Going up? What is the elevator in an aircraft, and how does it work?

An aircraft’s elevator is not the kind you find in a tall building. The elevator on a plane is a movable surface that directly influences pitch control and altitude management. In other words, it is critical in making the plane go up and down. How does an elevator work? Like many other airplane parts, it functions interactively. Located on the horizontal stabilizer of the tail section, the elevator adjusts the nose’s angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The elevator ensures flight stability and maneuverability making it essential to airplanes. When I explain it to our aircraft mechanic students, I tell them it acts like a seesaw at the back of the plane, tilting the nose up or down as needed. … Read more

Dec 13

How High Do Planes Fly?

That depends! The height at which planes fly is influenced by numerous factors, including aircraft type, mission, and design considerations. While most commercial aircraft operate at an altitude of 30,000 to 42,000 feet, many planes soar much higher. Aircraft operate at different altitudes depending on their purpose, engine type, and safety requirements. Typically, commercial airplanes, private jets, military aircraft, and even gliders each have specific flight altitudes to optimize performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Understanding Altitude: Feet, Meters, and Flight Levels Flight altitude is the vertical distance between an aircraft and the Earth’s surface. This distance is commonly measured in feet, meters, and flight levels. Most commercial airplanes fly at altitudes between 30,000 feet and 42,000 feet above sea level. … Read more

Dec 10

What are the 25 Fastest Aircraft in the World? Breaking Records Through Aviation History

What was the fastest plane in the world today? That would be the NASA X-43, hands down at Mach 9.6! If a sonic boom is music to your ears, read on to learn about the 25 fastest speed demons in the sky! Aviation has long been a race to the top – faster speeds, higher altitudes, and greater efficiency. From the earliest aeroplane to military fighter jets to experimental research planes and commercial jets, the fastest planes in the world showcase the marvels of engineering and design. Below, I dive into the 25 quickest planes ever built – or about to be built! I’ve detailed their achievements and ranked them by the year they were introduced. We start in 1947 … Read more

Nov 14

What is the biggest plane in the world? That depends!

Explore the 20 Most Incredible Massive Airplanes Ever Built! Discover these inspiring giants of aviation, each bigger than the other and claiming the title of “biggest” airplane in the world in some way. The list spans 80+ years, showcasing milestones in aviation history from 1947 to 2026. Click on any link to learn more about your favorite colossal aircraft! Historic Aircraft Timeline 1940s – 1970s: Pioneering the Skies 1980s – 1990s: Dominance in the Air 2000s – 2020s: Engineering Marvels 1. Hughes H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose: The Largest Seaplane Ever Built (1947) The Hughes H-4 Hercules, the largest wooden aircraft ever built and famously known as the “Spruce Goose,” remains the largest seaplane ever constructed, with a wingspan of 97.5 … Read more

Sep 1

The Role of Women in Aviation: Past, Present, and Future

History of Women in Aviation: Top 10 Trailblazers We are not rank-ordering these women pilots as the best in any category, because how can we? Each female pilot listed below is famous in her own right. Some have held influential roles as aviators, and that influence is all around us. Read on to meet some inspiring ladies… 1. First Female to Fly Solo Across the Atlantic: Amelia Earhart When people hear the phrase “women in aviation,” they inevitably think of Amelia Earhart, the famed aviatrix who on May 20-21, 1932 was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. However, Earhart is most remembered for disappearing on a 1937 flight across the Pacific Ocean when she was just … Read more

Dec 21

When the Clock Stops: Embracing the Journey from Active Pilot to Retirement

Some pilots are ready to retire when the time comes. Others already have their eye on a second career. When the time comes, whether by choice or another reason, such as medical, have a plan. No matter your age, all pilots should think about what comes next when their flying career ends. Approximately 2,500 pilots retire each year in the U.S. The Unspoken Question: “What is Happening to My Flying Skills?” While cleaning the aircraft in the hangar, a pilot reflects on a recent landing. “What was that?” The question is not just about the landing but a deeper search into the changes they’re experiencing. Years of flying experience seem to be at odds with recent performances. This raises a … Read more

Sep 27

Diversity in Aviation

Captain Judy’s Corner: Finding a Role Model “You are a girl. Good girls do not fly.” My personal journey began with hearing these lies at a very young age. You may have heard similar words from a parent, teacher, or peer, as I had. I dreamt of flying for as long as I can remember. However, I kept my dream a secret, and self-doubt grew believing these devastating words. Your self-doubt might be growing, as well. Diversity in aviation has been a work in progress over the years. I would sit for hours looking at airplane picture books. At that time, women were not pictured in the cockpit. I found no photos of women flyers. Then one day, I discovered a … Read more

Dec 17

International Flight Students Can Earn College Degrees

International Flight Student College Transfer

Our collaboration with Daytona State College (DSC) allows your flight training hours to transfer as college credit. International students want to know whether this program is available to them. The answer is “yes,” which brings us to the “how” and “why” of it. Why would international flight students want to earn a college degree in the U.S.? Although a college degree is not required by many airlines, some flight students choose to earn a college degree because it can help boost opportunities and salary. There are many personal reasons for choosing to earn a degree. One reason foreign flight students choose to earn a college degree is the requirement of a Class 1 medical certificate by the FAA. Many flight students … Read more

Nov 10

Epic Spotlight on Our Indian Flight Students

Saluting Epic Students from India Epic Flight Academy has trained thousands of pilots from around the world. This month, we’d like to feature some of our success stories from students who came all the way from India to train at Epic. Our Indian Pilot Program has proven successful for hundreds of Indian students. With 50,000 pilots needed in India by 2020, this is the perfect time to pursue a career in aviation. If you live in India and are looking for the right flight training program for you, read on. These success stories are inspiring, and you can contact us with questions. The aviation industry in India has never before offered such career opportunities. Mayank Goyal Meet Mayank Goyal who … Read more

Jun 11

Epic’s Colombian Flight Students

We are proud of our international students from 80+countries who have trained at Epic Flight Academy since 1999. Here we spotlight three of our best flight students from our Colombian Pilot Program. These young men did not know each other in Colombia. However, each one traveled here to live while studying at Epic to become a commercial pilot. No matter what country our students come from, they will meet other students from their home country who are also training to become commercial pilots. One of the nicest things we see is how students collaborate and help each other. They do this no matter what country they come from. Here at Epic, everyone is family! Meet Colombia Flight Student Diego Villalobos … Read more