Aviation News & Updates

From Radial to Modern Engines  In the realm of aviation, engine technology has been pivotal in shaping the capabilities and performance of aircraft. Understanding the nuances between historical radial engines and today’s modern jet engines

Defining Vmc  Vmc, or Minimum Control Speed, is one of the most critical numbers for pilots of multi-engine aircraft to understand. It is the lowest airspeed at which the airplane can be controlled with the

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Careers in Aviation  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as UAVs or drones, are aircraft systems that operate without a human pilot onboard. Instead, they are remotely controlled or fly autonomously using onboard

Rotor Wing Pilots Can Benefit from Online Training  The aviation landscape is always advancing, and with it comes the need for continuous training to keep rotor wing pilots at the top of their game. Whether

Wire Strike Safety | Awareness and Prevention  Wire strikes remain one of the most significant hazards for helicopter pilots around the world. Flying low-altitude missions often places helicopters in environments bristling with hidden threats—power lines,

What is Ground Effect?  Ground effect is a phenomenon experienced by helicopters when operating near the surface, typically within one rotor diameter of the ground. It occurs due to the interaction between the rotor downwash

The Many Careers in Aviation  For anyone dreaming of a career in aviation, the sky is literally the limit and there’s more than one way to success. Becoming a pilot isn’t just about flying for

Careers in Aviation | Skills that Make a Great Pilot  Learning to fly is one thing—but becoming a truly great pilot takes more than just logging hours or acing a checkride. Behind every confident takeoff

Part 135 and Part 91 Ramp Checks  Pilots are responsible for the safety and security of their aircraft, passengers, and crew at all times. Part 91 and Part 135 operators are subject to ramp checks

Navigating Part 135 Operations  Understanding the nuances of different operational regulations is crucial for pilots striving to maximize their career opportunities and professional growth. Part 135 operations, specifically tailored for charter and air taxi services,

What Is an SOIA?  A Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approach (SOIA) is a procedure that was created to conduct simultaneous approaches to runways that are spaced less than 3,000 feet, but more than 750 feet apart

Pilot training records verification is changing based on the FAA Pilot Records Database  The long-awaited Pilot Records Database (PRD) is here. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about its arrival. The idea of this database is

Advancements in Virtual Reality Pilot Training  Pilot training has entered a new era with the integration of advanced virtual reality (VR) tools, transforming the way pilots learn and practice their skills. Unlike traditional methods, which

Radial Engines in History  There is a reason why radial engines were so popular back in the day. They were able to produce incredible amounts of power for their weight, while also having exceptional cooling

Prioritize your mental health without jeopardizing your pilot medical or career  It’s no secret that many individuals struggle with mental health concerns, including pilots. However, the fear of jeopardizing their pilot medical has prevented many

Contact Approach Procedures  A contact approach is a procedure available to aircraft operating on an IFR flight plan. It allows pilots to deviate from the published instrument approach procedure and proceed visually to the destination

ATOMATOFLAMES is a fun mnemonic for serious aviation safety  Flying an aircraft embodies a unique blend of freedom and responsibility, and understanding the fundamental safety requirements is crucial for every pilot. One indispensable mnemonic that

App offers pilot training videos in addition to restaurant recommendations  I recently heard about the SocialFlight mobile app and its intent to share aviation events with pilots looking for things to do on a layover.

Pilots receive incentives to file flight plans for rescue dogs  Did you hear about the massive beagle rescue earlier this year? Four thousand beagles were transported from a research breeding facility in Virginia, making their

Enhancing Crew Resource Management with AI  Crew resource management (CRM) involves effectively utilizing all available resources for flight crew personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations, minimizing errors, reducing stress, and enhancing efficiency. Notably, this

Proposed Part 135 Rules Could Affect Air Tours and Skydiving  Trying to make a living in aviation is hard enough these days without the government throwing curve balls at you. It’s already a challenge to

HAI HELI-EXPO February 26-29 CTS is looking forward to some fun in the sun and talking rotor-wing training at the HAI HELI-EXPO February 26-29 in Anaheim, CA.   At CTS, we understand that your company is

New Advances in Helicopter Landing Technology May Change the Shape of Pilot Training  With the development of new technologies, helicopter pilot training may soon be taking a step into the future. Auto landing is an

ICAO Dangerous Goods Subject Update  We are happy to announce an update to another CTS subject, ICAO Dangerous Goods.    This updated subject is designed to meet the IATA competency-based training approach appropriate for flight crews,

Pilot training may soon add the warning signs of human trafficking to curriculums  Business and general aviation groups are the new focus areas for the awareness and prevention of human trafficking. How will the U.S.

New Ramp Inspection Rules for International Operations in Europe  If you are planning an international operations flight in Europe, be aware that major changes to European inspection rules are on the horizon and being proactive

Pilot Training and Tools Add to Flight Safety  FlightOS, developed by Los Angeles-based aerospace startup Skyryse, is a groundbreaking new system that can automate most actions taken by a helicopter pilot. This fly-by-wire hardware and

Aviation Airspace Safety  Concerns about the growing aviation airspace traffic brought on by remotely piloted aircraft, drones, and eVTOL vehicles have created a sense of unease. With no human eyes to lookout for other aircraft,

Recent Runway Excursion Incidents  The recent incident of a HondaJets runway excursion has caused understandable anxiety among pilots and company owners. In response to the latest event in Summerville, South Carolina, Jet It has temporarily

Assistance is available for Part 135 operators who are overwhelmed by the upcoming Safety Management System (SMS) regulatory changes. Charter companies already face challenges in keeping up with required paperwork, and now the FAA is

The Aviation Airspace Race for Aviation Airspace  The race for aviation airspace and outer space continues to gain momentum, with notable figures like Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and Jeff Bezos joining forces with NASA to

Part 135 Pilot Admonishes Passenger Who Could Have Crashed Flight  Pilots must remain vigilant and anticipate potential dangers, intentional or accidental, that can arise from passengers on board aircraft operating under Part 135 and 91

Reminder: Staying Up to Date in Training is Important  Pilots must keep themselves updated and refreshed with pilot training to maintain safety standards. Proper training ensures that pilots are up to date with the latest

Training for a Career in Aviation Doesn’t need to Break the Bank  People wanting to pursue a career in aviation know that it has long been seen as an expensive venture. But recent regulatory changes

Aircraft Wing Technology and Performance Changes  Gone are the days of static wings. Airbus is leading the charge with their new “morphing” aircraft wing technology, set to debut in early 2024 as part of their

CTS has refreshed our course on High-Altitude Weather and Aerodynamics. High-altitude flight presents pilots with several unique challenges due to the different weather, physiological concerns, and effects high-altitude and high-speed flight have on aerodynamics. This

Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change on Air Travel  In the professional pilot industry, understanding and staying up to date on the effects of climate change on aviation is something we take seriously. From increased

Piloting Aircraft Neighborly and Reducing Aviation Noise Pollution  We all know the feeling of peace and serenity that comes with a quiet evening in our own homes. But what happens when aircraft fly over neighborhoods,

Pilot training gets a boost for potential pilots at the latest Women in Aviation International event  As a young aviation enthusiast in high school, I remember being the only girl to join our local Aviation

Aviation insurance is the peace of mind you need to fly safely  It’s no secret that flying is an intricate and dangerous profession and aviation insurance is important when it comes to protecting your people

Making Flights Smarter with Automation Airmanship How can we make our flights smarter and more efficient? One way is through the use of automation airmanship. By automating some of the tasks associated with flying, pilots

Pilot training critical, even with a pilot shortage  I’m struggling with my feelings about the competency of the airline pilots of the future. I have always been confident and comfortable with the rigorous pilot training

Part 135 charter helps students tour colleges around the country  Now and then, you hear about a brilliant marketing move by a company looking to attract new customers or bring back the old ones. It’s

Part 135 contract pilots and hiring personnel get help filing positions  I was thrilled last summer when I got a new corporate job. The pay was good, the airplane was great, the boss seemed like

Pilot training simplified to benefit trainees  A long time ago, when I began my pilot training, there were no guarantees. So we did what we could to climb up the ladder and tag along with

Part 135 operators can receive a manual regarding MEL requirements  For a Part 135 company, the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is life. It’s the difference between profit and loss, reliability and uncertainty, and business and

Pilot training shortage may get an age-related change  As aviation travel comes roaring back after the pandemic, airlines are left scrambling to fill their empty seats up front. As a result, pilot training classes are

Pilot training and flight are a bit safer and easier with Smart Rudder Bias  The next generation of pilots is here. I’m a little jealous. When I started, I had round dials; they have flat

Join us at NBAA-BACE in Orlando CTS is looking forward to participating in this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Orlando, October 18-20. CTS understands that your company is unique. We are

AIN will discuss Safety Management Systems at leadership summit  I think it’s impossible to have too many aviation safety conferences within a given year. What could be more important to those who fly and the

More affordable pilot training may help recruit new pilots  I was on the phone the other day, desperately trying to find someone to fly with me on a quick out and back when I glanced

Pilot training is expensive, one company’s new contract may help their employees  With the latest estimate of $87,000 for the cost of commercial/flight instructor pilot training, it’s easy to see why it’s such a challenging

Operators flying into Europe will soon see changes in Part 135 operations  I’ve never had the privilege of flying into Europe, which is probably why the idea of doing so is slightly intimidating to me.

IA renewal offered through CTS  Did you know CTS offers more than just pilot training programs? We also provide various maintenance training, including 2 hours of IA renewal credit through our Maintenance Human Factors course.  

Part 91 owner-operators have support  A Part 91 owner simply flying their plane for business can have multiple challenges. Several owner-operators at my hometown airport are often looking to hire someone to fly with them.

Pilot training expenses for some veterans are being offset  The goal of becoming a professional pilot is a lofty one. It isn’t easy getting started in this career. Even if you have nerves of steel

Simple changes can make your Part 135 or 91 operation more sustainable  Everywhere you look these days, someone is talking about sustainability and going green. That’s all well and good until you realize that society

HAI HELI-EXPO offer pilot training opportunities   The HAI HELI-EXPO in Dallas is March 7-10, 2022, and it looks like it will be well worth the time and effort for all who attend. I’ve been to

CTS is looking forward to leaving our snow boots in the closet in Kansas and taking our walking shoes to the HAI HELI-EXPO March 7-10 in Dallas. We are excited to showcase some of our

Pilot medicals may be required for balloon pilots soon  Is a balloon pilot a “real” pilot? Is that what the FAA is wondering as they contemplate whether a commercial balloon pilots should be required to

FAA employee confidential safety reporting  The most significant safety asset on earth for pilots is the ability to report safety concerns, especially self-induced safety concerns, confidentially. Not only does it get the reporting pilot out of

Flight plan for a trip transporting Olympic athletes The Special Olympics Airlift (SOA) is fast approaching, and the athletes couldn’t be more excited! Every flight plan filed will be part of a massive effort to

Flight plan bills in NYC look to limit helicopter activity The last time I flew my boss into a New Jersey airport, it was for the sole purpose of catching a helicopter flight into the

FAR regulations require the identification of unmanned aircraft I remember years ago when the very light jet (VLJ) movement started. I was an event representative for the new Eclipse VLJ and I heard it all.

Crew resource management isn’t something to overlook, especially during flight Not many pilots know the terror of bouncing down the runway, trying desperately to regain control before the unthinkable happens. In this situation, the unlucky

Part 135 operators may have more sustainable fuel options soon As part of an effort to support the sustainable fuel industry, Part 135 Fractional Operator NetJets has purchased a 20% share in WasteFuel, a company

Aircraft performance and the environment has some companies looking for ways to improve gas emissions Green, green, green. Nearly everywhere you look, the world is going green. Green cars, green busses, green buildings, green cities,

Pilot training for aerial firefighters may add a new software system for effectiveness It seems like you can’t turn on the news these days without seeing a wildfire somewhere in the world. As tragic and

Aviation training courses for mechanics are getting a boost from technology I have never participated in virtual reality, probably because I’ve seen the people doing it look pretty darn silly. True, they’re riding roller coasters

For some Bell operators, aviation weather events just got a little clearer. Helicopter safety has been top of mind for both pilots and the organizations that fly them recently, and for good reason. High profile

Aviation Training for Maintenance Workers Gets a Financial Boost from the FAA The need for qualified aviation mechanics is off the charts these days – simple annual inspections are hard to schedule and specialized work

In addition to pilot training, runway overrun accidents may decrease after the creation of an overrun awareness alert system It’s almost embarrassing that a system needed to be developed to help pilots avoid runway overruns….Shouldn’t

EFB programs make GPS navigation easier and faster unless the program is the victim of a cyber attack Ransomware attacks are becoming almost routine these days, but the hackers are suddenly upping their game and

Another EFB app is about to make your flight planning, and flying, easier and safer Aviation flight planning is getting easier and easier these days. Appareo has just released its new Stratus Insight EFB App

FAA regulations take leasing rules seriously – pilots may want to brush up on these rules The FAA issued an informational letter reminding all pilots that the regulations for operational control MUST be followed when

Should pilot training discuss the dangers of showing off? The NTSB has released the factual report on the crash of former Major League Baseball pitcher Roy Halladay. He was flying his Icon A5 light sport

Pilot training may go further than relying on technology when in the thick of an emergency California Congressman Brad Sherman has introduced legislation to mandate Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) on all helicopters following

FAA releases more guidance to help slow the spread of Covid-19 The FAA has issued more guidelines to keep us all safe amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. An updated Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) provides the

Pilot training that focuses on flying the aircraft instead of relying on automation could save lives When I was a young mom, we had a saying in my house that might sound a bit odd

GPS navigation over the ocean may feel less stressful with a new app My boss has been wanting to take the jet to Hawaii for quite some time now but I must admit, I’m a

Don’t let pilot training lag, home simulators combined with CTS may help keep your mind scanning the instruments Is it just me, or has aviation come to a screeching halt? From pilot training, to instrument

Part 135 (or 91) aircraft may need some extra care while we wait for flights to resume I got a call the other day from our maintenance guy, telling me to “Go exercise the ol’

Stay up-to-date on computer based (and living room based) pilot training from your living room during the COVID-19 pandemic Pilot training is amazing. The typical classroom/simulator combo for a type rating is intense, but well

Aviation airspace changes to the Northeast Corridor in effect may reduce your delay time The FAA’s aviation airspace optimization initiative on the U.S. East Coast seems to be working. According to the National Business Aviation

Civil helicopter operators voice their opinion on the best way to help reduce accidents The International Helicopter Safety Foundation (IHSF) is collecting data with its sixth annual survey of civil helicopter operators. The purpose of

COVID-19 changes some FAA regulations for maintenance personnel to work from home The COVID-19 pandemic is changing pretty much everything we do right now, and aviation maintenance is no exception. A friend of mine is

The aviation industry offers help during the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how the world is doing business and how aviation businesses are working with people. New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, agreed

Filing your flight plan during the COVID-19 pandemic may require extra steps Rules are changing daily with the COVID-19 pandemic and pilots need to be especially aware of the latest changes before filing a flight

Aviation insurance costs may soon increase It seems as though the aviation insurance industry is going through some pretty big changes lately. Changes that have personally affected my employer and even my pilot friends. Insurance

FAA issues advisories for civilian aircraft flying aviation airspace in the Middle East  With all the recent tension and uncertainty in the Middle East, the FAA issued NOTAM advises caution on all U.S. civil aviation

Uncontrolled airport procedures can be a little easier with an extra power source Life sure got a lot better when my boss bought a jet with an APU. I didn’t realize how spoiled I would

Heads up: UPS has received Part 135 Certification for drones Aviation airspace just got a whole lot busier – drones are here to stay. “UPS Flight Forward received the first full FAA Standard Part 135

The Vortex of HAI HELI-EXPO 2020 is drawing us in Happy New Year! CTS is heading to sunny California for the 2020 HAI HELI-EXPO January 28-30 and would love to talk with you. Find us

Pilot training and flying in the dark is easier on the eyes with a simple adjustment to the iPad Oh how I dislike the weeks of pilot training in a dark simulator. It’s hard enough

Your FAA First Class Medical can save your life from the effects of cosmic radiation Several years ago, I was in the middle of a routine FAA First Class Medical exam when all of a

New Garmin emergency autoland system could save lives and aircraft My home town suffered a huge loss when a local philanthropist and his wife were killed in a tragic airplane crash a few years ago.

Aircraft Performance: Check on your ADS-B before the end of the year January 1, 2020 marks the deadline for pilots to get their aircraft outfitted with the FAA’s mandate for ADS-B Out updates. Between 2012

CTS offers online training in the air medical field CTS is excited to be a part of The Association of Air Medical Services and is attending the 2019 Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) November 4-6

Join CTS at NBAA-BACE in Vegas CTS is happy to once again participate in the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), October 22-24 in Las Vegas. We’re excited to talk about pilot training and

Updates Required to replace MNPS MNPS approvals issued to U.S. Operators before 2016 must be updated by December 31, 2019, if these operators want to keep flying the North Atlantic. Beginning in January 2020, the

IFR clearance at uncontrolled airports is getting a little bit easier Who’s ready for some amazing news? Uncontrolled Airport Radio Communications just arrived in the 21st Century! Those of us who have struggled to get

An online joke leads the FAA to issue two new TFRs around Area 51 Effective September 18, 2018 at 7AM Pacific to Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 8PM Pacific are two new TFRs for the

Aviation airspace around the Bahamas saw a massive influx of relief flights after Hurricane Dorian In bold letters, the International Ops Bulletin says “AIRSPACE SATURATED – DO NOT FLY”. The special briefing was intended for

Flying a CATIIIB ILS approach in the weather all the way to touchdown is something you won’t easily forget. It doesn’t happen too often, but when you get to watch your jet land without you,

Flying under the radar while still on the radar Whenever I would hear the call sign “Dot Com”, I thought it belonged to a fleet of aircraft owned by a computer website company. That is,

FAA regulations cause an AD that limits TCAS usage in certain aircraft FAA regulations have caused an Airworthiness Directive issuance requiring operating limitations on the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) used in Collins FDSA-6500 flight

GPS navigation gets easier with training features GPS navigation has created a huge leap forward in situational awareness for pilots, and for the most part, the programing of a GPS is intuitive. But certain features

ADS-B radar is helpful while flying in aviation weather, but note time adjustments Improvements in aviation weather radar technology have had a tremendous impact on pilot situational awareness. Flying in weather is now safer than

Aviation Weather Radar: Base vs. Composite Reflectivity In Part 2 of our series on Aviation Weather Radar, we’re going to discuss the distinction between base and composite reflectivity. I’ve seen these two options on apps

A GPS navigation failure requires some pilots to contact FAA preflight and restrict flight height The FAA has reported a widespread problem with the GPS/ADS-B System over this past weekend and hundreds of flights have

The first days of May found snow on the Rockies and safety in the conference hall of the Business Aviation Safety Summit in Denver, Colorado. CTS was a first-time attendee of the summit and an

How to Read an Aviation Sectional Chart: Symbology Sectional charts provide an array of beneficial information for pilots, which is why learning how to read sectionals is an important skill to hone. However, they can

A Growing Epidemic – Pilot Shortage There has been talk of the growing pilot shortage for years. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding it, including the potential severity. The reality indicates the pool of eligible

Pilot training that matters What a mess. I heard some disturbing news about the first Boeing Max 8 accident today. The headlines reported that the pilots actually did follow the procedures laid out by Boeing

The Way of Air Performance Future or a Representation of the Past For years aviation has been considered the way of the future. However, the recent presentation of The Green New Deal, calling to end

Resource Management on HAA Flights I hate waking up in the morning and seeing the EMS Wings symbol with a black line through it on social media. It means we lost another one. The latest

CTS is Hitting the Skies to Talk Rotor Wing Between the cold temperatures, snow, and ice CTS is getting cabin fever – so we’re headed to Atlanta for the HAI HELI-EXPO Booth #C3930 March 5-7.

The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) has just compiled data from its third annual survey of civil helicopter operators to determine which safety initiatives are being implemented and which ones are being ignored. They want

The US military has been conducting large scale national security exercises in which GPS navigation signals are degraded to test defense systems and preparedness. I certainly understand the necessity for such testing – I want

The importance of RNAV SID phraseology In recent years, area navigation (RNAV) has been gaining a significant foothold in the National Airspace (NAS) as ground-based navigation is being relied upon less. The preference for RNAV

Flying with Family & Friends With the holidays quickly approaching many pilots, especially those with roots in general aviation, choose to fly with family and friends. There are a handful of tips, tricks, and important

I always get a pang in my gut when I hear about an aviation accident. I want to know what happened, what kind of aircraft was involved, the background of the crew…. I guess I’m

2018 has been quite a year for business aviation so far… Between pilot shortages, a spike in business aviation services, and an extreme overhaul of avionics, it has already been a whirlwind of a year

The number of active rotor-wing pilots could be cut in half within the foreseeable future. A spokesperson for Southern Utah State University in Cedar City, Utah has recently expressed concerns for the very real pilot

The NBAA-BACE is still months away, but here’s what we know so far: Are you anxiously waiting for October 16-18, 2018 in Orlando for the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)? Because we are!

Renewable fuel is becoming more of a reality for many aircraft. In recent years, the aviation industry has started looking at sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to replace our current jet fuels, especially when considering CORSIA

You’ve got mail. CTS now offers a newsletter as another way we can connect to our users, and how the user can connect to us! Headwinds, playing off of our Tailwinds name of our blog,

Contrails and wake turbulence could be a thing of the past for aviators. A recent study at the University of Illinois showed that wing geometrics can be designed to reduce the amount of wake turbulence

ADS-B mandates may not apply to you, but the benefits outweigh the costs. The timeline to equip with ADS-B is rapidly diminishing, but if you haven’t yet equipped, you may be in luck. If your

Bitcoin is taking over BizAv as we know it. As technology keeps evolving, it’s taking all aspects of business aviation with it including methods of currency. In a recent article, the NBAA has declared Bitcoin

Recent court rulings may mean the end for SMO. You may remember our blog on the Operational Changes at SMO, so we wanted to follow up on the airport’s changes and what it looks like

CTS has the latest on ADS-B requirements and what it means for your operation. With much of the US and many other countries mandating a shift in aviation tracking, safety, and radar communication with ADS-B,

Sleep tight, don’t let the FAA bite. The NBAA released a free webinar explaining tricky duty vs. rest time scenarios and how to ensure FAA compliance through them. Passengers arriving late or “tail end” repositioning

ICAO PBCS Half-tracks, Whole New Ballgame Starting March 29, 2018, you must be compliant with new Performance Based Communication and Surveillance (PBCS) guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) when travelling on half-tracks

Robotic Birds Taking Off as an Option to Clear Unwanted Hazards It seems many airports are trying anything to relocate birds to ensure the safety of feather-covered and metal-covered winged-friends alike. Sizeable birds in large

Gearing Up for the Next Generation of Aircraft From the ductwork, to the interior, to the exterior, it seems any piece of the aircraft can benefit from additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing). Additive

Shortened Runway at SMO Santa Monica Municipal Airport obtained authorization to shorten the runway from a settlement agreement signed with the city and the FAA in January 2017. The runway went from 5,000 ft down

The NBAA estimates only 100 operators in North America affected by CORSIA The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is an upcoming policy aiming to reduce the amount of international aviation emissions.

Update Your In-Flight Playbook for Super Bowl LII From landing to kick-off, err, I mean, take-off, the FAA is instituting some specific rules throughout the week of Super Bowl LII, and CTS is giving you

Discover the Industry Exploration Place, the Sedgwick County Science and Discovery center located in Wichita, KS, has completely renovated their aviation exhibit, Design Build Fly. The new exhibit launched in the Air Capital of the

At the end of November 2017, the FAA put into place changes to reduce the amount of noise at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounding area. The initiative responds to a ruling from