Arrival Notes Flying into Auburn Municipal Airport is one of those approaches that reminds you why general aviation is so special. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, KAUN offers absolutely stunning scenery on arrival, with rolling terrain, ridgelines, and elevation changes surrounding the airport environment. The views coming in are incredible, but this is also an airport that demands attention and good planning. Rising terrain in the area can become a factor quickly, es

Arrival Notes Flying into Weed Airport feels like stepping into one of Northern California’s best-kept aviation secrets. Nestled just northwest of the town of Weed and sitting in the shadow of Mount Shasta, the airport delivers some absolutely incredible scenery on arrival. The field sits at roughly 2,943 feet MSL with a single 5,000 x 60-foot asphalt runway (14/32), which makes it very manageable even for smaller GA aircraft like my Cessna 150M. Approaching the airport, the

Arrival Notes Coalinga was one of those stops that keeps you on your toes a bit. Winds were all over the place on arrival, with noticeable shifts on short final that required staying active on the controls the whole way in. Without a functioning AWOS, you’re relying on visual cues and whatever winds you can pick up from nearby indicators—so plan accordingly and expect the unexpected. Pattern work here is straightforward, but the variable winds definitely make it more interest

Chasing stamps one airport at a time ✈️📍 Started my journey with the Fly California Passport and it’s already turned into one of the most fun ways to explore flying. Every stop adds a new stamp, a new story, and a new reason to get back in the air. So far I’ve hit: 📍 KSQL 📍 L45 📍 KLSN 📍 KBFL There’s something super satisfying about flipping through the book and seeing the progress build with each flight. It’s not just about logging hours—it’s about turning every flight i

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most rewarding milestones in a pilot’s career. Not only does it open doors to building flight hours and mentoring new pilots, but it also requires a deep understanding of aviation knowledge, instructional techniques, and practical flying skills. In this post, we’re breaking down the strategies and tips to help you prepare effectively for your CFI certificate. 1. Understand the CFI Role Before diving into studying, it’

Some weeks in aviation feel routine. Others feel like milestones. This past week was firmly in the second category. Between life, flying, and studying, I managed to knock out two big items that had been sitting on my aviation to-do list: passing the Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) written exam and completing a flight review , all in the same week. It was busy, mentally demanding, and incredibly satisfying. The AGI Written: Back to the Books Taking the AGI written felt like

For as long as most pilots can remember, Bose has been the name in aviation headsets. The A20 set the standard over a decade ago, and in 2023 Bose introduced its successor — the A30. On paper, the differences might seem small, but after flying with both, the improvements become clear. Here’s my in-depth look at how these two stack up, and why I ultimately think the A30 is the better headset for most pilots today. Comfort and Fit This is where the A30 really shines. Bose re-en

Arrival Notes The plan was straightforward: depart Georgetown, Texas (KGTU) in my 1976 Cessna 150M, ferrying the airplane westbound on...

I was very impressed with Crosby Flying Service. They are all moved into their beautiful new FBO. The line guy assisted me with the self...

The airport and FBO were both empty on the morning I flew in. Made for a quick turn around and cheap fuel. The FBO was unlocked and had...

Stopping at Frost is a must! Upon pulling in, one of the line guys promptly came out to help top off my plane with some sweet,...

As the owner of a Mooney M20E, I’ve been spoiled by speed and efficiency when it comes to cross-country flying. The Mooney is a fantastic...

One of the biggest leaps a pilot can take is transitioning from flying for themselves to teaching others. It’s a challenge that pushes...

The guys at Rabbit are great! They are always quick and on it! They are the only option on the field as self-serve is not available!...

Life happens. Whether it’s work, family, health, or just how priorities shift over time, it’s not uncommon for pilots to take an extended...

Flying from one airport to another in my Mooney M20E is always an exciting adventure, but as with any pilot, I know that aviation can be...

As a pilot who loves the thrill of flying and the precision required to master it, keeping my instrument skills sharp is a top priority....

Experiencing a Comm Failure in the Traffic Pattern As a pilot building hours in my Mooney M20E, every flight offers new lessons and...

In the context of general aviation flying, proficiency refers to the mastery of specific skills or techniques required to operate an...

Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is often seen as a pivotal step in a pilot's career. It opens up opportunities to share your...