About us

We believe that by sharing personal experiences we gain insight and become better pilots. So we created this website where students, seasoned pilots, and everyone in-between can share their experiences with aviation in an easy to read, beautiful way. Our hope is that you will follow our site, read these heartfelt articles and continue to become the safest, most proficient pilot possible.

Rod Machado

A pilot since 1970 and an active flight instructor since 1973, Rod is also a National Aviation Safety Counselor, as well as the instructor on Microsoft Flight Simulator and the author of seven aviation books. He has over 10,000 hours of flight experience earned the hard way—one CFI hour at a time. He was named the 1991 Western Region Flight Instructor of the Year. You can read his monthly column, “License to Learn,” in AOPA Pilot magazine as well as his monthly columns in Flight Training Magazine. Rod also holds degrees in aviation science and psychology.
A Cessna 182 being worked on by a mechanic - Using the Airplane Squawk Sheet and Squawk Etiquette

Using the Airplane Squawk Sheet and Squawk Etiquette

To Squawk or Not to Squawk, That is the Question – When ...

A Cessna 150, popular for flight training, and working student pilots through the learning plateau.

Flight Training and How to Survive the Learning Plateau

With flight training, anticipate the learning plateau. Aviation is full of plateaus ...

Private pilots in an aircraft cockpit during a crosswind landing

Crosswind Landing: Using the Crab and Sideslip Techniques

With a little practice, it’s possible to keep the airplane within inches ...

cockpit view of horizon at dusk - Stall Prevention and Stall Training

Earning a Black Belt in Stall Prevention

Through Coordination and G-Force Sensitivity, You Too Can Earn Your Black Belt ...

Student Pilot and flight instructor in a Cessna 172

A Flight Instructor In Everyone: Solving the CFI Shortage

Aviation desperately needs flight instructors who are willing to nest for awhile. ...

Cessna 172 Cockpit in flight -

Stalls and Spins and the Conditioned Reflex

Pilots need to spend more time practicing recovery from stalls and spins. A ...

An instrument panel in a Cessna 172 - IFR Training Made Easy

IFR Training Made Easier

IFR Training is a Demanding Aviation Training Marathon. They put you in ...