Checkrides

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses some of the issues designated pilot examiners are coming across during checkrides.

September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

Why So Many Failures?

Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses a weak link in today’s flight training environment.

August 10, 2023

Helicopter First Flights

Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses his first flights in the Hummingbird helicopter he recently built.

June 29, 2023

Commercial Training and Cross-Countries

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

The past month I have been working on building hours and gaining proficiency for my commercial pilot certificate.

June 14, 2023June 14, 2023

Musings of a Salty Old Flight Instructor

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog reflects on his decades of flight instructing experience.

May 9, 2023May 9, 2023

Instrument Checkride

Learning to Fly

3:45 a.m. The sun is down, the sky is dark, my alarm goes off. It’s checkride day. My time to prove all the late nights and early mornings spent studying ... Read more

April 6, 2023

My First Solo

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

EAA member Alin Gruia takes a trip down memory lane to revisit his first solo 12 years ago.

March 30, 2023March 30, 2023

Progressing Through Instrument Training

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

United Aviate Academy student Natalie Miles gives an update on her training to become an airline pilot.

March 22, 2023March 23, 2023

Things My Instructor Never Taught Me

Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses some tips and tricks that aren’t necessarily taught during standard private pilot training.

March 8, 2023March 13, 2023

My Checkride

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

After rigorous training, late nights, early mornings, and lots of support, I have officially earned the title of private pilot. Words cannot describe how happy and grateful I am for ... Read more

January 17, 2023January 18, 2023

Normal Takeoff

Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the many factors to consider during any “normal takeoff.”

October 6, 2022

Project First Flight

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA recently paid a visit to see Lee Fischer and his Project First Flight glider trainer in action at the historic Larson Brothers Airport near Larsen, Wisconsin.

August 16, 2022

Reflections

Honoring The Past, Learning to Fly, Member Stories

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses some of the lessons he’s learned over his many years flying.

May 10, 2022May 10, 2022

Training for the Unexpected

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses how to prepare and train for emergency flight situations.

March 17, 2022

My “Private” Journey

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

One Ray scholar’s path to earning her private pilot certificate.

February 16, 2022

The Journey to Becoming a Private Pilot

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

Josh Robinson, Matthew Platt Scholarship and Tex Edwards Scholarship recipient, shares where he is in the journey to earning his private pilot certificate, how the scholarships have helped him, and ... Read more

February 10, 2022

Scholarship Helps EAA Member Afford Flight Training

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

An EAA scholarship is helping high school student Vanessa Christianson earn her pilot certificate.

February 3, 2022

Thank You From a Grateful Scholarship Recipient

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

Although I did not come from an aviation background, with the support of my family and my local EAA chapter I became very involved and passionate about aviation. EAA and ... Read more

February 2, 2022

Bits and Pieces: How I Built a Transport Canada Certified Flight Simulator

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

EAA member Horst Federau takes us through the process of rebuilding a Piper Seminole flight simulator.

November 18, 2021

Youth Aviation Training Scholarship Awarded

Chapters, Learning to Fly

On Thursday, November 11, EAA Chapter 2 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, announced that Emma Coville was the first recipient of this $1,000 award.

November 11, 2021November 11, 2021

Solo Milestone — Jake Marchese

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Jake landed an airplane for the first time at age 13 on July 1, 2019. Last week he turned 16 and on October 30 the weather allowed him to experience ... Read more

November 9, 2021November 11, 2021

Bits and Pieces: Simulated Cockpits — An Unrealized Potential?

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

A look at flight simulator cockpits and their value to potential pilots and the general aviation community at large.

September 23, 2021

My Short Solo Cross-Country

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

From point A to points B, C, D, and back to A, all by myself.

September 14, 2021September 16, 2021

A Slip Is a Slip, Right?

Learning to Fly

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Steve Krog discusses the importance and usefulness of slips in a recent column.

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021

Solo Milestone: Megan Lokstet

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

On August 2, 2021, EAA Chapter 63’s Ray Scholar, Megan Lokstet, achieved every pilot’s coveted milestone, her first solo.

August 31, 2021September 7, 2021

Denied

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Lisa Turner takes us through the top five reasons for airworthiness certification failure.

August 26, 2021

A Newbie’s Guide to Sport Aviation

Flying Tips, Homebuilding, Learning to Fly, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds

Are you looking to get started in aviation? EAA Sport Aviation magazine writer Budd Davisson gives some advice on how to do just that.

August 26, 2021

Solo Milestone — Alden Frautschy

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA staff member Alden Frautschy, who soloed on Monday, August 23!

August 25, 2021

Solo Milestone — Gus Steffen

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Gustave “Gus” Steffen, EAA 1262111, on his first solo flight!

June 24, 2021

Solo Milestone — Chris Gauger

Learning to Fly, Milestones

On June 22, EAA employee Chris Gauger, EAA 1281606, soloed in a Cessna 172 at Wittman Regional Airport.

June 16, 2021

Coming of Age: A 16-Year-Old’s Cross-Country Adventure

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

On Tuesday, June 8, 16-year-old Luc Zipkin set out in his 1946 Piper J3C-65 Cub to fly cross-country.

June 15, 2021

To Go Around or Not Go Around

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the May 2021 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. During the past several months, I ... Read more

June 9, 2021

Pursuing Passions — How I Launched My Flying Career in High School

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Member Stories

EAA member Joseph Mensah takes us through the challenges he overcame en route to his private pilot certificate.

June 3, 2021

Solo Milestone — Joshua Owsley

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Joshua Owsley on his first solo flight!

May 14, 2021May 18, 2021

Chapter 35 Ray Scholar Updates

Chapters, Learning to Fly

Evan Carell, EAA 1300856, and Maryjane Marroquin, EAA 1357794, were recently awarded Ray Aviation Scholarships through Chapter 35 in Texas, and they’ve written to share updates on their progress.

April 23, 2021

Where Preparation and Opportunity Intersect: How My High School Experience Set in Motion My Aerospace Career

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

I dreamed of being an aerospace engineer since I first heard of the field around the age of 12.

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021

Scholarship Recipient Says Thank You

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

Jack Miller, EAA 1316614, earned his private pilot certificate in April 2020. Now, Jack is looking back and giving thanks.

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Private Pilot and Tailwheel Milestone — Jackson Bellard

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I would not have been able to receive my private or tailwheel endorsement without the guidance and help of EAA and the Tinker Murdoch Scholarship, and I am extraordinarily thankful ... Read more

March 11, 2021March 16, 2021

Ready for Your First Flight?

DIY, Learning to Fly

What’s missing from your checklist.

March 11, 2021

CFI Milestone — Chelsea Montgomery

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones

As a 2020 recipient of the Elgin Wells, Jr. Starjammer CFI Scholarship, this past year I was able to complete my CFI rating. Achieving my CFI rating was one of ... Read more

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Checkride Milestone: Joshua Caldwell

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I remember being excited, nervous, and anxious the first time I got in the left seat at the controls. I knew right after takeoff that this was something I wanted. ... Read more

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021

A Recap of My Ray Aviation Scholar Journey

Learning to Fly

From Young Eagle to Private Pilot in less than a year, thanks to the Ray Aviation Foundation, EAA, and the dedicated support of a local chapter.

February 18, 2021

Commercial Certificate Milestone — Kristina Ledwith

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones

I recently earned my Commercial ASEL certificate in my father’s 1948 Luscombe 8E in January 2021 with the help of EAA and the United Airlines Flight Operations Pilot Scholarship.

February 11, 2021

Checkride Milestone — Jessica Barnier

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I have always been interested in becoming a private pilot, but something seemed to always get in the way. With the pandemic, I could not think of a more perfect ... Read more

February 11, 2021

Checkride Milestone — Jennifer Iiams

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I am excited to say I officially became a pilot on December 22, 2020, and I cannot express how happy I am. Receiving the scholarship took the worry out of ... Read more

February 4, 2021February 4, 2021

Commercial Certificate Milestone — Michelle Trobaugh

Learning to Fly, Milestones

When I first learned that I was chosen for one of the scholarships I had difficulty believing it. With the help of the scholarship, I was able to finance and ... Read more

January 28, 2021

Making an Emergency Landing as a Student Pilot

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Ryan Majors put his training to the ultimate test during his cross-country solo flight when he had to make an emergency landing in a field.

December 17, 2020

A Thank You From a Ray Scholar

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

After catching the flying bug at age nine, William McCarthy progressed from Young Eagle to Ray Scholar to private pilot, and he’d like to thank some of the folks who ... Read more

December 16, 2020

Teaching the Teacher (To Be)

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Prepping a new crop of CFIs.

December 10, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Faith Rhoads

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

All of my hard work had paid off and my dream of being a pilot came true. When I returned to my home airport, my instructor and parents were waiting ... Read more

December 10, 2020December 11, 2020

Solo Milestone — Hannah Treehan

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Rocklin, California, resident Hannah Treehan, EAA 1371080, celebrated a momentous milestone for a 16-year-old when she soloed on Tuesday, November 24, just two days before Thanksgiving.

December 3, 2020

Solo Milestone — Jennifer Miller

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Perhaps Jennifer was always meant to become a pilot. She had the interest, she just needed someone to help ignite that spark.

November 24, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Christina Basken

Learning to Fly, Milestones

EAA staffer Christina Basken earned her sport pilot certificate on Saturday, November 21.

November 19, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Clinton Summers

Learning to Fly, Milestones

After retiring from 24 proud years serving this country as a Marine, it was time to go back and finish what I’d started in high school.

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Tim O’Hara-Haworth

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

On July 30, 2020, Tim became a private pilot at the age of 17 years and 20 days.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Mike Sylvestre

Learning to Fly, Milestones

The day I started training, my checkride was already scheduled — and it was just two weeks later.

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

16-Year-Old Ray Scholar Solos in Ohio

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Mother Nature provided some challenges for Jeremy, as the winds had been pretty strong. On September 25, Jeremy and his instructor did a couple “touch-and-goes” at the Northeast Ohio Regional ... Read more

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

I Can See Clearly Now

Learning to Fly, Why We Fly

We flew in this small airplane with no doors. I instantly fell in love with the freedom that experience gave me; it was so beautiful.

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

EAA’s The Green Dot — How to Learn to Fly

Learning to Fly, Podcast

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, the crew sat down to share their thoughts, advice, and suggestions to any listeners considering learning to fly or early into their flight ... Read more

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

A Bright Future for Aviation

Homebuilding, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

How one high school is keeping The Spirit of Aviation alive.

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Ben Hausch

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations Ben Hausch, EAA 1381716, on recently passing his private pilot checkride on August 6!

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Logan Henning

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA Chapter 631 is very pleased to announce that Logan Henning, 17, of Minong, Wisconsin, has earned his private pilot certificate!

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Alexander Patrushin

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 105 Ray Scholar recipient Alexander Patrushin, EAA 1262553, on passing his private pilot checkride!

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

West Michigan Aviation Academy Students Finish Flight Training

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

When the high school closed down in April to comply with Governor Whitmer’s executive order regarding COVID-19, staff put their heads together to find a way to help seniors who ... Read more

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Jake Owsley

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Jake Owsley, EAA 1283935 and EAA Chapter 677’s Ray Scholar recipient, for passing his private pilot checkride on July 10!

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

Ray Scholar Perseveres to Achieve a Private Pilot Certificate

Chapters, Learning to Fly

The pursuit of a private pilot certificate is a testament to perseverance. Raegan Buzzard’s taxi to flight began at the age of 12.

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Kaylin Hart

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Kaylin Hart, EAA Chapter 932’s Ed Moricoli Memorial Flight Training Scholarship recipient, on passing her checkride.

July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

Solo Milestone — Three Generations Rich With Aviation Enthusiasm

Learning to Fly, Milestones

On July 2, 21-year-old Mac Copeland took another step toward joining the ranks of two generations of pilots before him by successfully soloing in a Cessna 172.

July 2, 2020July 2, 2020

Faulty Flying or Faulty Instruction?

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Teaching more than the minimum.

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020

Milestone: My First Flight Lesson

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

A Young Eagle turned student pilot shares her perspective on her first flying lesson.

June 4, 2020June 8, 2020

Thinking Ahead, Staying Ahead

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

You’re in charge, not the airplane.

May 27, 2020May 27, 2020

Solo Milestone — Piper Hechtl

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Piper Hechtl on her first solo! Piper, EAA 1166354, soloed a Cessna 152 on May 5 at Tracy Municipal Airport in Tracy, California. Piper began her flight training ... Read more

May 13, 2020May 13, 2020

EAA’s The Green Dot — Stimulating Simulator Stories

Learning to Fly, Podcast

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, the crew sat down together, virtually, for a discussion of several of their favorite flight simulators, including stories from multiple simulated worlds.

March 26, 2020March 31, 2020

Keep Your Head in the Cockpit

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Ten tips each for student and active pilots to make use of their downtime in a world of self-isolation and social distancing.

January 30, 2020January 30, 2020

The Initial Spark

AirVenture, Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Youth & Young Eagles

My wife and I recently had the thrill of seeing our son solo both a helicopter and a Cessna — as well as pass his glider private pilot checkride — ... Read more

January 22, 2020January 22, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Tabitha Yeomans

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 976 Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Tabitha Yeomans, EAA 1204058, who passed her private pilot checkride on January 12!

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Reinforced Dreams

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I passed my private pilot checkride, ultimately earning my certificate in less than seven months and contributing to the overall success of the Ray Aviation Foundation.

January 2, 2020January 2, 2020

Ray Scholar Earns Private Pilot Certificate

Chapters, Learning to Fly

Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Hayden Brooks recently earned his private pilot certificate.

December 18, 2019December 18, 2019

No More Limits

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

After hours of instruction, memorizing procedures and movements of the airplane, my instructor had prepared me for one of the biggest steps I would ever dream of taking as a ... Read more

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019

Milestone — Ray Scholar Solos

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, achieved a Ray scholar milestone on November 22, 2019, when she soloed in a PA-28-140 Cherokee at the Columbus Airport (KCSG) in Georgia.

December 5, 2019December 5, 2019

EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund

Chapters, Learning to Fly

Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provided up to $10,000 to 100 deserving youths for their flight training expenses in 2019, with the support of EAA’s chapter ... Read more

November 21, 2019November 21, 2019

EAA Chapter 148 Ray Scholar Earns Private Pilot Certificate

Chapters, Learning to Fly

EAA Chapter 148’s Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Hayden Kehres was able to complete his training in just 129 days and 43 flying hours.

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019

It Takes All Kinds — Why My Students Fly

Learning to Fly, Why We Fly

Pilots and pilot prospects are all ages and come from all walks of life. To be a good instructor, one must be able to know and understand what makes each ... Read more

September 30, 2019September 28, 2019

An Inside Look at Microsoft’s Newest Flight Simulator

Learning to Fly

Fewer than 50 people outside the product team have actually flown the sim. I was lucky enough to be one of them.

August 15, 2019August 21, 2019

EAA Sport Pilot Academy – 2019 Summer Class

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly

Earlier this summer, the four students who took part in the EAA Sport Pilot Academy all had one thing in common — they were college students who had nonflying aviation ... Read more

August 7, 2019August 21, 2019

Finding Myself Through Learning to Fly

Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly, Milestones

If you had told me 365 days ago that I would be a pilot by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, I’d have thought you were crazy.

August 7, 2019August 21, 2019

Metamorphosis: Transforming From Student to Pilot

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Why We Fly

Following my colleague’s flight training journey help me relive my own learning to fly memories.

March 13, 2019March 13, 2019

Connor Privitt — Solo and Private Pilot’s Certificate Milestone

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Connor Privitt on his solo flight and for earning his private pilot’s certificate!

February 21, 2019March 7, 2019

Learn to Fly in Your Own Airplane

Learning to Fly, Ultralights

The cost of getting into flying has always been important to those dreaming of becoming a pilot. One strategy for would-be sport pilots is to take flight training in their ... Read more

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Logan Yoon — Solo Milestone

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Logan Yoon on his first solo flight in a Cessna 172.

January 16, 2019August 21, 2019

Malia Gohier — Solo and Written Exam Milestone

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Malia Gohier, who overcame many obstacles and successfully passed her FAA written exam and had her first solo flight!

January 15, 2019August 21, 2019

Ode to 168 Landings

Aerobatics, Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

I almost quit halfway through flight training. Apparently, I did not have the talent for flying. About a year prior to this dilemma, I woke up with the bright idea ... Read more

January 10, 2019August 21, 2019

How I Aced the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam Before I Soloed

Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Seven weeks ago, my instructor Jamie Pittman, EAA 439727, told me he wanted me to take the FAA private pilot written exam by early January — before I solo and ... Read more

January 10, 2019January 10, 2019

Gabe White — Solo Milestone

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to 16-year-old Gabe White on his first solo flight in a Piper Cherokee last month.

November 1, 2018

A Primitive First Solo Initiation

Learning to Fly, Why We Fly

A first solo is always something to celebrate. But, as it turns out, not everybody celebrates the same way.

October 11, 2018August 21, 2019

Claire Melton – Private Pilot Milestone

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Claire Melton, who managed to solo and then pass her private pilot checkride all before finishing high school.

July 3, 2018

Taking Off Together — Flying Clubs

Learning to Fly

Flying clubs are a great way for existing pilots to get more affordable flight time, and theyprovide a window into aviation for the surrounding communities.

May 31, 2018

Canadian Flight School Offers Training to Students with Disabilities

Learning to Fly, Member Stories

Zach Elliott owns and operates Ontario Advanced Ultralights, a flight school that serves any students wanting to fly, including those with disabilities.

April 25, 2018April 26, 2018

Celebrate Learn to Fly Month

Learning to Fly

A look at some of the fun, low-cost options to start flight training and scratch that aviation itch.

February 21, 2018February 22, 2018

EAA’s The Green Dot – Jamie Pittman

Learning to Fly, Podcast

EAA’s The Green Dot crew sat down with Jamie Pittman, founder of Discover Flight, to discuss flight instruction and more.

July 24, 2017

‘Pay-It-Forward’ Cub Made It to Oshkosh

AirVenture, Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Dozens of Piper Cubs landed as a group at Wittman Regional Airport Sunday morning in celebration of the type’s 80th anniversary, including one flown by 14-year-old Kyle Carden with help ... Read more

April 3, 2017June 14, 2017

Constructing Your Own Kneeboard

Learning to Fly

EAA staffer and new pilot Cory Puuri needed a kneeboard but couldn’t find one that did exactly what he wanted. So, in the best EAA spirit, he built his own. ... Read more

March 26, 2017March 24, 2017

You Can’t Trust Your Instruments Except You Have To

Learning to Fly

One of the toughest things about learning to fly is learning to trust the instruments, especially when they disagree with what we see and feel. However, we have no choice; ... Read more

February 28, 2017April 3, 2017

Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Flight Lesson

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Preflight, cruise, pre-landing, shut down, emergency — to name a few. Aviation is full of checklists. So if you’re interested in learning to fly, what better way to plan for ... Read more