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You might not have heard, but on June 30, 2010, air traffic controllers (ATC), specifically ground controllers and tower controllers, are now required to issue specific runway crossing instructions for each runway to be crossed.

In the past, ground controllers would say, “Taxi to runway 35R via (taxiway) Golf and Echo.” In the past, this meant that you could cross ALL intersecting runways on your way to the departure runway unless stated otherwise.

The new phraseology though now starts with the runway you are going to taxi to and then the specific route they want you take will be stated along with any runway crossings or hold short instructions.

Here is an example, “SkyWest 1234, Runway 35R, taxi via Golf and Echo, cross Runway 12, hold short Runway 35L.”

Do you see the difference? The runway you are ultimately going to taxi to is the first thing stated after your callsign.

Furthermore, let’s say you will have to cross multiple runway intersections, the ground controller will stagger the crossing clearances so that you you can more clearly understand the clearance. Using our example above, the ground controller would not have you cross Runway 12 and Runway 35L, in the same clearance. As always, there is an exception. If say there are two parallel runways, and their centerlines are less than 1,000 feet apart, the controllers may clear you to cross both runways in the same clearance. Don’t forget to read back the hold short instructions!

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I don’t know about you but I NEVER have enough time!

If I’m not flying, I’m doing military work. If I’m not doing that, then I’m usually fixing something around the house. And the list goes on…

It is a vicious cycle.

So I can’t even imagine what I would have to do if I had to prepare for another airline interview. I would have to brush up on my Airman Information Manual (AIM) knowledge. I would have to review my Part 61 and Part 91 Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). I would really have to review all the information on being an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).

And finally, I would definitely review my CRJ200 systems to make sure that I have it down solid.

Granted I have a good working knowledge of this information since I live and breath it practically every day. But interviews are something different and the obscure fun-facts-of-know-and-tell get pushed back deep into your memory until you need them.

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It is true that in order to succeed as a student pilot you must have good chemistry with your instructor. In the world of flight training and aviation, it is the responsibility of the flight instructor to impart their knowledge, time and patience to their student pilot and it is the student pilot’s responsibility to study and practice.

Finding a flight school was the easy part, but getting a rude and harsh flight instructor could be a nightmare.

But what if you have a flight instructor who doesn’t have the patience nor the flexibility to cope with every student pilot’s specific needs? This is a real recipe for disaster and waste a lot of your money and time.

Bad Flight Instructors

Strict Flight Instructors – They only have one method of teaching and that is to be stern, condescending, and unforgiving which, in most cases, doesn’t foster a learning environment and help a student pilot learn. Just like a teacher to their students in the classroom; if the latter is strict and cruel, the students will not be open to the training and learning will be difficult.

Granted, some student pilots may have a positive experience with a strict flight instructor, but most student pilots will not.

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Flying lessons are expensive and time-consuming. You have to attend a ground school or take a computer-based training (CBT) course (my preference) to meet the knowledge requirements of flying, plus you have to take dual and solo flight lessons to earn the required number of hours for you to get your private pilot certificate.

The costs can really add up, see Breaking Down the Cost of Flight Schools, but there are ways to keep your costs down.

Here are some tips to help you save money while earning your private pilot certificate:

1. Have a Plan

Make sure you can devote time to the lessons and that you understand the kind of demands flying will require. Your goal should be to work as quickly as possible through both the ground and flight requirements of your flight training.

First, go to a local flight school and participate in a Discovery Flight. Then, interview pilots and flight instructors and find out how flying lessons are taught and what training aircraft will be used. Have them breakdown the costs and time-frame of getting your Private Pilot certificate.

Decide if you want to go Part 61 and Part 141. Part 61 is a little cheaper but less organized. Part 141 is an accredited course that the school teaches and it is more organized. Know what your commitment level will be and an instructor will help you plan the rest.

2. Study Ahead and Often

It pays to know what your next flight lessons are, so you can come to your lessons prepared.

A good flight instructor will give you a study schedule to follow.

Before each lesson, devote at least 20 minutes reading about your future flight lessons in advance. This helps you learn faster while shortening the time spent on your training.

Before you go to your lesson, sit in a chair and “arm chair” fly. “Arm chair” flying is the process of sitting in a chair like you are flying an airplane. Close your eyes and imagine ALL the things you are going to do. As an example, imagine what you are looking for when you walk around the airplane doing your pre-flight. Imagine and practice what you are going to say on the radio. Imagine and mentally practice your maneuvers and the outcome.

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I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about what I recommend to go from zero hours of flight time to a regional airline. So today I decided to write down four definitive steps/tools that you need
to do to become a regional airline pilot.

Now flying for a living is not for everyone, but you can get a headstart by knowing how you are going to pay for your flying and then what to do once you have the hours!

Here are a few pointers:

1. Take a Discovery Flight before you do anything. Talk to a flight instructor and get the nitty-gritty on the aviation industry and what to expect.

2. Get the ebook “Fund Your Flying” which gives you some great ideas on how to get the flying hours you want and need cheaply without putting you into $50K in debt. FBO’s and your local flight can get you all the trianing you need to be successful and get that airline job.

3. Buy the Official FAA Pilot License Training Kit. They are an inexpensive way of getting everything you need to learning everything you need to know for the Private Pilot License, the Multi-Engine rating, the Instrument rating and eventually your ATP but without the huge costs. Don’t spend tons of money on ground school training when it is all at your fingertips and inexpensively.

Quick note: If you haven’t heard, before you get that regional airline job, you are probably going to need your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. It may not be enough anymore to just have a Commercial Multi-engine Instrument rating.

4. The Pilot’s Guide to the Successful Interview gives you the pointers and insight you need to get the job once you have the hours. Do not leave this to chance! Being prepared for the interview is EVERYTHING! E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!

To Your Flying Success!