Flight School Articles

View our most recent original articles on the aviation industry, flight school, career opportunities in aviation, aviation history, and much more!

Feb 19

Airspace Part 1

Captain Judy’s Corner: The Airspace ABCs – Part 1 Captain Judy Rice in Tel Aviv, Israel – preflight and refueling The Citation jet’s route was filed departing from Yerevan, Armenia (UDYZ) with an arrival into Tel Aviv, Israel (LLBG). During our pre-briefing, we were made aware that, once airborne, we should anticipate an assigned, mandatory security stop before being allowed into Israel airspace. How are aircraft cleared for security before landing in Israel? Israel assigned all aircraft a required security landing airport before entry into their airspace. We would land and provide proof of information for our aircraft, crew, and passengers. Once all information was verified at our assigned security airport, we […]

Jan 21

Love at First Flight

Captain Judy’s Corner: Love at First Flight – Handling Characteristics Make Every Aircraft Unique Maneuverability and handling characteristics vary from aircraft to aircraft. Pictured here is Captain Judy Rice in her AA1A. My initial training was in a docile Cessna 150 (C150) and a spunky Piper Tomahawk. I appreciated the C150’s stability and enjoyed the Tomahawk’s maneuverable handling characteristics. Shortly after completing my private pilot check ride, I noticed a cute little airplane practicing take-offs and landings. I was looking to increase my experience, and this looked to be a fun airplane to fly. I inquired at the airport office regarding this mysterious airplane. The Grumman AA1A was owned by three pilots. One […]

Jan 02

The Need for Speed

Captain Judy’s Corner: The Need for Speed Captain Judy Rice stands next to the Citation Mustang in which she broke a world speed record. Going for a world record! As the Citation approached Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF), I queried the Air Traffic Controller about their readiness as officiators for my Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), National Aeronautic Association (NAA) World Record Attempt. The controller responded with, “Affirmative.” After landing, two airport officials assured the jet was fueled before giving a friendly wave-off as I taxied to the runway hold lines. We were cleared direct to Reykjavik. In a heavy Danish accent, the final air traffic remarks were, “The Clock is ready for […]

Nov 26

Turbulence

Captain Judy’s Corner: What is turbulence? Pilots experience different types of turbulence during flight. Understanding turbulence can help you better respond when you face this situation. What is the definition of turbulence? The definition of turbulence is a sudden, violent shift in airflow. It creates up and down currents caused by irregular atmospheric motion. We were in the clouds, Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), and flying in an area without radar coverage. My first officer (FO) was busy programming the Citation jet’s system with the latitude and longitude coordinates instructed by Bangladesh controllers. I was focused on leveling the Citation at FL390 (39,000’). Suddenly the FO pointed upward exclaiming, “Oh my!” […]

Oct 19

This Is Your Captain Speaking

This is your Captain speaking… Captain Judy’s Corner: The Importance of Understanding the Ignition System You have envisioned sitting in the left seat announcing to the passengers, “This is your Captain speaking, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.” Awaking from your dream, you look over at the mounds of study material open on the desk. What do I need to know to become a pilot? Nothing as an Earthling prepares a student for the amount of what seems like alien knowledge and skills required to become a pilot. A few examples of this knowledge required to earn a certificate are the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) comparable to studying a […]