Miami Fly BLOG

Lets get Started!

2011-06-30T04:03:00.000-07:00

Check us out at miamifly.com!

Come and check out out Introductory First Flights

2011-06-30T03:57:00.000-07:00

This is a great way to sample the experience of flying and determine if this is something you want to continue learning for personal or professional reasons.

The rate is $140 for an hour with an instructor.

Or you may be interested in buying a gift certificate for your spouse, friend or any loved one for birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion.

For the introductory flight or gift certificates, please contact

Eusebio Valdes at 305-255-5519.

Ready to take off?

Give DAD the Gift of Flying an Airplane!

2010-06-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

This Father's Day surprise dad with a unique gift idea-- a certificate for flight lessons!

Whether it's an aerial tour or a one-time lesson so Dad can decide if he'd like to pursue those flight wings, you can purchase a gift certificate for dad to use anytime.

Just contact me, Eusebio, 305-255- 5519

Click here for a testimonial from a female client who recommends this for any father!

For more about Miami Fly, click here.

Welcome to Miami Fly

2010-04-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

[Para información en español, favor de llamar al dueño, Eusebio Valdes, 305-255-5519]

INTRODUCTION

The freedom of flying brings excitement, independence, and a sense of accomplishment. Have you ever dreamed of flying like a bird--free and totally in control? Imagine flying alongside a setting sun above a tropical coast hugged by crystalline blue waters. Or majestic, snow-jagged mountains draped by bright blue skies? Or how about just a bird's eye view of your rolling-hills hometown or bustling, expansive city?

The closest experience is flying a plane whether it' s a single engine or multi-engine plane, and people of all ages and walks of life have learned to fly. No matter if you want to perform dare devil stunt flying or fly a commercial airplane, it's all possible right here!

Welcome to Miami Fly. As our name indicates, we fly over Miami and offer aerial tours and flight instruction, for men and women around the globe. Whether you want to learn for fun (aerobatic flying with upside down flips) or for a professional career (multi-engine license), we offer basic training all the way to airline pilot license.

AERIAL TOUR

Visiting Miami and want an abbreviated tour of the entire region so you don't have to guzzle gas and sit in gridlock traffic? You've come to the right place. Miami Fly can take you and your family members (maximum three people) into the Miami skies for a magnificent view and telling tales of how Miami rose from swampland inhabited by crocodiles and snakes to a tropical paradise filled with transplanted flamingoes and other exotic characters.

Reservations are required. Please call to make your reservation well in advance. A minimal deposit is also required.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION

The United States is well known around the world as offering the highest quality training and at the most competitive prices. Just keep reading and compare our prices and experience, and we'll be ready to assist you in the next step.

For competitive rates, click here for MiamiFly.com or keep browing this abbreviated site, or call 305-255-5519.

Reservations and a minimal deposit are required.

If you're viewing this from outside the United States, you can plan a two week vacation alongside your flight training. Bring the family or adventure it alone. Either way, we can put you in contact with the best Miami vacation planner (just tell her your my customer and she'll help you plan your visit). If you're a local, even better. Flight instruction is right in your backyard!

Below is a video for more advanced aerobatic flying.

AERIAL TOURS

2010-04-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

So you want to spread your wings and fly above Miami for an all encompassing view--the coastline, the downtown skyline, the port of Miami, and the Everglades.

Pick your choice of a half hour tour or soak it all in for a full hour.

Rates are $130 for the hour and includes all fees and the pilot. Even better, the fee allows for up to three to passengers. That's right. $130 for 1, 2 or 3 people. That's less expensive than dinner at a nice restaurant.

This is an ideal family event for parents and their teenager to share or a father/son or mother/daughter adventure. True romantics can never go wrong in showing their love and creativity by taking their loved one for a ride "above" Miami, thousands of feet in the air.

Your multi-talented chauffer can share colorful fables of this Florida coastline or quiet time to have your personal discussions. You choose!

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Corporate Angels Saving Lives

2010-04-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

We think of guardian angels in full bright white garb and wings, fluttering in position, watching over our shoulder, gently guiding us, even saving us.

Angels are real and God knows no discrimination. Angels come in all shapes and sizes. The larger species, has a wing span the length of two medium sedans. This angel is not in a holding position looking over. This angel is on a mission and flying over several American cities to fight cancer.

In the April issue of FlyingMag.com, the article by Lane Wallace will touch your soul. Patients with rare cancer or far from specialized treatment centers, can not make the drive or journey on their own without jeopardizing jobs and care of other children. Some end up losing their job after all. Yet they pay the onerous burden and get on commercial jets. The medical bills spiral and these families face bankruptcy. It gets worse.

Patients coming out of a transplant are incredibly vulnerable to germs. So flying on a commercial aircraft is out of the question. Until CAN appeared. Corporate Angel Network. A fleet of individually owned corporate jets banded together to provide a seamless and direct travel service for cancer patients. They're making a difference!

So the next time you fly and are in awe of the sky and world around you, and wonder if you're near heaven with the angels--indeed you are close to heaven. Flying can save lives.

Read the complete story by clicking here.

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Love is in the Air--And So Will You!

2010-02-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

You and your loved one can fly across the Miami skies like love birds.

Not sure what to get the man in your life for Valentine's? How about a Gift Certificate for flight instruction or an aerial tour for the two of you?

Order your GIFT CERTIFICATE now to be used at a later date. He'll love the surprise! Even better present the Gift Certificate and schedule that Valentine's flight on February 14 (Sunday)--there's still space available!

Scientists who study the links between shopping and happiness say that buying people experiences instead of material items is the greatest secret to spreading joy especially these economic times.

My Valentine gift to you is the competitive price of $130/hour. A fancy dinner in South Beach will cost more.

What can you expect? For a recent testimonial from a female client, CLICK HERE to see her photos and view her videos.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Cocoa Beach Air Show Oct 3-4, 2009

2009-09-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Skytypers Six Formation sponsored by GEICO

Attention Flight Enthusiasts:

There's a new air show kicking off in the State of Florida you do not want to miss. Billed as the flight show spectacular expected to rival the top air shows in the U.S., the Cocoa Beach Air Show is lining up the best of the best. Headliner names like the F-16 Viper Demo Team, the U.S. Army Golden Knights and Civilian pilots including Matt Chapman and Jason Newburg round out the military and civilian air and sky show.

F-18 Viper Climb

Plan now for this inaugural event to get the best viewing location on this ocean front theater.

Golden Knights Parachuting

CLICK HERE FOR HOME PAGE

Germany's "Auntie Ju"

2009-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

You can experience the thrill of flight in different cities and countries in historic planes.

In the 1930's, "Auntie Ju" was considered the pinnacle of airliners--comfortable, reliable, even beautiful, despite its strange corrugated aluminum skin. Now Lufthansa's pristinely rebuilt Junkers Ju-52/3 is providing pleasure flights to nostalic aviation enthusiasts seeking a flight back into history. The 73 year-old plane is flying routes mostly between various German cities but occasionally to neighboring countries through early autumn.

Details: Flights range from 10-100 minutes and cost $95 to $425. Most are round-trip; a few are one-way. Schedule, fares and reservations at www.lufthansa-ju52.de/ (Note: The site is in German language but the schedule and fares are listed in numerical values and easy to understand).

Clint Eastwood Flies Helicopter for Hobby

2009-07-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

If you watch the Ellen Degeneres Show regularly then you probably saw special guest, Clint Eastwood in a recent interview to promote his movie Gran Torino. The episode was a repeat but obviously a favorite with audience and viewers.

When Ellen asks Clint about his favorite hobby, he shares that flying helicopters is his escape.
"You're the only one up there", says Eastwood to Degeneres.

Now you're probably thinking he can afford it. Well so can you. To fly regularly you don't have to own a small plane or helicopter. You can visit your local small airport for smaller aircraft and take lessons. Just Google or search for "flight instruction [your city or state]".

Give it a try and fly!

Air & Sea Show Returning in 2010

2009-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news to share! The Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show is returning in 2010!

This popular event was canceled in 2008 after losing the major sponsor and no company or companies stepped in to replace McDonald's. No doubt the economy was a factor.

In the news yesterday we learned that the event is returning with a new name and a new look:

the Air Lauderdale Beach Fest.

If you have never heard of this event or plan to visit South Florida this coming April, then this is an event you don't want to miss. In the past the air and sea show was a salute to the military and featured military planes, skydivers and special forces. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and civilian stunt flying took turns whizzing by and dazzling viewers with nail-biting stunt flying and a kaleidoscope of changing geometric formations.

In 2010 the air show is scheduled for April 24 and 25 and will coincide with the 20th anniversary of Fleet Week, April 23 to May 3.

This time there is an admission charge but officials say it will be minimal.

So before or after the event, if you're inspired to take a couple of lessons in stunt flying or just fly an airplane upright, just visit my website http://www.miamifly.com/ or call me to make an appointment in advance!

Mission Statement

2009-05-13T18:03:00.001-07:00

My mission is to be a mentor to both men and women in the aviation community or who want to learn to fly for the first time. The ultimate goal is for my students to be exceptional pilots based on the principles of strong pilot knowledge, especially in the area of safety, and sound judgment which in turn encourages continuous improvement.

Introductory Flight

2009-05-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just as the title says, we offer a one hour introductory flight to acquaint you with the thrill and technical skills to fly an airplane. Get behind the wheel and take off, fly the friendly skies and land comfortably with the instructor right next to you guiding you with ease.

This is a great way to sample the experience of flying and determine if this is something you want to continue learning for personal or professional reasons.

Or you may be interested in buying a gift certificate for your spouse, friend or any loved one for birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion.

For the introductory flight or gift certificates at a competitive rate, please contact Eusebio Valdes at 305-255-5519.

Ready to take off???

Meet Your Flight Instructor--E. Valdes!

2009-05-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

The experience of flying can be stimulating and enjoyable if you follow the highest standards. The right instructor can make all the difference in your confidence and ability to fly.

Meet Eusebio Valdes (you can call him "Valdes") your professional flight instructor with over 25 years experience. Valdes starting flying at the young age of 24 in his native Spain. He later obtained numerous airplane and helicopter licenses when migrating here to the U.S. after 1976. Eusebio is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). His list of credentials is numerous:

Private Pilot Airplane License
Commercial Pilot Airplane License
Instrument License
Multi Engine License
Helicopter License
Flight Instructor Single Engine
Flight Instructor Multi Engine
Flight Instructor Instruments
Flight Instructor Helicopter
Primary and Advanced Ground Instructor

Tail Wheel Training and Basic Aerobatics
Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic License

A Personal Message from Eusebio Valdes to novice pilots:

After teaching for 26 years with zero accidents and incidents and 18,000 hours of dual flight instruction, I see the need to help novice pilots and instructors in the field of emergencies and "unusual attitudes". In other words, I will help you prepare for the most important lessons in flying--preparing for the unexpected. These include slow flight, steep turns, stalls and recoveries, unusual attitudes, engine failures on take off,cross wind landings. I also specialize in tailwheel training, spin training and recoveries and multiengine training.

With my training, you will feel confident in maneuvering and landing a plane safely in any of these unusual conditions.

Private Pilot License

2009-05-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Private Pilot License is your first step for embarking on an adventurous hobby or rewarding career or both! Once you complete the following steps and meet the prerequisites, you're off to take your first trip as the captain of the plane to the destination of your choice.

Prerequisite: The minimum age requirement is 16 years old to hold a student pilot certificate. The certificate is attained by passing a medical exam given by an FAA-designated physician. (A list of physicians is available by clicking here). The ability to read, understand and speak English is also required.

Time Frame: depends on the student's ability to absorb material and apply lessons to acceptable standards.

Flight training and costs:

Dual Flight (with instructor): minimum 30 hours but average learning curve is 45 hours
45 hours x $130/hour = $850
Solo Flight: 10 hours x $90/hour = $900
Ground Training: average 30 hours x $45/hour = $1,350
FAA Flight Test: 1.5 hours = $150

Approximate Total is $7,350

For more information visit Miamifly.com

Multi-Engine Training

2009-05-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

For multi-engine training, you will need a private pilot license (single-engine) and a minimum of ten hours of training in a multi-engine aircraft. At the end of the training is an oral and practical test.

Prerequisite: A Private Pilot License is recommended, but we suggest that you get your instrument and commercial rating before you start your multi-engine training. The expense will be less if you meet all the commercial requirements in the single engine and then add-on a multi-engine commercial. It is all up to you. You must be able to read, understand and speak English like the other ratings.

Time Frame: The multi-engine rating takes 7-14 days if you have already received your instrument rating. If you do not have the instrument rating, it will limit your ability to rent multi-engine airplanes at our school and many others.

Curriculum: A standard check ride is required with a designated examiner like all other ratings. The topics to be discussed will be: single engine out procedures, weight and balance, aircraft systems, and emergency procedures. If you are working towards the commercial multi-engine rating with instrument privileges, two precision approaches will be required for the check ride. A written exam is not required for the multi-engine rating.

Cost: The cost of a commercial, instrument, multi-engine add-on is approximately $280 an hour depending on learning curve. Please CLICK HERE for a price chart.

Aerobatic Flying--Learn the Skill, Enjoy the Thrill

2009-05-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

TO EXPERIENCE THE COMPLETE FLIGHT REPETOIRE:
Airplanes were designed for three-dimensional flight. Unlike an automobile, train or boat, an airplane can truly move in three-dimensional space, yet most pilots never learn to fully maneuver the aircraft in this 3-D environment. Student pilots learn to takeoff, climb, turn, descend and land, but that’s a very small part of the total flight repetoire of which many aircraft – and pilots – are capable.

TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE AND PILOT SKILLS:
Pilots who have flown aerobatics develop an instinctive awareness of attitude and the fastest way back to straight-and-level controlled flight. They are able to quickly identify upsets and properly react to them, resisting the urge to pull back on the yoke when an upset occurs. They become familiar and comfortable with the mechanics of spin recovery. Aerobatic pilots develop an increased feel and sensitivity for the controls of their airplane, leading to improved handling of the aircraft both on and off the ground.

BECAUSE IT'S FUN!
The new aerobatic student quickly learns that AEROBATICS IS FUN! . . . perhaps more fun than working on any previous rating. The pilot who completes a 10 hour aerobatic course does so because he enjoys it. Learning loops, rolls and spins is exhilarating, and a beneficial side effect is the increased skill and confidence the student takes back to his regular flying experience. The pilot who regularly flies solo aerobatics experiences a unique sense of freedom and personal fulfillment as he fully controls the airplane through true 3-dimensional flight, using the entire flight envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aerobatics:
Q: Is there a special Pilot's License or "rating" needed to fly aerobatics?
A: No. A Private Pilot certificate is all that is required to fly solo aerobatics. With the exception of airshow flying, the FAA does not regulate aerobatic competency; however, it is the pilot's responsibility to get the dual instruction required to fly safely. There are no special requirements to be an aerobatic student pilot other than good health.

Q: Isn't it dangerous?
A: No more so than other types of general aviation activities. Aerobatics is not "stunt flying". Safety is the prime objective in aerobatic instruction. The International Aerobatic Club (IAC), who sanctions aerobatic competitions, has maintained a perfect safety record for more than 25 years.

Q: Will we wear parachutes?
A: Yes, it's a requirement by the FAA (FAR 91.307). We have both chair-pack style and seat-pack style available to assure the best cockpit fit.

Q: Will I get airsick?
A: Probably not. Most people find that if they're busy flying the airplane, they won't get queasy. Whether you're flying a structured lesson or just a ride, we encourage you to do as much of the flying as possible.

Captain's Training Faulted in Air Crash

2009-05-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

On May 11, 2009, the front page of the Wall Street Journal featured the following article that speaks to safety training and practicing what you learn to beyond proficiency.

By ANDY PASZTOR
The captain of a commuter plane that crashed Feb. 12 near Buffalo, N.Y., had flunked numerous flight tests during his career and was never adequately taught how to respond to the emergency that led to the airplane's fatal descent, according to people close to the investigation.
All 49 people aboard were killed, as well as one person in a house below, when the plane crashed just a few miles short of the Buffalo airport en route from Newark, N.J. The Bombardier Q400 turboprop in the crash, which will be the subject of a National Transportation Safety Board hearing Tuesday, was operated by commuter carrier Colgan Air Inc., a division of Pinnacle Airlines Corp.

Capt. Marvin Renslow had never been properly trained by the company to respond to a warning system designed to prevent the plane from going into a stall, according to people familiar with the investigation. As the speed slowed to a dangerous level, setting off the stall-prevention
system, he did the opposite of the proper procedure, which led to the crash, these people said.

Additionally, his 24-year-old co-pilot, Rebecca Shaw, had complained before takeoff about being congested and said she probably should have called in sick, according to people who have listened to the cockpit voice recording.

The circumstances surrounding Continental Connection Flight 3407 have prompted investigators and regulators to examine Colgan's hiring and training practices. At the NTSB hearing, witnesses are expected to provide new allegations about training shortcomings, as well as the prevalence of chronic pilot fatigue and lapses in cockpit discipline. The NTSB also is expected to be critical of the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight of the airline. The FAA, which has said it is investigating the airline over pilot scheduling, declined to comment on issues likely to be raised in the hearing.
Pinnacle has said its pilot training programs "meet or exceed regulatory requirements for all major airlines" and crews "are prepared to handle emergency situations they might face." On Sunday, spokesman Joe Williams confirmed in an email that Capt. Renslow had five "unsatisfactory" training check rides in his career -- including two at Colgan -- but passed a subsequent series of training tests and was "fully qualified in the Q400" aircraft.

Testimony Tuesday
In recent weeks, Colgan's top two training officials resigned; Mr. Williams has said their decisions were voluntary and not connected to the accident. Darrell Mitchell, Colgan's departing director of training, is slated to testify at Tuesday's hearing.

Colgan, based in Manassas, Va., operates nearly 50 planes, carries 2.5 million passengers annually and employs about 480 pilots. It serves as a commuter airline that feeds larger carriers, such as Continental Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways.
Colgan serves 28 routes for Continental Airlines Inc., which said it retains "full confidence in Colgan and its ability to conduct its operations safely."

US Airways Group Inc. and UAL Corp.'s United Airlines said there haven't been any changes to their Colgan contracts.

Capt. Renslow, 47, joined Colgan in September 2005 after graduating from a pilot-training academy, employment records show. He had a history of flunking check rides -- periodic tests of competency that are also required anytime a pilot begins flying a new type of aircraft. Before joining Colgan, he failed three proficiency checks on general aviation aircraft administered by the FAA, according to investigators and the airline. Colgan's spokesman said the company now believes Capt. Renslow failed to fully disclose that poor performance when applying for a job.
Once at Colgan, he failed in his initial attempt to qualify as a co-pilot on the Beech 1900 aircraft, and also had to redo his check ride to upgrade to captain on the Saab 340 turboprop, according to investigators. Repeated check-ride failures raise red flags, and large carriers rarely keep pilots who require such extensive remedial training, according to numerous industry officials. Colgan's Mr. Williams said Capt. Renslow's last unsatisfactory check ride occurred 16 months before the accident, and he subCapt. Renslow had about 109 hours of experience flying the Q400 as a captain, an unusually limited amount of time by industry standards. He had started flying the craft only two months earlier. According to investigators, the co-pilot, Ms. Shaw, had a clean training record.

The pilots' families couldn't be reached for comment.

People familiar with the investigation of the accident -- the deadliest U.S. commercial crash in more than seven years -- gave the following account of the plane's last flight:
Both pilots were returning to work after a day off. Capt. Renslow was coming off weeks of late-evening and early-morning flying schedules, often sandwiched around only a few hours of rest. Ms. Shaw had spent the day before the accident skiing. She then took a red-eye flight from Seattle to report for work in Newark.
It was a frigid night. Other planes in the region had reported light to moderate icing, and the pilots observed ice buildup around their own windshield. Bombardier's twin-engine Q400 has a reputation as a workhorse used extensively in winter and isn't known to be susceptible to ice accumulation.

Approaching Buffalo
As the plane made its approach toward Buffalo with the autopilot engaged, the crew exchanged idle banter, according to people who have read transcripts of the conversation recovered from the cockpit voice recorder. Federal rules and airline policy prohibit pilots from having extraneous conversations while flying below 10,000 feet.

Flowers lay under a sign outside the Clarence Center United Methodist Church in memory of the victims of Continental Flight 3407.

The crew initially didn't notice the plane's speed had dropped dangerously low, sliding under 115 miles an hour, and risked going into a stall. The slowing speed set off an emergency system called a "stick-pusher," which pushes the control column down in order to send the aircraft into a temporary dive so it can regain speed and recover from a stall.
However, Capt. Renslow tried to force the plane to do the opposite. He yanked back on the controls while adding thrust. His effort was strong enough to manually override the stick-pusher. Within seconds, the plane lost lift, bucked violently and started to roll. It slammed into a house five miles from the runway.

Colgan's standard training program stops short of demonstrating the operation of the stick-pusher in flight simulators. Without such hands-on experience, safety investigators argue, pilots could be surprised and not react properly when the stick-pusher activates during an emergency. The FAA is required to sign off on all airline training manuals.

On Sunday, Colgan said its FAA-approved program includes "comprehensive" classroom training on the stick-pusher but emphasized a demonstration in a simulator "is not required by the FAA and was not part of the training syllabus" Colgan received when it obtained its Q400s.

Mistaken Assumption
Investigators surmise the pilots didn't fully understand the operation of one ice-protection system, and therefore incorrectly programmed approach speeds into a flight computer. Startled by an initial stall warning at low altitude, Capt. Renslow reacted with the mistaken assumption that ice accumulation on the tail caused speed to suddenly drop well below normal, investigators believe. The NTSB has said the plane wasn't significantly affected by icing.

Since the accident, industry and government safety experts have uncovered what they claim are other shortcomings at Colgan. The airline began flying Q400s in February 2008, but Colgan pilots say it wasn't until nine months later that they received a detailed bulletin on how to use some of its ice safety features. However, the bulletin was delivered three months before the accident. Colgan said that since it started flying the aircraft, pilots "were trained on the use of all components of the ice protection system on the Q400."

More recently, Colgan removed several of its senior management pilots, known as check airmen, who are responsible for evaluating the performance of crews in the air as well as in simulators. The airline said that "from time-to-time," it relieves check airmen of their duties if they fail "to perform to the company's high standards."sequently passed six consecutive competency tests and completed three regular training sessions.

Videos of USAirways flight Landing in the Hudson River

2009-05-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

The experience of flying thousands of feet in the air under your control is exhilirating--The freedom, the thrill, the communion with the endless skies. However, would you know how to handle landing an airplane if for example, you lost both engines?

Comfortably confronting the unusual or unexpected is my specialty. A perfect example of this is the USAirways flight that landed safely in the Hudson River after the loss of both engines from a bird strike.

Pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger was the hero that landed the USAirways plane with minimal damage to aircraft, crew and passengers. He is praised by his colleagues, industry officials and more importantly the passengers. For the full story, click here for the CNN report.

Below are two videos to demonstrate this masterful landing.

The first is re-creation with animation to depict the bird strike and landing with audio. You'll notice the calm and decisive tone in the pilot's voice. He was thinking ahead, he was ready.

The second video below is another simulation. The Audio is the author who offers details and explanation on the pilot's course of action.

Due to the pilot's quick assessment of his altitude, speed and surroundings, he was able to safely land the plane and all 155 passengers and crew survived!

Why Fly?

2009-05-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Why Fly?

Ask anyone with a pilot license and they'll give you a host of reasons.

It may be a family who enjoys weekend trips and to save time, would rather hop on a plane and fly from New Jersey to Cape Cod in less than an hour instead of sitting in highway traffic.

Or it may be the busy professional who understands the importance for meeting a client at the drop of a hat.

Or flying may be a long-time goal to accomplish a new skill that requires a multitude of skills.

Perhaps you were not athletically inclined. It is often said that learning to fly is easier than learning to drive. That goal evolves into a hobby or career--whatever you choose.

The best part about flying--Leave anytime and get to your destination at the predicted time!

Basically it boils down to two reasons:

1. Convenience

2. Achievement

CONVENIENCE

Driving time can be cut in half. Where do you live? What cities within a 100, 200 mile radius would you like to visit that doesn't have a major airport? With a private pilot's license you can fly into smaller airports and it will cost you less! If you're a business owner, did you know that flying time and expenses are tax-deductible?

A Sense of ACHIEVEMENT

Everyone has or anyone can obtain a driver's license. Take a class, practice with your parent and instructor for a few hours, take a quick written test and a five- minute driving test and you are instantly granted a driver's license.

Earning your pilot's wings is different. You become part of an exclusive group and with reason. You've successfully endured intense training and passed all the rigorous testing. You emerge one of a few who have the right, the privilege to command a flying machine. You are no longer forced to confront the wrath of mother nature and can adjust your routes and navigation around the expected. Not so with an automobile.

A pilot's certification on your resume speaks volumes. It shows you achieved a high level of responsibility, situational awareness and quick thinking skills. Making quick decisions in extreme situations is second nature to you. You have the complete confidence because you have achieved your pilot's license.

Safety and Recurrency go Hand in Hand

2009-05-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Who needs recurrency training?
by Eusebio Valdes

Just the pilots who fly commercial planes? Absolutely not. Every person who holds a pilot license should get ongoing training. Why? It's all about safety. Frequent pilots, leisure pilots, commercial pilots, anyone who flies needs recurrency training. Remember it's all about safety. The two go hand in hand.

I have seen individuals arriving from 200 or 300 miles away from their hometown to obtain Flight Reviews or upgrade their ratings so no one from their home area will notice their deficiencies. I applaud their efforts. "Better to be safe, than sorry". It doesn't matter where, as long as your flight school is reputable.

If airline pilots, cargo pilots and corporate pilots need recurrency training every six months and are required to take regular checkrides from the FAA, why would you risk doing less? Here's where the broken-record of repeated excuses ring in the air.

First, there's no such thing as a naturally bad pilot! I have met individuals who warranted more training for a range of reasons: some who over the years of flying by themselves have developed some bad habits and some who think the rules are made to be broken.

Second, time. Time is money. You already invested the time and money so don't dilute or waste that money and let your skills deteriorate. Make the time, the commitment and you will improve!

Recurrency, or ongoing training, should not be a chore. It's really about getting back to the basics, sharpening those dull skills, and growing confident where the aircraft is your friend and not your foe. Many sports and skills require a constant review of the basics. Each time you do, you learn something new. Air flight is no different. Plus you can do it on your own or with a flight instructor!

Recurrency simply means flying at the very top of your skill level every single time you fly an airplane. "If you don't use it, you lose it". So practice, practice, practice! It may require a little reading on your part such as reviewing the aircraft POH, and your Private Pilot Handbook that we use for everything from Private through Instructor. Number one on my Top Ten Flight books is “Stick & Rudder”one of the the best books ever written explaining what makes an airplane fly. While published in 1943, this book is classic flight instruction that transcends time.

Still feeling rusty? Hire an experienced instructor who never seems to be completely satisfied with what you are doing. In other words, with a tough instructor, you will go far. (Did I mention my middle name is "strict"?) Go and review "slow fly", "power offstalls", "power on stalls", "accelerate stalls", "steep turns" (and I mean 60 degrees) , "unusual attitudes", "touch and goes with flaps and no flaps", "shot field landings". To round out the reviews, ask your instructor to help you work on "partial panel" and be very visual with outside traffic. Training and learning have to be continuous.

Getting current is just the first step. Now figure out what you are going to have to do on a regular basis to stay that way . . . and do it. I really don’t know how a pilot can consider himself as safety conscious and not feel that they are putting their passengers and themselves at risk on every flight if they are not absolutely and strictly current. I fly with a lot of people who have simply let their skills deteriorate .

Don't let this happen to you. Recurrency is something that has to be done on a regular basis, and the only person who can keep up with your schedule is you. Are you current? Don't clip those wings! Expand them and glide through the air with honed skills and confidence. Identify those bad habits and make a mental list of them. Slowly, make an effort to replace them with good form and proper procedures.

I'll see you at the flight school or Tamiami Airport! Always remember: A good pilot is always training what is the excuse? *** ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED AND THEREFORE PREVENTABLE ***

Worst Pilot Mistakes

2009-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

To begin with, pilots make mistakes just like any other professional we deal with on a daily basis simply because they are human. They forget. They get comfortable with their past performance. They get complacent . They exceed their personal minimums. They rely far too much on new technology. Finally, and the most dangerous of all, are those that think of themselves as the “Hot Shot” Pilots make mistakes by simply forgetting.

In their own minds, they become bulletproof, almost immortal. They get too comfortable with their past performance. It is usually the problem when we are told that some type of “pilot error” causes over 90% of all aviation accidents. They are usually very comfortable with their level of training, airmanship, aircraft knowledge, and certainly their expertise in getting from point “A” to point “B” and landing safely. Complacency is the easiest of all traps to fall into and the hardest to recognize and repair. It is also an erosion of all your skills and training if you let this happen to you.

Personal minimums are something that we as pilots in command set for ourselves. Personal minimums should be improved on or at least added to on each and every flight. Write down what you feel are acceptable minimums that you have set for yourself and then discuss them with another pilot you trust or your personal flight trainer. Get a second opinion. Do not overrate yourself to a level that you are unable to achieve on a regular basis. No one knows you better than you. Do not rely too much on new technology or ideas that can prove deadly without a backup. What we need to remember and use is the proven systems that have taken care of us for a lot of years, VORs, NDBs, Loran, time and distance, speed, wind correction, and certainly, “Prior planning prevents ---- poor performance.”

The cockpit is no place to start planning your flight. If you are not mentally ready to devote your entire mind to taking this flight, don’t go. Be very wary of “Hot Shot.” Sometimes the very worst mistake pilots make is simply never learning that the airplane is really flying them.

The following are mistakes and attitudes identified by the Federal Aviation Administration: invulnerability; anti-authority; impulsivity; Mr. Macho; and resignation. Don’t let yourself fall into these traps by simply being aware of them. Know your enemy! And remember—“If all else fails, fly the airplane!” There are certainly a lot of great flight instructors out there to help you stay at maximum performance and prepare you to be a head of the game. Try to find that certain one that exceeds your needs and is not afraid to tell you what has to be done. Learning and re-learning how to fly is a constant battle; at least it’s supposed to be. Are you completely satisfied with your flying skills? Remember, this is a constant and never ending improvement. If you can afford to fly that aircraft you are in, you can also afford good training. In fact, you have to. Call me and lets get some serious training. Remember, MOST ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED AND THEREFORE PREVENTABLE!