Every aircraft registered with the FAA (N-numbered) has an Airworthiness Certificate of some kind. The three types of Airworthiness certificates are Standard, Special, and Experimental. Standard applies to factory-built aircraft like Cessnas and Boeings. They are built to an FAA-approved design with FAA oversight of the producer’s quality control system. No changes are allowed to […] Read More »
Where is Fort Walton Beach Florida?
Fort Walton Beach is on the northern-most part of the Gulf of Mexico in between Pensacola and Panama City. The closest regional airports are: Fort Walton Beach KVPS (15 minutes) Pensacola KPNS (60 minutes) Panama City KECP International (75 minutes) The closest international airports are: New Orleans (4 hours) Atlanta (5 hours) Jacksonville (5 hours) […] Read More »
Ground School
The FAA has two excellent books that are a great start to your flight training. 1. The FAA WEIGHT-SHIFT CONTROL AIRCRAFT FLYING HANDBOOK. Download it for free here: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/FAA-H-8083-5.pdf 2. The FAA Seaplane Handbook. Even though this book is about flying airplanes from the water and doesn’t mention trikes specifically, it is still a must-read. […] Read More »
Flight Training for New Pilots
For Solo Flight: You can fly solo with a ‘Student Pilot Certificate’ as soon as your instructor thinks you are ready and endorses your ‘Student Pilot Certificate’ for solo flight. Your instructor will also put several endorsements in your log book showing the training you have completed prior to solo flight. To carry passengers as […] Read More »
Flight Training Costs
If you already have a pilot certificate, we can add on the additional category and class ratings as soon as you become proficient. The FAA category is Weight Shift Control (WSC) and the classes are Land (WSCL) and Sea (WSCS). We have a network of independent flight instructors who own Cygnet aircraft and provide training […] Read More »
Cygnet Suspension Maintenance
The Cygnet amphib has three ways to absorb big bumps from uneven terrain and hard landings. The balloon tires provide a great cushioning effect, the torsion axle absorbs bumps, and the bungee shock cord lets the suspension flex even more when it needs to. A stainless steel cable acts as a limiter to prevent the […] Read More »
What is a Weight Shift Control Trike and How Does It Fly?
First some definitions: Weight Shift Control (WSC): this is the FAA’s term for an aircraft with a hang-glider type wing. These aircraft are also commonly called ‘trikes’, which is short for ‘hang glider trike’. Hang gliders are foot launched: your legs are the landing gear. As people added motors to hang gliders, they made three-wheeled […] Read More »