Before Being Airborne: A Primer On Airworthiness Directives

Everyone in the aviation industry should have a basic understanding of airworthiness directives. These are legal guidelines issued by the Federal Aviation administration (FAA), whcich correct unsafe conditions in any aircraft or aircraft engine. These directives ensure that all machines built and operated in America are safe and sound and suitable for flying.

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There are two parts to airworthiness directives. The first is the preamble, followed by the rule. The preamble is the basis of the directive. This is used to guide the rules, which are the regulatory requirements correcting the unsafe conditions of a specific aircraft. Airworthiness directives usually include a description of the unsafe condition and the required corrective action or operating limitation. It must be noted that specific products need not merit any corrective action. Sometimes, only a limitation is given. Regardless, the directive is intended to eliminate the unsafe condition.

Directives also include a detailed compliance plan, which stipulates what should be done to correct the unsafe condition along with maintenance checks and repair management plans. Models that are continuously issued airworthiness directives for a specific part should not be flown until the FAA rules otherwise.

Private pilots should also consider checking the FAA for their own aircraft. It is always best to fly an aircraft that is in compliance with an applicable directive.

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North Star Aviation is a Mankato, MN-based fixed-based operator specializing in aircraft maintenance and repair. To learn more, follow this Twitter account.

Flying With Convenience And Flexibility: The Benefits Of Aircraft Charter

A same-day business meeting or a week-long family vacation can be optimized for better experience with an aircraft charter. The demand for chartered flights is rising across the world, both for five- to ten-seater planes and larger business jets with a capacity of 50. Clearly, chartered planes offer distinct advantages, such as the following :

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Convenience

With itineraries customized according to the requirements of the customers, the convenience offered by private charter travels is on another level. There is no more need to operate on a strict schedule and to be restricted by a limited selection of airport destinations. Chartered flights can provide access to thousands of airports for quicker trips and shorter ground travel.

Productivity

By using an aircraft charter, there is a reduction in wasted time; business can be accomplished more efficiently and families can save travel time and enjoy the vacation itself. The chartered plane also provides a comfortable, distraction-free environment for those who prefer to work in-flight.

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Privacy

One of the primary reasons high-level business executives opt for aircraft charter is the privacy it offers for confidential meetings. Even those who want to travel in the intimate company of family or friends without interruption from others can do so with this type of flight.

Safety

With strict FAA regulations, air charter companies consider safety as their utmost concern. Travelers who value their safety and security can be assured they are in good hands, as chartered planes are known to be vigorously maintained.

Fixed-base operator North Star Aviation, which is based in Mankato, MN, offers FAA-certified aircraft charter services to anywhere in the continental United States. Learn more about its services by visiting this website.

Your Pilot’s License Allows You To Do These Awesome Things

Every successful pilot can trace back his achievements to a childhood dream. In this regard, it’s so easy to be trapped in the concept of flying a plane as the only obvious benefit to having that pilot’s license. After all, travelling from one place to another in fast speeds and seeing everything from a breathtaking view is awesome in itself. The truth is there are many other perks a pilot’s license grants.

Having a pilot’s license brings a unique sense of accomplishment. As such, it precedes one’s reputation. In social circles, the reward is the admiration of other people. It allows one to attract the attention of above-average individuals who are leaders in their own fields of business, thereby giving the license holder golden opportunities in various affairs.

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Pilots never get enough of this admiration, even in their dealings with strangers. Any chance meeting a licensed pilot has with some random person, who so happens to require him to show his ID, can very well signal the start of a long friendship. 

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Pilots, just like normal people, frequent grocery stores, malls, gyms and the like. In these places, he gets to meet various kinds of people. At the least, the pilot can get a pleasantly surprising discount or freebie, or whatever token is available in such chance meetings. Many certified pilots can confess to receiving from their new acquaintances not so ordinary rewards like free movie tickets, gift certificates, or hotel accommodations. In more than a few cases, the star treatment that a pilot gets when he stays in world class hotels is a welcome bonus. 

North Star Aviation in Mankato, MN offers introductory flight lessons. Visit its website for more information about the company.

New Screening Process Promotes Pilots' Mental Health

Last year’s unfortunate pilot suicide caused concern within the aviation community on how well pilots take care of their mental health. For the longest time, physical training and core strength were the focus of flight schools. This was understandable; flying an airplane required far more discipline, patience, and focus than driving a car. Flight schools emphasized training and protocols. However, the aviation community did admit that there was not much attention given to mental health or how the constant flying can lead to negative stress.

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There are now stricter rules and regulations governing the screening process for major airlines all around the world. It is no longer enough that a pilot graduated from a well-known school. His or her records and tests must also show full mental competencies as well. Many flight schools have adapted their curriculum. Training will not only engage pilots in rigorous physical exercise and focus manuals but on keeping healthy as well. It must be remembered that flying constantly can physically tire the brain. Pilots often complain of both physical and mental exhaustion after more than a few hours of flight. Flight schools emphasize knowing and recognizing one’s limits and stopping operations once fatigue sets in. Another important training course in flight schools is the value of honesty; pilots should immediately inform their airline management about their physical limitations. This will prevent any mental conditions related to stress and exhaustion.

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It is always recommended to enroll in a flight school that keeps up with the latest trends and protocols set by global standards and groups.

Read the latest aviation news and trends by following this Twitter account for flight school North Aviation Group in Mankato, MN.

A Career in the Sky: The Highlights of Being a Pilot

Being an airline pilot means having unpredictable work hours and being away from home for long periods of time. Still, flying an airplane is one of the best jobs in the world. It is a challenging job but it is also extremely stimulating, interesting, and rewarding.

Flying is described as the perfect mixture of art, science, and magic. Imagine having the majestic views of nature as your office – pilots have front row access to the most breathtaking sunsets and magical natural phenomena. On top of killer “office” views, pilots also have the opportunity to travel and see the world. Pilots enjoy numerous travel benefits and discounted tickets, which they can avail for their friends and families as well. They get to explore cool cities on layovers and travel leisurely during their time off.

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 Pilots do not have a typical 9 to 5 work schedule and this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Having unpredictable work hours can be tiresome but at the same time, the constantly changing schedule keeps pilots from getting into a rut. There is always something different and interesting to look forward to when you fly planes for a living.

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Being a pilot is also an extremely rewarding job. Interacting with passengers and helping them get to their destinations safely is one of the best parts of the job. Flying is one of the coolest jobs in the world and surely, there is nothing better than getting paid to do what you love.

North Star Aviation is a Mankato, MN-based fixed based operator (FBO) providing a full range of aeronautical services. Visit this Facebook page for news and updates about the company.