Pilot Shortage Intensifies: Flight Schools Report Record Enrollment in 2025

Your Path to Becoming a Pilot

Whether you’re starting your journey toward a private pilot certificate or advancing your ratings, proper training and knowledge are essential. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting a flight school to understanding complex regulations.

Getting Started

• Flight School Selection – What to look for in a training program
• Aviation Medical Certificate – Understanding Class 1, 2, and 3 requirements
• Diamond DA40 Review – The modern flight trainer

Essential Flight Skills

• How to Fly a Perfect Traffic Pattern – Master the fundamentals
• Understanding Weight and Balance – Critical calculations every pilot needs
• Cross-Country Planning in ForeFlight – Modern flight planning
• Losing Radio Contact – Emergency procedures
• Carburetor Ice – Causes and prevention

Weather & Environment

• Mountain Weather for Pilots – Complete interpretation guide
• METAR and TAF Reading – Aviation weather interpretation

Regulations & Procedures

• VFR vs IFR – Visual and instrument flight rules explained
• What Is a Safety Pilot? – When do you need one?
• Flight Review Requirements – BFR checklist
• ADS-B Requirements – What pilots actually need

Advanced Ratings

• Multi-Engine Rating – Training and transition guide

Aircraft Ownership

• Aircraft Partnerships – Sharing ownership costs
• Aviation Insurance – Pilot and aircraft coverage
• Hangar vs Tie-Down – Storage options compared
• Prebuy Inspection – What mechanics check
• Choosing an A&P Mechanic – What to look for
• Engine Overhaul Timing – When to overhaul

Technology & Equipment

• ForeFlight vs Garmin Pilot – iPad apps compared
• Best GPS Watches for Pilots – Garmin D2 vs Apple Watch
• Aviation Headset Guide – ANR vs passive
• Garmin G1000 NXi Update – Free synthetic vision
• Garmin Autoland – Life-saving technology

Costs & Economics

• Aviation Fuel Prices – 100LL vs Jet-A costs
• Fuel Types – 100LL vs unleaded avgas

Backcountry & Mountain Flying

Ready for advanced adventures? Our Ultimate Backcountry Flying Guide covers everything you need to know about wilderness strip operations.

For aircraft selection help, see our Aircraft Details section with over 600 in-depth articles.