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.

gi bill veterans

A Veteran’s Guide to Soaring as a Pilot

By Jon Kotwicki | January 31, 2024

For veterans transitioning from the camaraderie of military service to the exhilarating world of civilian aviation, it is a journey filled with excitement and opportunity. As a veteran who has embarked on this path, my …

A Veteran’s Guide to Soaring as a Pilot Read More »

three people inside a citation mustang.

The Top Five Single Pilot Jets

By Jon Kotwicki | January 16, 2024

The demand for single-pilot jets has seen a remarkable surge Driven by the need for efficiency, flexibility, and the freedom to soar through the skies with minimal crew requirements. Among the top contenders in this …

The Top Five Single Pilot Jets Read More »

1956 DC6 Airplane House

Top 10 Places to Visit in Alaska

By Jon Kotwicki | January 13, 2024

Of all the places to visit in Alaska, this is our list of the absolute top ten best places to visit in Alaska! 1. Wrangell Saint-Elias National Park: Details: Wrangell-St. Elias is a land of …

Top 10 Places to Visit in Alaska Read More »

727 airplane home at the FLY8MA Pilot Lodge

727 Airplane Home

By Jon Kotwicki | January 12, 2024

Purchasing a 727 In October of 2022, FLY8MA Flight Training purchased a 727-200 from the University of Alaska Anchorage to repurpose as an educational resource for flight and mechanic students, as well as use for …

727 Airplane Home Read More »

GUMP's checklist landing gear indicator

The GUMP’s Checklist Decoded

By Jon Kotwicki | January 12, 2024

Explore the skies with confidence as we delve into the ins and outs of the Gumps Checklist An indispensable tool for aviators committed to elevating flight safety. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the …

The GUMP’s Checklist Decoded Read More »

piper super cub landing on skis in alaska

Mastering the Alaskan Skies: The PA-18 Super Cub’s Aerial Symphony of Versatility and Exploration

By Jon Kotwicki | January 11, 2024

The Iconic PA-18 Super Cub In the expansive realm of Alaskan aviation, where the wilderness demands aircraft with an indomitable spirit, one legend stands tall – the PA-18 Super Cub. This iconic plane, etched in …

Mastering the Alaskan Skies: The PA-18 Super Cub’s Aerial Symphony of Versatility and Exploration Read More »

student pilot training

What is a Commercial Pilot License?

By Jon Kotwicki | July 18, 2023

Getting Your Commercial Pilot’s License What is a Commercial Pilot? A commercial pilot is a pilot who has completed the necessary requirements and training to fly and be paid for their flying.  You could be …

What is a Commercial Pilot License? Read More »

student pilot training

How to Get a Private Pilot License

By Jon Kotwicki | July 18, 2023

 HOW TO GET A PILOT’S LICENSE? There is a lot of information out there when starting to research what it takes to earn your private pilot license. This can leave one feeling skeptical and questioning …

How to Get a Private Pilot License Read More »

far aim book with FAA regulations

How to Read and Understand the FAR AIM

By Jon Kotwicki | October 30, 2021

The FAR AIM Explained During any checkride you take (Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and so on) you will inevitably at some point need to open up the FAR AIM and look up something …

How to Read and Understand the FAR AIM Read More »

Cessna bushplane alaska

ACS Written Test codes for Instrument Pilot FAA Written Test Results

By Oscar Sigl | July 26, 2021

Below are the ACS codes (formerly known as PLT codes) that you will find on your FAA written test results. If you missed any questions on your Instrument FAA written exam (most people do!) you …

ACS Written Test codes for Instrument Pilot FAA Written Test Results Read More »