Matt Claiborne

There are many types of pilot license issued by the FAA. Many people are familiar with the private and commercial licenses, but you might not realize that there are several others you can get, such as the sport pilot certificate. The sport pilot license was created to provide an easy and less expensive way for

For decades engineers have been trying to combine the best qualities of helicopters and airplanes to create an airplane that can hover. As a result, different types of vertical-take-off-and-landing have been produced, some more successful than others. Both airplanes and helicopters offer impressive capabilities, but they are, in some cases at least, mutually exclusive. Helicopters

The newest trend in aircraft manufacturing isn’t bigger and better—it’s smaller and better. Light sport aircraft are popular around the world. These small aircraft enable pretty much anyone to take to the skies in their own plane. Are they the rebirth of general aviation? Light sport aircraft, or LSAs, are lightweight aircraft that are simple

Ultralight aircraft offer fun and value to the aviation enthusiast. It’s true that you don’t need a license to fly these planes, but even airline pilots love flying them, just for the joy or flying. If you’re thinking about getting into the world of ultralight flying, here are ten of the most popular ultralight aircraft worthy

There is a revolution occurring in modern light aircraft that you might not be aware of. More and more planes are being designed that use diesel engines. What is the benefit of diesel engines in aircraft, and will they become more mainstream? Diesel engines operate much more efficiently. Plus, they are more forgiving of the types

In the simplest terms, human factors are all about how the pilot’s body and mind work in an airplane. This article takes a deep dive into aeromedical and psychological factors, as well as the 12 human errors in aviation. Pilots spend time learning how the engine or wings are built and how all the electronics in

Miles per hour. It seems like a simple concept, right? Well, think again. The next time you talk to a pilot, ask them how many MPH they’re flying. They’re probably going to have to think for a minute. There are different measurement standards in use in the world. Most people know the metric system, while

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a pilot? There’s a lot to learn and a lot of skills to master. But if you think you have these skills, you can learn everything else you need to with ease. When you think of the skills a pilot should have, you

The Tuskegee Airmen were black military pilots who excelled in successful combat and bomber escort missions. They fought two wars: a war against discrimination at home and a war against Germany abroad. They were victorious in both. They earned dozens of Distinguished Flying Crosses, paved the way for full integration in the US military, and

You may have heard the term “general aviation.” It sounds boring, doesn’t it? It’s a shame, because general aviation is one of the coolest, most varied, and exciting types of flying. What is General Aviation? TLDR – General aviation, or GA, is a term that encompasses all types of aviation besides military and commercial airlines.