Tag: CPL

  • Conquering the FAA CPL Written Exam

    Today marks the accomplishment of passing my CPL written exam. It was relatively easy since I was well-prepared. Initially considering Sheppard Air as the best option, I found it too expensive, and eventually chose ASA Prepware, Gleim, and AviationExam due to their cost-effectiveness and one-month subscription option. In my assessment, AviationExam stands out, yet during…

  • Choosing the Right FAA CPL Written Test Prep

    I’m in doubt: I feel that, in general, I am ready for the FAA CPL written test. I have gone through the official FAA materials, but I’d like to use a question bank for evaluation. When it comes to EASA subjects, it is pretty easy as there are only two providers: bgsonline and aviationexam, both…

  • Making the Most of Flight School: Flying to Tampa Executive Instead of Taking Uber

    Typically, students from our school who come from abroad opt for Tampa International Airport for their arrival or departure. It’s approximately 100 km away, and the common means of transportation is Uber. However, as flight school students, shouldn’t we utilize airplanes? Moreover, many of us require more flight time, so why not make it worthwhile?…

  • Enhancing Skills: VOR Practice and Flying in a Busy Airspace

    Today, I made the decision to fly to Lakeland for additional VOR practice. Although it will be a VFR flight, I wanted to sharpen my skills using our Cessna’s VOR equipment as well. The airspace was bustling with activity today. Numerous small light aircraft, turboprops, and even a jet were present. Radio communications were quite…

  • Exploring the Scenic Route: A Delightful Trip from Crystal River to Cross City

    The route from Crystal River to Cross City is considered rather simple, and many students from our school fly there almost every day. I had only been there once before, and even on that occasion, I was wearing ‘foggles’ (special glasses restricting the view, used for instrument training), so I hardly saw anything. Today, I…

  • Trusting Your Instruments: Navigating the Night Sky

    A FAA CPL applicant must meet certain aeronautical experience requirements outlined in 14 CFR § 61.129 which includes a night cross-country flight and 10 night landings at a controlled airport. Since I had some time before returning to Moscow, I decided to gain some night experience. Flying at night is really cool. The winds are…

  • Exploring Winter Haven: Flying without GPS in a Beautiful Area

    Winter Haven (KGIF) is an exceptionally beautiful place, boasting two concrete runways and a water runway. I hope to try out the water runway in a seaplane one day, but for now, I am flying an ASEL (Airplane Single Engine Land) and sticking to concrete or grass runways. Flying without GPS is an amazing experience.…

  • Rediscovering Visual Flying: Back To Basics

    The next logical step for an Instrument Rating holder is a Commercial License. Finally, I can fly without ‘foggles’ or a ‘hood’! It’s so beautiful outside! I decided that it does not make sense to follow the 141 route for my commercial course. I already have some flight time under my belt above the private+IR…

  • Obtaining a First Class Medical Certificate: My Experience in Poland

    Today, I received my first-class medical certificate which is required for commercial pilots in Europe. Prior to this, I had a second-class medical certificate, which is less expensive, but it’s sufficient for a private pilot license that I currently hold. Normally, the initial first-class medical examination should be taken only in a hospital. Subsequent examinations…

  • Taking Flight: Exploring the Different Approaches of Flight Instructors

    Today, I would like to share my personal opinion on flight instructors. When I started my PPL training, the training base was just established and did not have permanent staff, so I flew with different instructors. Firstly, I want to discuss some aspects that I knew in theory but did not always follow in practice,…