Whether you’ve scheduled your discovery flight or already taken it, chances are you’re hooked. Now you’re looking at that airplane on the ramp with fresh eyes and not as a mysterious machine, but as something you’re about to learn to control. It’s smaller than you expected, simpler than you imagined, and yet somehow still seems...Read More

This article is part of the Gleim Aviation Learn to Fly Series, a 7‑part journey designed to guide new pilots from inspiration to certification and beyond.  ✈️ Learn to Fly Series : Wings of Wonder: Learning to Fly Changes Your Life Your Flying Machine: Getting to Know the Airplane The Physics of Flight Your Training...Read More

The new FAA MOSAIC rule introduces a new criteria called simplified flight controls for light-sport aircraft pilot certification. This change is a significant step toward allowing sport pilots to fly modernized airplanes.  These modernizations allow planes to be operated more like advanced cars—with more automation and less need for traditional hands-on flying. What Are “Simplified Flight Controls”?...Read More

If you’re trying to make sense of the FAA’s new MOSAIC rules—especially the way they impact “sport pilot” flying privileges—this post unpacks an interesting nuance. Even if you aren’t a certificated pilot, you’ll get value from understanding how technical limits shape which planes can be flown by a particular pilot. The Basics: What Is “Stall...Read More

Drawing from the freshly issued MOSAIC final rule, here are 10 surprising and impactful updates that stand out.   1. No Maximum Weight Limit for Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) Gone are the rigid 1,320 lb/1,430 lb weight caps that have constrained LSA designs since 2004. Now, manufacturers can build heavier aircraft as long as they meet...Read More

This landmark update expands the definition of light-sport aircraft (LSA), making them more versatile, accessible, and aligned with modern technology. If you’re a sport pilot, aspiring aviator, or simply interested in the future of recreational flying, these changes could transform how you train, travel, and enjoy the skies by getting you your pilot certificate in...Read More

Picture this: You’ve aced your written exam. You know the material cold. But when your Designated Pilot Examiner asks you to explain the characteristics of unstable air, your mind goes blank. Your heart races. You manage to say something about turbulence, but you can hear the uncertainty in your own voice. The examiner notices too....Read More

As of December 1, 2024, newly issued flight instructor certificates will no longer display an expiration date. Previously, in October, Gleim detailed the relevant changes from the FAA’s Final Rule in our blog. We want to address some questions you might have regarding the new requirements. Transition from “Renewal” to “Recent Experience” Requirements The terminology...Read More

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently made significant updates to its BasicMed regulations, allowing pilots greater flexibility in their flying activities. This move marks an important step forward for General Aviation and opens up new opportunities for pilots by permitting them to operate larger aircraft and carry more passengers. Let’s  explore what BasicMed is,...Read More

On October 1, 2024, the FAA released a Final Rule regarding the expiration of Flight Instructor certificates. Summary: To reduce costs associated with issuing new certificates every 2 years, the FAA is removing the expiration date from flight instructor certificates, which previously expired 24 months after issuance, renewal, or reinstatement. With the expiration date removed,...Read More