If financing an aircraft is on your horizon, now is the time to secure your loan. The end of the year is fast approaching, and that means many individuals and businesses will be looking to finalize large purchases for tax offset purposes.

Getting preapproved in August or September is the smart move if you want to miss the hassle of buying during the holidays. As with any financial decision, timing is key.

Why Is There a Time Crunch?

According to Keller Laseter, Chief Commercial Officer at FLYING Finance, the answer is simple: holidays.

“The holidays are the biggest factor to our time crunch,” Laseter said. 

There are multiple bank holidays in the fourth quarter, and that significantly bottlenecks the process.

“When the banks are closed, we lose a lot of valuable time and your loan does not move forward,” Laseter said. 

While some salespeople and lenders may still be eager to close with you no matter the season, it’s an unavoidable fact that many banking and financial professionals will be planning vacations and focusing on family from October to early January—which means they won’t prioritize getting your loan closed. 

“The best way to avoid the busy season is to beat the crowd that’s late to the game,” said Laseter. “Being responsive, communicative, and having your ducks in a row will put you very high on the list.”

Why Start Shopping in August and September?

Waiting until Q4 can lead to delayed closings, aircraft being sold to cash buyers, and worse options and terms.

Typically, clients buying an aircraft for business reasons have complex financial documentation, meaning it takes time for lenders to underwrite them. The savvier and more prepared a client is, the more questions banks and lenders need to clarify. 

With many buyers going through this process at the same time, it can take longer for loans to be completed and can push some finalizations into the next year, which may not be ideal. 

Likewise, inventory is much more limited at the end of the year, with fewer options available for late buyers. The earlier you decide to take to the skies in a new plane, the more variety you’ll find and the more sellers and brokers will be willing to negotiate on terms in order to make those sales.

Can Both Corporate and Personal Aircraft Owners Benefit?

 Absolutely! Actually, securing your aircraft loan early is the surest way to reap the benefits of depreciation and minimize your tax burden. 

“There’s always a rush of clients who approach the finance team in mid-December looking to complete a loan on a large purchase before the end of the year,” Laseter said. “That’s our busiest time, so while we do our best to satisfy this request, it can be difficult.” 

Both corporate and personal buyers can get ahead by submitting the necessary documents as early as possible. Once approved, it’s simple to get reapproved if any time lapses.

Why Have Financing Preapproved in the Fall?

Two of the biggest factors that prolong the financing process are submitting all financial documents in a timely and accurate manner and finding the right deal on the aircraft that suits your needs. Completing the financing side of the equation means you can focus on shopping with confidence in your financial situation. 

The bigger and more complex the airplane, the more in depth the process has to be. Pre-buy inspections, appraisals, logbook review, and other factors mean you’ll want to line up your loan as early as possible so you can be satisfied with a thoroughly vetted aircraft. 

Without preapproval, the time, energy, and money spent on choosing and inspecting the right aircraft can be wasted.

“Just like with buying a house, someone who has an approval in hand when making an offer on an aircraft will be taken more seriously than someone without,” said Laseter. “If you have an approval and the aircraft of your dreams pops up for sale, you can move quickly on the sale and have less risk of the seller going with a cash buyer.”

How to Get Started 

Depending on how your finances are arranged, it’s a good idea to reach out to any investment brokers, accountants, or wealth management firms you work with to get a complete picture of your assets and liquidity. Likewise, make sure you know the details on any existing loans or liabilities so you can go into the pre-approval process with realistic goals. 

If you aren’t sure what documents you’ll need, the FLYING Finance team is here to help you with any questions. Getting started today will get you into your dream aircraft sooner. 

Instead of spending the holidays struggling to finalize details, you can be flying and enjoying the skies.

The post Beat the Holiday Time Crunch: Get Preapproved for an Aircraft Loan Now appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Middle Tennessee State University offers one of the largest aviation schools in the country, and the program continues to grow. 

“We have a handful of programs that draw students from around the country and really around the world, and aerospace is one of those,” MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes said. 

MTSU has over 20,000 students enrolled across its various academic programs, and Byrnes estimates that about 1,200 – or more than 5% – of those students are part of the university’s aerospace program. 

In fact, the aerospace program has outgrown its space at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (KMBT) – both in the air and on the ground. In order to create more space for students to clock their flight hours, the university is creating a space for itself in neighboring Shelbyville, Tennessee at Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI). The move was made possible by a $65 million allocation from the state. 

“[Shelbyville Municipal Airport] is going to be getting some amazing state of the art renovations and advancements,” Byrnes said. 

The Shelbyville location will be the new full-time training ground for the approximately 900 students participating in the aerospace program’s professional pilot track. Aerospace students with other concentrations – like air traffic control – will continue to utilize their current set-up in Murfreesboro for the time being.

In addition to creating a holistic program for future aviation professionals themselves, MTSU partners with organizations across the industry to provide even more opportunities for students to advance in the field. 

MTSU participates in training and recruitment programs with major airlines, including the Delta Propel and Southwest Destination 225° initiatives. When students are selected to participate in these programs, the airlines come alongside the university and help cater their training. After graduation, selected students are able to accelerate their careers with the airlines. 

Another distinct advantage of pursuing flight training at a university like MTSU is the ability to earn a four-year college degree at the same time. 

“Our pilots graduate with a true university degree. It prepares them both to fly the aircraft and pursue careers that could go beyond their time in the aircraft,” MTSU Vice President of Marketing Andrew Oppmann said. 

As interest in aviation grows among high school students, MTSU continues to spotlight its aerospace program during recruitment events like the school’s annual True Blue Tour. The bus tour travels to four states and 14 cities in order to engage with potential students.  According to Oppmann, potential aerospace students are often among the crowd.

Click here to learn more about MTSU’s aerospace program.

The post MTSU Offers Growing Aerospace Opportunities for Future Aviation Pros appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Redbird director of STEM education Greg Roark wants to get students thinking about what they want to do after high school—the earlier, the better. For kids interested in aviation, the future career options are vast, including everything from aircraft maintenance and air traffic control to flying 

When school districts partner with Redbird, its students have the opportunity to explore  these options and more. The company offers simulation options ranging from desktop products to FAA-approved flight training devices (FTDs), colloquially known as simulators. 

“[Schools] can do everything from experiential types of things through aviation with our simulators all the way up to producing pilots with various levels of certification,” Roark said.

With the help of Redbird, high school students can gain relevant, real-world experience and have the opportunity to achieve industry certifications from the FAA before graduation. This provides them with a wealth of knowledge when they finally take to the skies.

“When they get on the flight deck, they’ve already been there,” Roark said.

Roark, a former classroom teacher, is still motivated by helping kids learn and watching them develop a growing passion for aviation. Now he impacts classrooms across the entire country. 

“I was a classroom teacher for a long time before I came to Redbird,” Roark said. “Many times, we sort of forget how kids learn. When you create opportunities for them and let them show you what is possible, it’s humbling.”

Roark has experienced that humbling sensation with multiple kids, including past students who have gone on to pursue full-time careers in aviation. 

“You have these people that come into your classroom and you know instantly that there is something special,” Roark said.

As Roark works to make simulation-fueled education accessible to more kids in more places, he urges educators and other school leaders to consider how they can best serve the students in their schools—whether that means bringing aviation education to elementary students or building full scale high school programs. 

“It is all about what is right for your school, your stakeholders and your communities,” Roark said. “What does success look like for you, for your students?”

Once a school district decides to integrate simulation into their aeronautics programs, it often becomes a question of how. Funds are not always readily available, but Roark encourages school leaders to explore potential grants. He also urges school districts to consider local fundraising as a viable option.

Ultimately, he is dedicated to helping schools and parents find ways to engage children in the future of aviation.

“We will find a pathway,” Roark said.

School districts and parents interested in learning more about aviation education options can contact Roark at groark@redbirdflight.com.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Redbird Flight Simulations

Click here to learn more about Redbird Flight Simulations.

The post Simulators Encourage Students to Pursue Careers in Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Flight training standout Redbird Flight Simulations announced its newest training offering—a mixed reality simulator—at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024. The product utilizes innovative technology to create a truly modern training option in a format that is already somewhat familiar to people with virtual reality experience. 

The new training device will make it possible for current and future pilots to experience a livestream version of what is happening outside the cockpit of an aircraft, while still being able to see their own hands manipulating the training device when looking down. 

During AirVenture Redbird Flight Simulations CEO Todd Willinger and vice president of marketing Josh Harnagel talked about the new product, which is slated to be commercially available by the end of the year.

“It is like virtual reality and augmented reality had a baby, and now it’s mixed reality,” Willinger said.

Schools across the nation are taking an increased interest in preparing students for futures in flying, and Redbird has a growing presence in the K-12 school environment, including career technical education.

“High schools are starting to invest in flight simulation to build the pilot pipeline,” Willinger said.

Many children have experience with virtual technology through video games, making the new mixed reality simulator a natural and attractive training tool for learning. 

“Kids are using these devices at home, so it becomes a natural expansion into the training environment,” Willinger said. 

Redbird hosted a Sim Lab for middle and high school students attending AirVenture. The company offered daily classes covering a wide range of aviation topics—from aerodynamics to weather. The demand for this type of offering further illustrates the next generation’s growing interest in flying. 

“Education is really important and we want to get people interested in aviation as early as possible,” Willinger said. 

Beyond educating tomorrow’s pilots, Redbird’s new mixed reality device offers a wealth of benefits for those already in the field. For many adults, however, the technology behind this new way of learning is more foreign. 

“It will be interesting to see what sort of adoption occurs in the traditional flight training environment,” Willinger said. 

Many organizations—including the U.S. military and commercial airlines—have already started to incorporate mixed reality into the training protocols. This early adoption points to a continuously growing demand for mixed reality flight training options across all different pilot demographics.

Redbird has been on the cutting edge of simulation technology since its inception in 2006. This is largely because the company was created by flying enthusiasts with a passion for making aviation more accessible via modern technology.

“Those of us that started the company didn’t have a background in aviation business, and I think that helped us,” Willinger said. “We looked at things differently than a traditional aviation would have.

Redbird leadership’s nontraditional viewpoints have helped the company stay dedicated to their mission and continue innovating for almost 20 years. 

Click here to learn more about how Redbird is working to make flying more accessible.

The post Mixed Reality Simulation Offers New Training Options for Current, Future Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

AVweb editor-in-chief Russ Niles had the pleasure of joining Goulian at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to delve into the details of airshow circuit life. 

According to Goulian, he’s often asked why he still performs dangerous stunts after nearly three decades of aerobatics.

“The biggest thing for an airshow pilot is that every day is different—the weather conditions, the wind, our fitness, the airplane, the terrain, the airport,” Goulian said. “Every time you take to the air to do an airshow, it’s a huge challenge, so you never get bored of it. At Oshkosh, you’re here with thousands of your closest friends who are all watching you fly, and you have to bring your ‘A’ game. That keeps it exciting.” 

As aviation technology has improved, aerobatics and competitive flying have also reached higher limits and become more dynamic. Composite propellers, carbon fiber frames, and other advancements in material and equipment production have expanded on what aerobatic pilots can accomplish.

“It’s hard to overstate how much better maneuverability is than it was just 20 years ago,” Goulian said. 

Similarly, the airshows themselves are more in depth.

“A few decades ago, pilots would fly on their own,” he said. “Today, we all have coaches. We have teams watching and guiding from the ground. We have telemetry in our aircraft. These improvements to technology and process mean that airshows like EAA AirVenture have much higher production quality.” 

Each year, a host of pilots and teams like Goulian’s travel across the country to perform at a variety of locations. The airshow circuit in North America follows the weather, typically starting in Florida, moving up the East Coast, winding through the Midwest and down to Texas, hitting sunny California in the fall, and finally returning to Florida again at the end of the year. 

Goulian flies roughly 18 shows each year, between smaller community events and larger-scale industry events.

“We have a tractor trailer that does about 50,000 miles a year,” he said. “The airplane does about 200 hours per year cross-country, and we have a whole team. It’s really a big circus on the road and in the air.”

One of the highlights of the aerobatics for Goulian and his family is the close-knit community that has developed around the airshow circuit.

“Your heroes become your friends,” he said. “I have friends all over the country, and because I was in the Red Bull Air Race, all over the world. We travel with the [Air Force] Thunderbirds, the [Navy] Blue Angels, [aerobatic pilots] Rob Holland, Kevin Coleman, Kyle Franklin, and Matt Younkin. We’re all like a big family.”

AirVenture, arranged annually by the Experimental Aircraft Association, is the biggest aviation event on the calendar, with nearly 700,000 attendees and more than 10,000 participating aircraft. For Goulian and other aerobatic pilots, Oshkosh is a special place.

“For me, the thrill of Oshkosh is all the [aerobatic pilots] who went before me—Charlie Hillard, Tom Poberezny, Gene Soucy, the French Connection,” he said. “You’re flying in front of a group of educated, amazing people who love aviation just like we do, and you’re on the same stage that the greats have been.” 

In his own small way, Goulian wants to contribute to the legacy and history of EAA and AirVenture. 

Goulian was raised in the aviation world his entire life, originally working in the flight school business with his parents. After making his own name in the competitive and airshow scenes, he returned to his roots and started Mike Goulian Aviation at two locations in Massachusetts (Bedford and Plymouth), with his wife. Now, in addition to the airshow circuit, Goulian runs two Cirrus Training Centers. 

“We’re training people in upset recovery and aerobatics, as well as grass airport and back country flying, so we’re trying to make complete pilots with a range of skills,” Goulian said. 

Thankfully, advances in training and technology have made it much safer for student pilots to learn their limits.

“I remember at flight school in the ’80s, you have a gyro with a vacuum pump and you’re worried about the clouds, but not as much today,” Goulian said. 

With the technology moving as fast as it has, the complex airspace learning environment has become simpler for many pilots, aided by simulation training, solid state instruments, and more redundancies than ever.

“All I really hope is that the tech will continue to make it easier and more fun so more people can get into flying,” Goulian said. 

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Whelen Aerospace Technologies

Click here to learn more about Whelen Aerospace Technologies. 

The post Airshow Circuit Life With Mike Goulian appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

From single-engine planes to airliners, the constant hum of engines, hydraulic motors, landing gear machinery, and aeolian noise (wind noise) can be deafening at the best of times. 

Heider Lazzarini, president of Lightspeed Aviation, sat down with AVweb editor-in-chief Russ Niles at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to discuss the innovations that make the Delta Zulu ANR Headset the latest in a long line of top-quality products. 

As the leading name for active noise reduction (ANR) technology, Lightspeed has spent decades perfecting the formula.

“In simple terms, external noise is counterbalanced by what a processor inside the headset is reading,” Lazzarini said. “Effectively, our ANR takes all the sound waves and blocks them out, and what comes through is what you want to hear—sounds in the range of human voice and even electronic equipment. It keeps the unwanted noises out of the equation and lets the wanted noises into your headset.”

For nearly two decades, Lightspeed has continued to improve and refine its ANR headsets, staying at the forefront of a competitive segment.

“At the core of how we operate is talking to pilots and having hundreds of conversations with users about what’s meaningful and what they need,” Lazzarini said. “We want to hear about their passion and how to translate that into superior products.”

In September 2022, Lightspeed unveiled its most advanced product to date, the Delta Zulu.  With the most refined ANR implementation available, the Delta Zulu offers not only quality but also innovative safety features that keep raising the bar.  

The built-in Kanari smart alert delivers audible warnings to the user automatically if cabin carbon monoxide levels rise, making CO detector strips less of a worry. 

“It’s something you don’t want to think about often, but Delta Zulu takes the complexity out of the way by offering a direct alert for carbon monoxide levels,” Lazzarini said.  

According to Lazzarini, Lightspeed’s other exclusive, proprietary innovation comes in the form of HearingEQity.

“It acts as a built-in hearing aid, and it further maximizes the advantages of ANR technology to make ATC calls and copilot communication crystal clear,” he said.

With this patented system, pilots create a unique hearing profile through an automated 12-frequency test that adjusts sound quality based on each individual’s hearing. 

The Lightspeed Delta Zulu is also the first headset to adopt the ultra accessing connector (UAC) plug, allowing users to connect to other devices directly to the headset for charging, data communications, and auxiliary audio.

With the growing popularity of helmets, Lightspeed also offers a modification kit that allows users to fit Delta Zulu headset cups into a variety of helmets.

“Our H-mod headset cups can be retrofitted through our network of installation partners worldwide,” Lazarrini said. “You can have Lightspeed quality in the helmets you want to use. This is the only premium ANR and audio solution specifically engineered for helmets.”

Regarding the future, Lazarrini said that the Lightspeed team will continue to listen to end users about the features and design of its products. The company is proud to offer the leading headsets on the market.

“I’m biased, but our headsets are the most comfortable in the world, because we always work with pilots to test the design,” he said. “Try on all our competitors and see for yourself.”  

Quality ANR headsets have been proven to make pilots safer and protect their hearing, particularly at low frequencies. With its line of industry-leading equipment, Lightspeed Aviation continues to pursue safety and comfort for pilots and passengers. 

“It’s a whole different reality now with technologies that are accessible to everyone,” said Lazzarini. “ANR was developed in the last 20 years, and it’s only improving. It makes pilots a lot safer and makes ATC calls much clearer. That’s the center of our mission—saving and protecting lives.” 

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Lightspeed Aviation

Click here to learn more about Lightspeed Aviation. 

The post A More Advanced Headset Keeps Pilots Safer appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Interested in buying your first aircraft but don’t know how much you want to finance? Check out this guide to see how lenders determine your creditworthiness. 

While income is a major part of your financial picture, it’s only one factor in the credit approval process of to. Before you apply for a loan through FLYING Finance, examine your own creditworthiness so you can have a realistic understanding of what type of aircraft you’ll be able to finance. 

Here are some of the biggest components in a lender’s assessment:

Credit score

Traditionally, the FICO credit score is the most ubiquitous way of determining your overall credit value to lenders. Your credit score is not calculated based on income but rather on a comprehensive history of making payments on time. 

There are several ways to check your credit score, including services offered by many credit card companies, banks, and websites like Experian and CreditCheck Total.

For good terms on any large loan, lenders will want to see a credit score of at least 700, but the higher, the better.

If your credit score is less than desirable, some financial institutions including FLYING Finance offer a non-recourse asset backed product. The down payment will be higher and the terms less favorable than a full credit underwriting, but can be a viable option for those who need this solution.

Debt-to-income ratio

Often referred to as just “DTI,” your debt-to-income ratio is the other side to the income statements.

Even high-income earners, for instance, might have multiple mortgages, outstanding credit card debt, or personal loans that cause their monthly debt payments to take up a large portion of their income. DTI accounts for the sum of what you owe in a given month to any creditors but does not typically include normal living expenses such as gas, groceries, or insurance. 

To roughly calculate your own DTI, add up all monthly debt payments and divide that total by your monthly income. In most cases, a DTI below 35 percent is considered ideal. 

Liquidity

In financial terms, liquidity is a measure of how easily and quickly you can meet your financial obligations (make payments).

Liquid investments include cash, CDs, savings, stocks, bonds, options, and other investments that are considered “readily marketable securities.”. 

Illiquid assets include valuable personal property, ranging from jewelry to real estate.. Privately held business interests and other “illiquid” investments like LP investments in private companies increase your net worth, but are not counted in liquidity requirements for loans..

In the case of an aircraft purchase, you typically need to demonstrate that you have enough liquidity to make a down payment and six months of payments on the loan. 

Unsecured debt

Unsecured debt refers to debt without collateral. Secured debt, such as a car loan, is inherently attached to the vehicle, which the bank or lender could potentially seize in the event of defaulted payments in order to recoup some losses. 

Unsecured debt is considered higher risk, as it may be more difficult to recover. As a result, interest rates for unsecured debt are typically less favorable.

While it’s only one small factor in creditworthiness, be aware that a large amount of unsecured debt can impact your rates and ability to secure a new loan. 

Thankfully, FLYING Finance makes it easy for you to apply once you have an idea of what aircraft you want to buy and how much you need to borrow. Get started and finance your aircraft today using the easy online application at flyingfinance.com. 

The post How Do Aviation Lenders Determine Credit Approval? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

CRISP. SHARP. CLEAR. – CLAROXAN ADVANCED

A big part of being able to pass your medical is taking care of yourself and making sure you’re only putting the best quality nutrition into your body. That’s why we recommend Claroxan Advanced for healthy eyesight.* It’s more than just a regular eye supplement. In addition to lutein and zeaxanthin for macular pigment and blue light filtration – it also contains bilberry extract for night vision support, grape seed extract for antioxidant and circulation support, and riboflavin and other vitamins that help contribute to the maintenance of normal, healthy vision.*

Claroxan Advanced is a once daily tablet that is easy to swallow and easy on the gut and provides your eyes with the nutrition they need to help you continue doing what you love to do for as long as possible.* Claroxan Advanced is distributed by Pacific Health, Inc. All of their products are rooted in innovation and provide superior value and consistent, high-quality.

Innovating and Improving for 21+ years

The Claroxan brand was launched in 2003 and has been trusted and preferred in the aviation community since 2005 and if you’re not 100% satisfied, they have a 100% money-back guarantee on all unopened bottles. Seriously, it’s one of the best eye supplements out there. It provides a formula created to support visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare reduction and eye fatigue reduction.* Think of it as a way to give your peepers the proper nutrition they need so that they may continue to operate at a high level.*

A Concerning Statistic

By the time you reach 40 years of age, you have a 1 in 14 chance of experiencing some degree of aging in your eyes to the point that it adversely affects your vision. And your eyesight and the rest of your body will only continue to naturally decline from there. Unless you do something about it.

5 Star Reviews

You’ll find hundreds of five star reviews on the Claroxan website. Below are just a few:

“I used to have to wear glasses for long distance. Now I can see long distances much better. Man does it work.*”

– Jim McLawhorn from Tampa, FL

“Without a doubt it has improved my vision, which is why I keep ordering.* It is helping me out a lot. It does what it says it will do, day and night.*”

– Paul Anderson from Chicago, IL

“It is the only supplement that I’ve taken where I noticed a difference right away.* I think my eyes would be a lot worse if I wasn’t taking it.*”

– Clarence Mitzel from Aberdeen, SD

Claroxan products are proudly formulated and manufactured in the United States. Their distributor Pacific Health, Inc. has been in business since 2003 and is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. 

They are offering special introductory rates to FlyingMag.com readers along with a complimentary bottle of Pure-Aid eye drops – a moisturizing drop design to lubricate and soothe dry, irritated eyes instantly. To take advantage of their special offer for FlyingMag.com readers please visit www.claroxan.com

Claroxan Advanced is the leader in vision support for the aviation industry. This once-daily tablet helps to support and maintain normal, healthy vision and provides your eyes with nutrients that are associated with contrast sensitivity, glare recovery, depth clarity and visual acuity.* Take Claroxan Advanced and improve the health of your eyes.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The post Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Navigraph has been the flight simulation community’s trusted charts and navigation data provider for more than two decades. With a user base surpassing 1 million, Navigraph is highly regarded for its all-in-one subscription offering, providing a comprehensive suite of charts, navigation data, and flight planning utilities. In the user-friendly Charts app, subscribers can access worldwide IFR charts and VFR maps sourced from Jeppesen. 

In this article, we’ll embark on a flight from Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) to Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS) in Las Vegas, utilizing Navigraph’s simulation apps for flight planning, charts, and navigation data, observing how they seamlessly integrate to enhance the simulation experience.

Navigating the Struggle: Flight Planning

Virtual pilots, like their real-world counterparts, must meticulously plan flights, understand fuel consumption, monitor real-world weather injected into the simulator, and if flying a commercial airliner, take on roles such as dispatcher, baggage handler, operations agent, and sometimes even cabin crew duties, among others.For our KLAX-KLAS flight, we’ll utilize SimBrief, a free flight planning application by Navigraph. SimBrief will generate a real-world-based dispatch release, or operational flight plan (OFP), which can be up to 40 pages long. These OFPs can be input directly into the flight management computer (FMC) of many popular simulator aircraft for enhanced convenience.

Staying Current: Jeppesen Data

Navigraph ensures that subscribers have access to the latest Jeppesen data across all their services. They also offer navigation data update apps for popular simulators, as well as add-on aircraft and tools. Every 28 days, Navigraph updates the Jeppesen data, including waypoints, VORs, NDBs, intersections, and airports, aligning with the real AIRAC cycle. We use the Navigraph Hub desktop app to install current Jeppesen data into our Microsoft Flight Simulator. The navigation data installation is done with the click of a button.

With the current AIRAC cycle installed, we can enter the simulator. This flight is conducted in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) on a PC, however, integrated features are available for several MSFS aircraft on Xbox. Navigraph offers extended integrations, such as charts with moving maps, navigation data, and flight plan import capabilities for MSFS, X-Plane, and many add-on aircraft for Prepar3D and Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Seamless Integration: Navigraph Charts App

Utilizing the SimBrief import feature, we load our flight plan into Navigraph Charts. We’ll now be provided with a visual representation of our route. The charts include high and low IFR en route symbology familiar to Jeppesen users. Navigraph’s global charting capability allows access to airport charts, SIDs, STARs, and approaches in Jeppesen format without regional limitations.

Upon reaching the gate at LAX, we activate Navigraph’s weather overlays to assess current and upcoming weather conditions. Forecasts on turbulence help anticipate our experience at cruising altitude, essential for ensuring passenger comfort. A handy feature in Navigraph Charts for increased situational awareness is the overlay feature, allowing us to superimpose our SID out of LAX.

Navigraph provides several methods for pilots to incorporate their technology into simulation.

First, there’s the mobile app, accessible via the Apple Store or Google Play, effectively transforming your tablet or smartphone into an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Second, they offer their desktop application, Navigraph Charts, ensuring full functionality across various platforms.

Navigraph also offers a web-based cloud interface and its Charts In-Game Panel for MSFS that seamlessly integrates into the simulator as a compact window. In addition to the native apps, Charts can be displayed inside the virtual cockpit environment of many aircraft, enhancing the overall immersion and facilitating a better virtual-reality experience.

Flight Essentials: Key Features in Charts

The Navigraph Charts app boasts an array of valuable features essential for every flight. These include real-world ATIS for designated airports, METARs, NOTAMs, moving maps (ideal for real-time position tracking), and telemetry monitoring, providing crucial flight data.

We utilized Navigraph’s VFR charts during our flight, seamlessly incorporating FAA sectionals directly into the app. For example, when we wanted to pinpoint Soda Lake for our virtual passengers, it was conveniently located on the VFR sectional chart, just northeast of the Hector (HEC) VOR—really good for those PAs.

KLAS is a busy airport. We use Navigraph’s annotation feature to draw our taxi route to the gate. For increased resolution as we approach it, we use the map view and zoom-in to access the detailed airport diagrams in Charts powered by Jeppesen’s Airport Mapping Database (AMDB).

Navigraph: Your Key to Elevated Flight Simulation

Navigraph’s comprehensive suite of features revolutionizes the flight simulation experience. With comprehensive flight planning, worldwide Jeppesen charts, and matching data, Navigraph covers the needs of any IFR flight simulation adventures.

The integration of worldwide VFR maps and U.S. sectionals adds another layer of detail, allowing flight simmers to navigate with precision and share geographical landmarks effortlessly.

Whether accessed through the mobile app, desktop application, web interface, or in-game panel, Navigraph’s versatility and functionality make it an indispensable tool for enhancing the realism and accuracy of flight simulations. It’s a must-have if you want to take flight simulation to the next level.

The post Next-Level Flight Simulation with Navigraph appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Established in 2006 as a small flight school, US Aviation Academy has grown into one of the largest in the world with a fleet of about 130 aircraft and six flight locations. The academy’s growth is a product of professionalism,  safety commitment, and  training excellence. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice of flight training partners for colleges nationwide. They launched their first Part 147 airframe and powerplant aircraft mechanic program in 2021, and it is rapidly expanding with three locations: Denton, San Marcos, Texas, and Atlanta. In 2024, US Aviation Academy launched a dispatcher program and expects to add a Minneapolis aircraft technician location in the third quarter of 2024.

Flight School

Colleges across the country have chosen US Aviation Academy to provide their professional pilot training program due to their self-examining authority, financial stability, and professionalism. Self-examining allows US Aviation to issue FAA certificates and ratings without external designated pilot examiners (DPEs). This reduces delays in pilot training and keeps costs down. Those looking to earn their degree in aviation have options across the country, including Tarrant County College, Lone Star College, Southeast Missouri State University, Dutchess Community College, and a new partner that will be announced soon.

US Aviation, through its partnerships with six campuses across the U.S., found that college is the best choice for some, but not all. Students often felt they had to choose between an unstructured, low-touch vocational training or collegiate programs with in-depth, rounded academics but a much longer timeline. For those students who already have a degree or don’t wish to pursue one at this time, US Aviation continues to develop high-touch vocational flight training. This includes in-person ground schools, student affairs coordinators, and a growing alumni network. All these resources are in place to help dreams take flight.

“My dream of aviation started when I was a child. I grew up on a grass airstrip in a Third World country. I’ve always wanted to pursue flight and get into the airlines and never had the opportunity until now.”

Michael Ward (Southwest Destination 225°)

US Aviation’s students, whether in a degree program or training vocationally, go on to work for major airlines through its partnerships with United Aviate Academy, Southwest Airlines Destination 225°, Envoy Air Pipeline, SkyWest Airlines, and more. Pathways provide mentorship and clear goals for students to meet in order to succeed at becoming captains at their airline of choice.

“My ultimate goal is to end up at United [Airlines] and be flying with my Dad and be a father-daughter crew. That would just be amazing.” 

Avery Cates (United Aviate)

Aircraft Maintenance Technician School

Although the pilot shortage has received more media coverage, the shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) is just as bad if not worse. US Aviation has felt that shortage acutely, raising wages for mechanics at the flight school by over 30 percent in the past 18 months. At the beginning of that shortage, US Aviation launched its FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant (A&P) program. It grew faster than ever expected. The academy found that A&P schools had a similar gap to flight training. There are many great colleges providing two- and four-year aviation degree programs and unstructured apprenticeships but few accelerated, accessible programs. US Aviation  launched a 12-month, FAA-approved A&P mechanic program in 2021.

The 12-month FAA Part 147 aircraft technician program offered by US Aviation is a full-time commitment. Students are on campus eight hours per day, working on both academic and lab projects. Training is hands-on as much as possible. Labs include sheet metal, composite construction, piston engine teardown, jet engine install, aircraft taxi, electrical, and much more. Every campus boasts a Learjet, high-bypass jet engine, and multiple running aircraft. Becoming an A&P aircraft mechanic is a great career for students that may have considered similar occupations in automotive repair, diesel mechanics, etc. Financing is available through a variety of student loan products as well as the GI Bill. Written and practical testing costs are included in tuition so that students don’t have to come up with those funds after graduation.

“My hands-on experience working on cars has honed my mechanical aptitude, enabling me to quickly grasp and apply concepts in the A&P program…I am particularly drawn to opportunities that allow for travel, as I believe combining my skills with the excitement of working on diverse projects in different locations will provide a dynamic and fulfilling career path.”

Aidan Conklin

What was originally planned as a single location for aircraft mechanic training to support the flight school is expected to become four locations with almost 500 students by the end of 2024. Continuing to innovate, US Aviation Academy is rolling out night courses, a new campus in Minneapolis, and an even more accelerated full-time A&P program that will allow students to graduate in as little as eight months. These training options and innovative formats allow students from all backgrounds to become successful aircraft airframe and powerplant mechanics.

“I am a mom and one of the challenges I face is not being able to spend as much time with my daughter. We definitely make up for lost time on the weekends though. It’s a small sacrifice for a great outcome.”

Brittney Miller

Dispatcher School

In January, US Aviation launched their aircraft dispatcher program. Dispatchers join the airline industry in as little as five weeks. Dispatchers are the backbone of airline operations, matching aircraft, pilots, and routes to keep airplanes flying. This accessible course can be taken largely online for students worldwide. Airlines hire thousands of dispatchers at competitive pay along with flight benefits.

New Career in a Year or Less

US Aviation Academy believes in education’s ability to change lives. Anyone can become an airline captain, fix jets, or connect the nation by making flights happen. US Aviation programs provide access to a new career in a year or less as a pilot, aircraft technician, or dispatcher in an accelerated format with financing available. Boeing forecasts a need for 649,000 new pilots and 690,000 new maintenance technicians.

“This is a fantastic time to join the industry. No experience required.”

Scott Sykes, Chief Development Officer

To enroll, go to USAviationAcademy.com or call 940-297-6419.

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