There is a program run by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to screen non-US citizens before they can start flight training. It is called the Alien Flight Student Program or AFSP. To quote from their website https://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov, “AFSP’s mission is to ensure that individuals participating in flight training do not pose a threat to […] Read More »
Headsets and Helmets for Cygnet Trikes
If you are flying solo in uncrowded airspace, you could legally get by with nothing more than a set of ear plugs. But to converse with passengers, monitor a radio, talk to other aircraft or air traffic control, you need headsets. There are many headsets available but only a couple we have found that work […] Read More »
Take your FAA Knowledge Test
To get your Sport or Private Pilot Certificate, one of the requirements is to take an FAA Knowledge Test. This is a computerized test given at small airports all over the country. Go to http://candidate.catstest.com/sitesearch.php to find test locations. It is good to get this test out of the way before starting your flight training. […] Read More »
Flight Training for Existing Pilots
If you already have a pilot certificate, all you need is a ‘proficiency check’ to add the additional category and class ratings, at the Sport Pilot level, to your existing Pilot Certificate. The official FAA category for trikes is Weight Shift Control (WSC). The classes are Land (WSCL) and Sea (WSCS). The FAA does not […] Read More »
Check Lists
Congratulations on finding your way to the Checklists section. Using check lists is the smartest thing you can do to prevent doing dumb things. With some hesitation, I will share my personal checklists below. So why my hesitation? I developed these check lists for me, to keep myself out of trouble, and for me they […] Read More »
Who Invented the Aviation Check List?
In October 1935, US Army Air Corps brass gathered at an airfield in Dayton, Ohio. They’d come to see two aircraft builders pit their planes against each other in a series of trials, with the best-performed aircraft getting its builder a lucrative contract for new long-range bombers. In theory, the two rivals, Boeing Corporation and […] 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 »
Why Is It Easier To Learn On A Water Trike?
Simple answer, WIDE OPEN SPACES! Imagine learning to fly on a huge flat grassy field, with nothing to hit, no other traffic, and no obstacles upwind to spoil the smooth wind. In this ideal condition, you can always take off and land straight into the wind, and you don’t have to worry about hitting the […] Read More »