FLY8MA Blog

Here's a list of helpful aviation articles.  Whether you are a Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or CFI, these articles are made to help you learn and keep current on the regs.

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FAA Eliminates Expiration Date for CFI Certificates: What You Need to Know

By Jon Kotwicki | February 7, 2025

FAA Eliminates Expiration Date for CFI Certificates: What You Need to Know The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially removed expiration dates from Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificates, marking a significant regulatory change aimed at …

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float plane painting in alaska

Get your Float Rating in Alaska

By Jon Kotwicki | January 21, 2025

How to Earn Your Float Rating in Alaska at the FLY8MA Pilot Lodge Alaska is a dream destination for pilots, and earning your floatplane rating in the Last Frontier offers an unparalleled experience. At the …

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airline transport pilot flying a commercial jet

Airline Transport Pilot

By Jon Kotwicki | April 30, 2024

What is an Airline Transport Pilot? The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the pinnacle of pilot certification in the United States, granting its holders the authority to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of scheduled airline …

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First-Class Medical Certificate

By Jon Kotwicki | April 10, 2024

The rigorous First-Class Medical examination is mandated for those operating as commercial airline pilots or as pilots-in-command of certain aircraft and serves to assess an individual’s physical and mental fitness to undertake the responsibilities inherent …

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Third-Class Medical Certificate

By Jon Kotwicki | April 10, 2024

A third-class medical certificate, commonly referred to as a third-class medical, is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pilots in the United States. This medical certificate is specifically designed for pilots …

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student pilot training

Second-Class Medical Certificate

By Jon Kotwicki | April 6, 2024

Before delving into the specifics of Second-Class Medicals, let’s understand the broader context of medical certification in aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that pilots possess a valid medical certificate to act as pilot-in-command …

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Third-class medical

BasicMed: Requirements and Limitations

By Jon Kotwicki | March 26, 2024

One crucial aspect of aviation safety is the medical fitness of pilots. For decades, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated that pilots hold a valid medical certificate to fly. However, in 2017, a new alternative …

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airspeed indicator v-speeds

Understanding V-Speeds

By Jon Kotwicki | March 26, 2024

What are V-speeds? In the realm of aviation, safety is paramount. Pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts alike rely on standardized metrics to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. One such crucial set of parameters is V-speeds. These …

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Seaplane Rating

By Jon Kotwicki | March 25, 2024

Embarking on the journey of receiving your seaplane rating, unveils a realm of adventure and skill unique to aviation. From the serene beauty of water landings to the thrill of exploring remote wilderness areas, mastering …

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cirrus airplane

The Cirrus SR-22: A Beacon of Excellence

By Jon Kotwicki | February 23, 2024

Cirrus SR-22 The Cirrus SR-22 stands tall as a beacon of excellence in the realm of aviation. Renowned for its cutting-edge features, safety innovations, and superior performance, the SR-22 represents a pinnacle in aircraft engineering. …

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