Memorial Day Air Show

In honor of Memorial Day, and as a commemoration to U.S. men and women who died while in military service, there are traditions and celebrations all over the country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, the flag is traditionally at half-staff in the morning, and families use this day for picnics and barbecues.

For Memorial Day this year, Jones Beach, New York, gets a special treat. On May 29-30, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Jet Team as well as some of the best civilian and military aerobatic performers will be performing in the 2010 Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show.

The show begins at 10am and will end at 3pm. The other military performers include the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the A-10 East Demo Team, the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team, and the NY Air National Guard - Search & Rescue.

The show will be an exciting day of food, fun, and really fast aircrafts. The American Airpower Museum will host tours of current and vintage military aircraft on static display.

The Blue Angels will be highlighting the event. They have been a leader in flight training, aerobotics, and famous pilots since its inception in 1946.

Their mission is to “enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.”

The team is stationed at Forrest Sherman Field, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, during the show season.

A Blue Angels flight demonstration displays choreographed perfection of skills possessed by all naval aviators. The demonstration begins with the Blue Angels’ C-130 (view photo), affectionately called “Fat Albert,” exhibiting maximum performance capabilities for ten minutes.

Next, is the four-jet Diamond Formation (view photo) in synchronization with the lighting-fast, high-performance maneuvers of its two solo pilots.

Lastly, the team performs the highlight of the event, executing maneuvers locked as a unit in the famous, six-jet Delta Formation (view photo).

The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly 68 air shows at 35 sites in the U.S. during this year’s season. They are celebrating their 23rd year of flying the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. Last season, more than 8 million spectators watched the Blue Angels perform.

By starting your flight training, you too could have a chance of being a part of this amazing aerobotic team of pilots.

Flight Training for Veterans

We are proud to announce that Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology is now approved to enroll students for Flight Training under the Chapter 33 Benefits and Post 9/11 Benefits.

In order to qualify, you must have a private pilot’s license and valid medical certificate prior to beginning training. The Veteran’s Association (VA) will reimburse you for 60% of the approved charges.

Payments are issued after the training is completed and the school submits information to the VA.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

As of August 1, 2009, The Post-9/11 GI Bill is in effect and will provide financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of service on or after September 11, 2001. You can also qualify if you received an honorable discharge due to a service-connected disability after 30 days.

Chapter 33 Benefits

The Chapter 33 Benefits are calculated by taking the number of days of active duty after September 10, 2001 and subtracting the days served on active duty for entry level and skill training - only if you served less than 910 days.

Choosing an education benefit program that’s right for you

Choosing a benefit program can be a difficult decision because it’s based on so many factors, including the type of education or training you plan to take and the amount of benefits received under each program.

If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and two or more other benefit programs, you must give up one of the other benefits.

Use your Veterans Benefits to become a pilot

By taking advantage of the many benefits available to you as a veteran, you can take control of your future and continue to contribute to your country. Commercial pilots are in high demand and your previous experience and training gives you a significant advantage. Start your exciting new career today.

For more information about Veterans Benefits and benefits for spouses or dependents of service members, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Website.

How to Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate

The FAA requires a medical certificate before flying solo in an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or airship. You should obtain your medical certificate before you begin your flight training program simply to make the transition process easier. Medical certificates are to ensure you are healthy and capable of navigating an aircraft without any medical defects that may hinder your performance.

In order to get a medical certificate, you must pass a physical examination. This exam will be administered by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. You can get your certificate from any designated FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner, they are easy to find. The FAA has a directory that lists authorized medical examiners by name and address. The handbooks are attainable at any FAA Flight Standards District Office, air traffic control facility, or flight service station.

For a recreational or private pilot certificate, a third-class medical certificate is required. The medical certificates required change with different pilot certificates.

If you have a physical disability, you can still get a medical certificate. It all depends on the nature of the disability as certain disabilities may hinder your operating abilities. The types of limitation will be described by your medical examiner before you're issued your medical certificate. You must always carry your certificate, even when flying solo.

A third-class medical certificate will expire 36th months after the issue date. However, if you are over 40 years of age, the certificate will expire after 24 months.

According to Aviationwise, the medical examination for a third-class certificate will test the following:

• Distant Vision - 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
• Near Vision (from16 inches) - 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
• Color Vision - ability to perceive the colors deemed necessary
• Hearing (from 6 feet) - average conversational voice in a quiet room
• Audiology - audiometric speech discrimination test to test thresholds
• Ear, Nose, and Throat - no disease or condition that may be triggered by vertigo
• Blood Pressure - 155/95 is maximum
• Mental - No diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or any other personality disorder
• Substance Dependence/Abuse- alcohol and all illegal drugs, no diagnosis or history of substance dependence, unless with substantial evidence showing total abstinence from the substance for at least the preceding 2 years

4 Steps to Building Your Flight Training Foundation

There are 4 basic steps to excel in flight training. By following these steps you will build yourself a clear foundation and have a higher chance at a solid future in aviation. In order to learn to fly, you must always have a plan.

Step 1: Write down your flying goals

You need to have a clear understanding of why you want to fly. Is your passion for flying related to business, or a career? You need to have an exact picture of what you want so you can choose a flight training program that is right for you. You will never succeed in anything unless you begin with the end goal in mind. Ask yourself if the cost of your flight training is your priority, or whether you want the most quality education, and what kind of facilities you would like to have access to, or if you want a location close to home.

Step 2: Earn your Recreational or Private Pilot Certificate

You may receive your Recreational or Private Pilot Certificate is the first certificate you will receive at the minimum age of 17. The Recreational Pilot Certificate will allow you fly as Pilot In Command (PIC) with several restrictions. These include:

• Sharing the cost of flight with passengers
• Cannot accept charge or compensation for flight
• Only 1 passenger at a time
• Only fly during the daytime
• No flying farther than 50 miles
• No flying at airports that require radio communications

The Private Pilot Certificate offers much less restrictions and is therefore a more popular choice among novice pilots in training. This certificate is similar but allows you to be Pilot In Command, carry multiple passengers, and fly during day or night.

Step 3: Instrument Rating

The next step towards building your flight training foundation is Instrument Rating. This allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules, where you will hone your flying skills in all weather conditions. You will train to learn to control and navigate an aircraft entirely by flight instruments rather than outside environmental reference. Instrument Rating will equip you with the experience and skills to fly in low ceiling or visibility condition. It is required for a career.

Step 4: Multi Engine Rating

The fourth basic step to honing your flight training foundation is obtaining your Multi Engine Rating. This will allow you to fly a plane built with more than one engine. While require for a career as a professional pilot, this rating will teach you how to safely navigate and land the airplane in case one of the engines fails.
By building a foundation with a particular set of skills, you will increase your chances of having a successful career in aviation. By mastering these techniques and obtaining these certificates, you will be well on your way towards becoming a successful pilot.

Learning To Fly With A Flight Training Device (Simulator)

Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology provides the most effective way of training to fly, and ensures the student receives the knowledge that is required to be a professional pilot. By employing the use of the CRJ-200 Level 5 Flight Training Device, Aviator’s Professional Pilot Program provides a hands-on training method so students can learn quickly, efficiently, and effectively.

Flight Training Devices are beneficial to students because they are best-suited to teach students how to safely react in very specific in-flight situations. Training in actual instrument conditions is imperative for students in the initial stages of learning to fly. Simulators can be used by students at any level, and have varying degrees of realism.

Flight Training Devices provide students an opportunity to feel their way through a simulated flight. They will teach a student to fly the aircraft smoothly, take confident command of the instruments, as well as prepare and use a flight plan.

Many aviation schools log flight training hours in a Flight Training Device. Aviator however, logs all flight training in an actual aircraft. All simulators are used for ground training purposes only. No ground training is used for flight time towards a student’s ratings.

Simulation training is cost-effective and low-risk. Flight training students on the ground is an advantage over in an actual aircraft because it gives an instructor more freedom to teach new students maneuvers that would not be practical in the air.

It is important that students first learn on the ground how to react to certain malfunctions such as electrical, instrument, or even hydraulic system failures. Flight Training Devices also allow time for an instructor to give detailed explanations whereas it would not usually be possible in an actual aircraft.

Flight Training Devices are a fun, exhilarating, cost-effective, and low-risk way to teach students to fly. It is an extremely effective training method that would help transform even the most novice pilot into an adept, experienced, and well-trained pilot.

The Passion to Propel you Through Flight Training School

Most would agree that the will to become a pilot comes from a passion for flight. A strong passion can motivate
you through the steps you will have to take on your journey.

So to cement that passion firmly in your heart why not look at the lives of others who have been successfully down the path you are traveling? Some time spent reading the great profiles in aviation's history might just be the boost you need to get your flight career off the ground.

Orville and Wilbur Wright

In 1904 after several years of building gliders, testing propeller designs, and experimenting with wind tunnels the Wright brothers invited the media to view their flying machine. They were ignored. So with little funding and seemingly little prospect of success they kept going. And at a cow pasture named Huffman Prairie they setup shop and practiced... failing. They had hard landings, wing damage, and bodily injuries. Through it all, in the secrecy and seclusion of Huffman Prairie, they perfected their craft. In September of that year they achieved the first ever complete circle by a manned heavier-thanair powered machine and completed a re-design that allowed for much longer flights.

The brothers began to pursue government contracts for their machine. But with so much skepticism and without a demonstration the Wright brothers struggled ineffectually for three years. They were lampooned by
doubters at home and in Europe, but finally landed contracts with the U.S. Army and France under one
condition - that they successfully demonstrate the aircraft. This demonstration and their vindication
took place in Le Mans, France in August of 1908, finally securing them there place in the history of
Aviation.

Are not such stories inspiring? Just like the Wright brothers story there is a wealth of aviation history to
draw your inspiration from. The stories of famous men and women from aviation's past are full of
lessons in triumph through failing, spirit, will power, and passion. Whether is it Amelia Earhart (first
woman to fly the Atlantic) or Dick Rutan (in his 1986 non-stop circumnavigation) these stories are well
worth the read for any flight training school student.

Job Outlook for Flight School Graduates

The earning potential for flight school graduates varies greatly depending on the industry. Airline pilots’ earnings’ are amongst the highest in the country and depend on the pilots’ rank, experience, aircraft type and the size of the airline.

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Regional airlines and low-cost carriers will present the best opportunities; pilots attempting to get jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition.

Employment of aircraft pilots and flight engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth and an expanding economy in the long run are expected to boost the demand for air travel, contributing to job growth. New jobs will be created as airlines expand their capacity to meet this rising demand by increasing the number of planes in operation and the number of flights offered.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities are expected to be best for experienced pilots with the regional airlines and low-cost carriers, which are expected to grow faster than the major airlines. Opportunities with air cargo carriers also should arise because of increasing security requirements for shipping freight on passenger airlines, growth in electronic commerce, and increased demand for global freight. Business, commuter, corporate, and on-demand air taxi travel also should provide some new jobs for pilots.

Pilots attempting to get jobs at the major airlines will face strong competition, as those firms tend to attract many more applicants than the number of job openings. Applicants also will have to compete with laid-off pilots for any available jobs. Pilots who have logged the greatest number of flying hours using sophisticated equipment typically have the best prospects. For this reason, military pilots often have an advantage over other applicants.

In addition to job openings arising from employment growth, opportunities will result from the need to replace workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the labor force. Additional openings will result from the mandatory retirement of commercial airline pilots at age 65.

Employment of pilots is sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy. During recessions, when a decline in the demand for air travel forces airlines to ground planes and curtail the number of flights, airlines may temporarily furlough some pilots.

Earning Potential

Earnings of aircraft pilots and flight engineers vary greatly depending whether they work as airline or commercial pilots. Earnings also depend on factors such as rank, seniority, and the size and type of aircraft flown. For example, pilots who fly jet aircraft usually earn higher salaries than pilots who fly turboprops. Airline pilots and flight engineers may earn extra pay for night and international flights. In May 2008, median annual wages of airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers were $111,680. The middle 50 percent earned between $81,580 and $150,480.
Median annual wages of commercial pilots were $65,340 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,680 and $89,540. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,580.

5 Questions to Help You Decide if Pilot Career is for You

The most obvious benefit of an aviation career and serving as an airline pilot is the flying. Any pilot can attest to the joy of commanding an aircraft and assuming the responsibility for, and the challenge of, operating a multi-million dollar aircraft with the trust of its passengers. The love of flying keeps the weathered days sunny. If this seems like a match for your career goals, your aspirations, and your sense of adventure, then begin your journey and start flight training.

Learning to fly an airplane is fun, easy, and a mission possible in most people’s case. Av8er from iflyasa recommends the following 5 questions that help you decide whether pilot’s career is the for you:

1. Motivation – What do I need to learn how to fly for; pleasure, business or as a career?
2. Location -Where should I go get my flight training done?
3. Source – What type of flight training provider would be best for me?
4. Scheduling – Full time, part time, formal or informal, what type of scheduling would work the best for me?
5. Financial – How am I going to pay for my training? Would I need financial aid, student loan, personal loan, or some other type of financial assistance?

The reason you should ask these questions to yourself is because it helps you chose the right program, and also helps you understand the budgets and time / effort commitment required. I’ll give you some ballpark numbers here to think about:

If you want to learn how to fly for pleasure, you are looking at about a total of 60-70 hours of flight training time, and about 40-50 hours of ground studies, and to get the best bang for the buck, you should expect about 10-12 hours of training time per week. If it is for pleasure, then you really can simply take the training at your own convenience, or go to one of those vacation / accelerated training places with or without your family. Cost of the training will depend on many variables, like when, where and which aircraft. But for most people, you are looking at about $6000 to $10,000 price range. Of course, there are ways to make it cheaper as well as luxurious and high end as well.

For business reasons, the basic training as above is still required, but what changes is the motivating factor, and possibly some tax advantages, both for training and then actually renting / owning an aircraft and the related cost factors (operating expenses).

Where to Get Your Flight Training?

There are plenty of venues and facilities to get your flight training. The choice is yours based on your dedication, time availability, budget and commitment to become a pilot:

• Local Flight Training School
• Flying Club
• CFI ( independent Flight Instructor)
• Formal Accredited Flight Training Institutes,
• Military Academies
• Aviation College or University Program

Flight Simulators

A flight simulator is a system that tries to copy, or simulate, the experience of flying an aircraft. It is meant to be as realistic as possible. The different types of flight simulator range from computer based games up to full-size cockpit replicas mounted on hydraulic (or electromechanical) actuators, controlled by state of the art computer technology.

History of Flight Simulators

A number of electro-mechanical devices were tried during World War I and thereafter. The best-known was the Link Trainer invented by Edwin Link in Binghamton, New York and made available in 1929. This had a pneumatic motion platform driven by bellows giving pitch, roll and yaw, on which a replica generic cockpit was mounted. It was designed for the teaching of instrument (cloud) flying in a less hazardous and less expensive environment than the aircraft. The US Army Air Force purchased four Link Trainers in 1934 after a series of fatal accidents in instrument flight and the world flight simulation industry was born.

Types of Flight Simulators

Various categories of flight simulators and flight training devices are used for pilot training. These vary from relatively simple Part-Task Trainers (PTTs) that cover one or more aircraft systems, Cockpit Procedures Trainers (CPT) for practicing drills and checks, to Full Flight Simulators (FFS). The higher levels of Full Flight Simulators have motion platforms capable of moving in all six degrees-of-freedom. They also have wide-angle high-fidelity visual systems for displaying the outside world to the pilots under training. Most simulators have Instructor Operating Stations (IOS). At the IOS, an instructor can quickly create any normal and abnormal condition in the simulated aircraft or in the simulated external environment. This can range from engine fires, malfunctioning landing gear, electrical faults, storms, downbursts, lightning, oncoming aircraft, slippery runways, navigational system failures and countless other problems.

Flight simulators are an essential element in individual pilot as well as flight crew training. They save time, money and lives.

Pilot Job Overview

What is this job like?
Pilots fly airplanes and helicopters to do many jobs. Most pilots fly people and cargo from place to place. Some pilots test new planes, fight fires, do police work, or rescue people who are hurt or in danger.

Before they take off, pilots plan their flight carefully. They check their plane to make sure that it is working properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. They check the weather forecast to see if they will run into any bad weather on their trip. They then decide what route they should take, and how high and fast they should fly.

Takeoff and landing are often challenging and require a great deal of piloting skill. As a result, pilots must be especially careful during those times. The rest of the flight can be fairly easy if the weather is good because planes have computers and other gauges to tell pilots if their trip is going according to plan. These gauges show whether there is enough fuel, whether the weather is changing, and whether the plane is on course. Pilots must check monitor these gauges at all times during the flight to be sure that all is going well. If problems come up, the pilots must quickly take steps to solve them.

The law says that pilots who work for an airline cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or more than 1,000 hours a year. Most airline pilots fly about 75 hours a month, and work another 75 hours a month at other parts of the job. When they are flying, airline pilots often stay away from home overnight. Airlines have flights at all hours of the day and night. This means that airline pilots are often asked to work odd hours.

Pilots who do not work for the airlines can have unusual work schedules, too. For example, they may fly 30 hours one month and 90 hours the next. Most of them do not have to stay away from home overnight, but they may have to work odd hours.

Pilots who fly very long distances may have "jet lag." This is fatigue caused by moving through different time zones. The work of pilots who test new planes may be dangerous. Pilots who work on farms or who help police and firefighters also might get hurt on their jobs.

Flying does not involve physical work. However, pilots can feel a lot of stress because they know that they are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They must be careful and quick to react if something goes wrong.

How Do You Get Ready?

All pilots who are paid to fly must have a license from the Federal Government. Pilots must be at least 18 years old and must have flown at least 250 hours to qualify for a license. To get a commercial airline pilot's license, a person must be at least 23 years old, and the person must have flown for a total of 1,500 hours or have gone to a school for pilots.

A doctor must also examine the person. The doctor makes sure that the person can see and hear well, and is healthy enough to fly. Pilots must also pass a written test to show that they know how to fly properly. The pilot's employer may ask him or her to pass other special tests as well.

Many pilots learn how to fly in the military. Others become pilots by going to flight schools. Most companies want the pilots they hire to have some college education. In fact, most people who enter this occupation have a college degree.

How Much Does This Job Pay?

In May 2008, pilots had average yearly wages of $119,750. Pilots may be paid extra for flying at night or for flying to other countries. Usually, pilots who fly a jet aircraft for large airlines earn more than other pilots.

How Many Jobs Are There?

There were about 76,000 pilots, copilots, and flight engineers outside of the military in 2008.

Pilots are located across the country, but airline pilots usually are based near major metropolitan airports or airports which have a high amount of flying activity relative to their population.

What About The Future?

Pilots are expected to face strong competition for jobs through the year 2018, especially with major airlines. Opportunities should be better with regional and low-fare airlines. There are several reasons for the strong competition. More and more qualified people are trying to become pilots. This is because they think the job is interesting and exciting. Also, pilots can often travel for personal reasons free of charge. Although the number of pilots is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2018, applicants will face competition as very few pilots quit their jobs because they love the work and the pay is very high.

Former military pilots have an advantage over other applicants. This is because they usually have spent more time flying, using more advanced equipment, than other pilots. Pilots who have specialized pilot's licenses also will have a better chance.

When the economy is bad and fewer people choose to fly, some pilots may lose their jobs.

Career Opportunities for Pilots

A degree in aviation science can be molded to fit your own vision of your professional future. You may envision yourself working on the ground with a team of qualified professionals to maintain order and efficiency within the elaborate workings of the international air travel industry. You may see yourself in a high-powered well-paying managerial or corporate position in the service of a major airline or government agency.

The benefit of a degree in aviation science, apart from the wealth of technical knowledge that it promises, is that it can be anything you want it to be: Pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, managers, flight operators, flight instructors, dispatch operations managers.

Below please find a list of jobs and their descriptions offered by worldwidelearn.

Cargo Operations. Efficiencies in cargo plane design, along with the increasingly urgent needs of business, have shifted many package delivery services to the air. Less experienced pilots can gain flight hours on large jets without having to worry about planes full of nervous passengers.

Charter Operations. As more business executives rely on private planes and shared-time flight arrangements, many aviation science graduates find themselves piloting small, chartered aircraft. Pilots employed by regional charter companies can start their careers with annual salaries of $50,000, while professionals employed as in-house pilots by large corporations can earn six-figure salaries that rival those of commercial airlines.

Passenger Operations. Though consolidation and cost-cutting moves within the airline industry have frustrated experienced pilots, many lucrative positions have opened up for new pilots at discount and regional airlines. Federal agencies strictly regulate working hours, working conditions, and flight schedules. New pilots working on small, regional planes often earn $43,000 or more during their first year. As pilots gain flight hours and experience with larger aircraft, they can earn annual salaries of $140,000 with additional bonuses for customer satisfaction and on-time performance.

Military Pilot. All branches of the military actively recruit aviation science majors to pilot experimental aircraft. Experienced professionals can lead teams of fighters. Other graduates use their scientific skills to run sophisticated refueling craft that support long haul flights and critical missions. Experienced military pilots can earn close to $100,000 in annual salary by the end of their commissions, paving the way for a lucrative career as a commercial pilot while enjoying healthy retirement benefits.

Flight Instructor. Many aviation science graduates help private pilots earn their certifications at small flight schools. Instructors develop lesson plans and training techniques, while enjoying the relative freedom of working with smaller aircraft in low-pressure situations. Many flight instructors earn annual salaries of around $41,000.

Astronaut. Employed by NASA, these experienced engineers and scientists work just as hard on the ground as they do in space. Most astronauts earn about $80,000 per year, while enjoying the significant benefits of involvement with the space program.

Aerial Photography. Mapping companies, real estate brokers, and commercial developers hire aviation science graduates to capture sophisticated images of land and buildings. For aviation science professionals who want to express themselves creatively, this specialty offers the opportunity to earn lucrative fees or recurring royalties, depending on how their work is used.

Agricultural Operations. It may sound quaint, but crop dusters and cloud seeders still play a very important role in our country's agricultural industry. The most successful agricultural pilots combine their aerobatic skill with their knowledge of chemistry and physics to help farmers maximize their crop yields.

Traffic/News Reporting. As news outlets compete for the most compelling images of breaking events, aviation science graduates use their skills to create flight paths and holding patterns on the fly. Many stations now hire helicopter pilots who can report on breaking news stories and traffic conditions while they fly their aircraft and operate remote-controlled cameras. Base salaries for most of these positions start at $40,000 per year, although private endorsements and performance bonuses can drastically increase a professional's income.

Public Safety. Governmental and law enforcement agencies employ pilots to transport people and cargo, enforce roadway speed limits from the air, track criminals, and perform search and rescue missions. Fires that are burning out of the control of ground units or in remote locations require the assistance of aerial firefighters.

Wildlife Services. Pilots are used in remote areas of the world to monitor and study the movement and activities of wildlife. Data collected includes animal migration and population statistics.

Tour Operations. Pilots in scenic resorts and major cities offer unusual aerial tours for vacationers and business travelers. Aviation science graduates use all of their skills to maneuver their aircraft through complex flight paths while entertaining guests.

Remote Flying. Many places on earth can only be reached by way of aircraft. Remote or "bush" flying requires that the pilot have special skills for landing in challenging and unpredictable landscapes. These highly specialized pilots often work for government agencies or for international charitable organizations.