Phoenix East Aviation Blog

Pilot Careers

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

There are many different career paths if you wish to become a pilot: Airline Pilot (for a regional airline, or an airline that flies domestically or an airline that flies internationally).Cargo PilotHelicopter Pilot (for police or fire departments or oil and natural gas corporations)Air Force Pilot (or Navy, Army or Marine pilot in prop planes or jets)Charter Pilot (usually no fixed routes or schedule. Can be jets or prop planes)Agricultural Pilot (working for large agricultural business -- or your own business, spraying crops)Corporate Pilot (working for a corporation, flying senior managers to meetings etc.)Government (various types of flying, based on the country and their needs)....

Do You Want to Fly BIG Jets?

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

If your goal is to fly big jets, you'll be happy to learn that airlines are buyer larger planes these days, according to a Boeing Aircraft executive. These planes are also more fuel-efficient; the combination of larger aircraft with more fuel efficiency means lower costs for the airlines. Hence, their desire for larger aircraft! One of Boeing's senior marketing marketing noted the recent orders for both Boeing and Airbus -- the two biggest aircraft manufacturers in the world. There were few orders for aircraft with 120-140 seats. Instead, the orders/sales are for aircraft larger than that. Boeing produces about 30 B-737s each month, and Airbus produces approximately 30 A-320s each month....

Pilot Training -- Start Now

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Sometimes prospective flight training students ask when the next Phoenix East Aviation pilot training class starts. That's an easy answer, because new ground school classes start every month -- that's 12 a year! There are four ways to start the flight training application process to Phoenix East Aviation: 1. Telephone: 1-386-256-0703 from 8:30am-5pm Florida, USA. 2. Internet: www.pea.com has an on-line application form. 3. Mail: Phoenix East Aviation, 561 Pearl Harbor Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. 32114. 4. Fax: 1-386-251-6842 the on-line form. To enroll in Phoenix East Aviation, all students must: 1. Complete your application form (preliminary application can be found at www.pea....

Pilots Dream about the New Boeing Dreamliner

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Airlines all over the world are buying or considering buying the new Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" aircraft. It is truly revolutionary in its range, passenger experience and fuel-efficiency. A Boeing spokesperson called the new aircraft "a game-changing airplane." Here's a few statistics that will amaze you: - Half of the plane's structure is made with composite materials, which makes it 20% more fuel efficient than other aircraft its size. -Boeing says its overall operating costs will be 10% lower than other planes in its class. -It has 20% fewer emissions. -It has a 40% greater range than aircraft in its class: It can travel 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles, nonstop....

Aircraft Powered by Biofuels

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Certainly commercial aircraft must use significant amounts of fuel, which also results in emissions of carbon dioxide into the air. But changes are in the wind, and if you are interested in pilot training, you will find this quite interesting: Continued progress is being made to make even large, jumbo jets more carbon-neutral, to make the environment we all share more clean. Announced just today, Boeing and Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) made history when a Boeing Dreamliner (B-787) jumbo jet flew -- for the first time -- powered by sustainable biofuel....

Regional Airlines in the U.S.

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Very often in the US and also other parts of the world, your first job as an airline pilot will be with a regional airline. They provide essential service, especially to smaller cities. In the U.S, for example, regional airlines provide 49% of the country's scheduled flights. Some 500 US cities -- 74% of all airline-served airports -- offer service only from regional airlines. Without a doubt, regional airlines provide essential air service. And as a new first officer, you will learn much flying for a regional airline. To give you a better idea of the scope of these airlines currently operating, there are 58 regional airlines in the US alone....

Highlight on AirBaltic Airlines

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

The history of AirBaltic began when there was only domestic air traffic within the Soviet block, and only 2.2 million passengers flew annually within the USSR. And after 1990, passenger count dropped significantly, to only 1,000 per month. It stayed at approximately that level for the next decade. But that has changed. AirBaltic has now built that number up to 25,000 passengers per month. The airline also has evolved from providing only point-to-point service to developing the city of Riga as a hub to link service both within Latvia and to the CIS and other countries in the Baltic area....

Difference Between FAA Part 61 and Part 141 Flight Schools

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

As you review information and decide on what US flight school is best for you, some terms might be confusing. One relates to a "Part 141" or a "Part 61" flight school. What is the difference and which is best for you? There are only two types of flight schools in the US One is a certiicated Part 141 school and the other a Part 61 school. Phoenix East Aviation is authorized by the US government's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer both Part 141 and Part 61 training. A Part 141 school has been granted an Air Agency Certificate by the FAA. The quality of student performance under Part 141 is measured through progressive flight exams throughiout training (called "stage checks"....

When a Small Aircraft lands Behind a Big Jet

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

An aviation quiz: When a pilot approaches an airfield for landing how far should a small aircraft be behind a heavy jet? a. three miles b. six miles c. depends on the wind. The answer of is b -- six miles. Why so far? Wake turbulence. Wake turbulence is the turbulence that forms behind an airplane as it passes through the air. The most significant components of this are twofold: jetwash and wingtip vortices. Jetwash is the rapidly moving gases that are expelled from a jet engine. They are quite turbulent, but only last a short time. The wingtip vortices, however, though more "stable," can stay in the air for as much as three minutes after that airplane has passed the area....

India Will Need More Than 1,000 New Aircraft -- and Pilots to Fly Them!

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

According to Airbus' latest market forecast and the "Journal for Civil Aviation Training," India will need 1,043 new freight and passenger aircraft in the next 18 years to meet the rapid and increasing demand in air travel. These new aircraft are valued at USD$145 billion. Of these new airplanes, nearly all are expected to be passenger aircraft -- 1,020 of them, and of those, 860 of them will be to satisfy growth in passenger travel;160 will be for replacement of aging aircraft currently in use. India's yearly growth in passenger travel is well above the US, Europe and even other Asia Pacific countries: India's passenger increase is 7.2 percent a year now....

Do You Dream of Flying to Exciting Foreign Places?

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

If you dream about piloting a jumbo jet to exciting places in the world, you might be interested in what some airline pilots think about great locations to fly. Recently, captains for British Airways were asked this question and responded about their favorite routes in the world. Comments were as follows: London City to New York "The view as you come down over Manhattan is amazing...spectacular view of the whole of New York...you can pick out the Empire State and Chrysler buildings and Central Park...." Another captain loves flying from Rio de Janeiro: "After an easterly take-off from Rio......

Phoenix East Aviation Aircraft Displayed at Sun'N'Fun Air Show

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation was pleased to help out Diamond Aircraft, the manufacturer of some of the best aircraft in the world, at a recent aviation exhibition and air show in Florida. The DA-42 twin engine model, which is one of Phoenix East Aviation's fleet of training aircraft, was in Canada being outfitted with a new Astro engine at the Diamond facility. It was due to be returned to Florida near the time of the big Sun' n Fun exhibition. Diamond Aircraft was displaying various aircraft at the Florida aviation show and asked to display the Phoenix East DA-42NG as part of their static display....

Australian Airline Teams Up with Chinese Carrier

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

If you are interested in an international career that might take you all over the world, a job as an airline pilot might be just want you're looking for. Here's a good example of how global airlines are becoming: Qantas airways of Australia has just announced it will be partnering with China Eastern Airlines, one of the largest carriers in China, to form a budget airline, which will be based in Hong Kong. This is one of the latest ventures starting up in anticipation of the expected major increase in air travel in Avia. Quantas and China Eastern (based in Shanghai) will invest nearly USD $200 million in the venture....

New Japanese Airlines

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

A number of new discount airlines offering low-cost service in Japan are starting business. A total of three new airlines expect to be on-line by this summer. Peach Aviation Ltd. is already now flying between Kansai and Nagasaki, according to Kyodo News. Peach's strategy is minimum service at low prices. Items such as blankets and free meals have been eliminated. Peach is partly owned by All Nippon Airways Co. With the plan to launch service this July, Jetstar Japan Co., owned by JAL, the Qantas Group in Australia and Mitsubishi, will be the second new start-up airline. And the third airline to start service in Japan is AirAsia Japan Co, which is expected to be on-line by August....

Emirates Airlines Buys Boeing's 1000th B777 Jumbo Jet

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Emirates Airlines is the largest B777 jumbo jet customer for Boeing Company. To commemorate this, Emirates will be accepting delivery on Boeing's milestone 1000th B777. Emirates owns 102 B777 now, with an additional 93 on order. The B777-300ER model (extended range) seats 360 passengers. Boeing reported orders for 200 orders last year for the B777 -- a record year. As a result, the company has increased production on the aircraft -- from seven planes produced each month to 8.3. The goal is to produce 100 airplanes each year, starting next year. This state-of-the-art aircraft is configured for international flight....

Lion Air -- One of the Least-known Major Airlines

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Have you ever heard of Lion Air? Probably not; it seems to be one of the least-well known major airlines in the world. Lion Air is an Indonesian airline, and it is expanding rapidly. The airline has just ordered 27 ATR aircraft to provide the airline with more flexibility for the smaller airports in its region. Indonesia is composed of many islands. ("ATR" is a joint venture of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. and Finmeccanica SpA's Alenia Aermacchi SpAunit). Lion Air also just announced that they have completed purchase agreements to buy 201 of the B737 Max jets that are still being developed by Boeing Company and also 29 of the B737-900ER aircraft....

Japan Airlines Spends USD $6 Billion to Grow Fleet

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Japan Airlines (JAL) is changing, becoming more aggressive about growth. Management has just revealed a five-year plan that includes buying USD $6 billion worth of new aircraft. The goal is to modernize the entire fleet and also reduce fuel costs with more advanced aircraft. Included in the plan is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner jumbo jet. As Japan Airlines takes older planes out of the fleet, it will replace them with the fuel efficient B787 and also the new models of the B737. The airline plans to place additional orders for 10 Dreamliners -- bringing the JAL total for this next generation jumbo jet to an astonishing 45 aircraft....

Spirit Airlines Needs Pilots

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

Spirit Airlines needs pilots! The Miramar, Florida, headquartered airline is expanding its fleet of Airbus twin-engine jets and is now recruiting more pilots. Spirit Airlines also opened a new crew base in Las Vegas, Nevada, at McCarran International Airport, where about 100 employees will be based. New hires for Las Vegas will include pilots, flight attendants and mechanics. It crried over one million passengers to and from Las Vegas in 2011. The airline is also taking delivery of seven new jets in 2012. Spirit has been flying aircraft in the Airbus 320 family, including the A319s (145 passengers), the A320 (178 passengers) and the A321 (216 passengers)....

U.S. Regional Airline Merger

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

As of January 1, 2012, Expressjet Airlines is the new name for the combined airlines SkyWest Airlines, Atlantic Southeast Airlines and Expressjet. The merger has created the world's largest regional airline with more than 400 aircraft operating nearly 2,500 flights each day in the US Contact www.pea.com and ask for more information about how you can become an airline pilot....

China Express Air Buys Jets

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST

A private regional airline in China, China Express Air, has placed an order for six Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. The order was apparently placed late last year, but not announced until this week. The order, which is the first CRJ900 purchase in China, is expected to be worth USD $264 million, according to Bombardier. And if options for five additional aircraft are converted to firm orders, the total deal would be worth nearly USD $500 million. Bombardier has also announed a memorandum of understanding with China's AVIC International Leasing Company to finance commercial airplane sales globally....

Airline Pilot Slary Range

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Airline pilot salaries depends on many things: the airline the pilot flies for -- airlines have different salary scales, the academy from which the flight training was completed, your educational background, your experience as a pilot, and also the type of aircraft you fly....generally speaking, pilots of large aircraft are paid more than pilots of smaller aircraft. And pilots on international airlines are known to earn more those working on domestic routes. The median airline pilot slary in the US is $145,000 annually, according to salary surveys. This includes both first officers and senior captains....

Boeing's New B-737MAX Aircraft

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST

Boeing's introduction of the new B-737 MAX, which is a advanced version of the B-737, has a more fuel-efficient engine. This is just one reason Boeing orders for new aircraft have risen sharply recently. According to the company, the commercial aircraft orders totalled 805 for 2011. In 2010, 530 aircraft were ordered from Boeing. Boeing also said it's B-777 wide bodied jumbo jet has led orders for two-aisle aircraft; it set a new record with 200 orders for the B-777. Boeing, along with Airbus, the European consortium, produce most of the large commercial aircraft in the world. You may find this very interesting, if your goal is to be a pilot....

How Does Air Traffic Control Operate for Pilots?

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

The air traffic control system in the US is part of the US Department of Transportation and under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration. How it works in the US is most interesting, especially if you are not yet a pilot, but want to be. You may have seen "the tower" at airports. The men and women controllers who work there control air traffic within just a few miles of the airport. This is typically called the "terminal air space." These controllers are responsible for instructing pilots during takeoff and landing and also during taxiing; they grant what is called "clearances," which are instructions to the pilot on how and when to proceed when taxiing, takeoff and landing....

More Than Two Million New Aviation Jobs Forecasted

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Earlier this year, a new aviation personnel study was developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). More than two million jobs worldwide were forecasted for pilots, maintenance personnel and air traffic controllers because of the expected growth of commercial air traffic and the retirement of qualified pilots and other professionals between now and 2030. This ICAO study compared the number of aviation professionals worldwide that will need to be trained annually with the training capacity of exisitng facilities. These figures conclude a shortfall of training capacity of 160,000 pilots....

China is the Second Largest Domestic Air Market

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

The United States is the largest domestic (within the country's borders) commercial airline market in the world. And now China has become the second largest domestic market, with more than 30 million seats available each month:This is an increase of over 7% from last year. China's domestic capacity (seats on commercial aircraft) has tripled since 2002. It now represents 9% of the total air travel in the world. In third place is Brazil, with more than 11 million domestic airline seats. This past May, there were an additional 18 million airline seats available worldwide, compared to May 2010. This growth is more than the 5% monthly capacity increase predicted....

What's the Largest Airport in the World?

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Did you ever wonder what is the largest airport in the world, in terms of scheduled flights? No, it's not London or Dubai: It is Atlanta, Georgia, US with 9 million seats each month available on flights going all over the world. What's number two? It's now Beijing, China, though Atlanta still has 15% more seats than Beijing. The next largest airport is Heathrow in London, which is followed by Tokyo Haneda. Do you dream of flying a big jet into one of these airports? Phoenix East Aviation can help make that dream come true. See www.pea.com for more information....

Update on China Aviation

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

In 2011 Chinese airlines announced aircraft orders from multiple Western aircraft manufacturers, another sign of the rapidly growing Chinese aviation industry. Some of these orders are as follows: Air China and Hong Kong Airlines plan to buy planes from Boeing worth approximately USD $10 billion. Hong Kong Airlines plans to purchase 38 Boeing aircraft, including 30 new B787 Dreamliner and six cargo aircraft. Air China was the first Chinese airline to order the B747-8 intercontinental aircraft. HNA Group, controlled by the government of Hainan Province, and which is Hong Kong Airlines and Hainan Airlines parent company, agreed to buy other jets from Dassault Falcon and Gulfstream....

To Be a Pilot: Your Airline Training

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

Your pilot training sequence is as follows: First, training and achieving your Private Pilot Certificate, then your Instrument Rating. This is followed by training and achieving your Commercial Pilot Certificate -- you will also want a Multi-Engine Rating to be able to fly aircraft with more than one engine. You may also want your flight instructor ratings: Certified Flight Instructor Airplane (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Certiifed Flight Instructor Multi-Engine (MEI). These ratings are very useful, because you can now make money teaching others to fly and also log additional flight hours at the same time....

Flight Training Students from India: The Basic Prerequisites

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you are from India and wish to become a pilot, here are some basic regulations from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). When you train at Phoenix East Aviation, you will achieve US Federal Avlation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates. Upon your return to India after training, you will be easily able to convert your FAA certificates to DGCA certificates, because at Phoenix East, you will be training in the special Indian program, which complies with the DGCA requirements. (NOTE: this is not the case in all US flight schools. Phoenix East Aviation has the required India course content and flight hours you need). BASIC PREQUISITES: 1....

Air Traffic Control - Pilots Are Interested in This History

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you want to be a pilot, you'll relay heavily on air traffic control. Therefore, the following history will be of interest to you....how air traffic control started. The US Federal Aviation Administration this years celebrates 75 years in operation: In the US, controlling aircraft started with bonfires... those fires and torches guided pilots who flew from grass runways to other grass air strips. They were delivering something very important -- the mail. Later, those bonfires and torches became beacons, which were land-based "lighthouses" that guided the next generation of pilots. Those beacons then became radar towers, which helped another generation of pilots find airports....

The System that Supports You in Flight School

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

When you are considering flight schools in the US, it is highly recommended that your academy be at a controlled airport. That means it has air traffic control managed aircraft operations. That will give you better experience if you wish to be professional pilot, working for the airlines or a corporation. The US has an air traffic control second-to-one in the world. This system of skilled personnel and equipment will help keep you safe, as well as helping you become a better pilot. Phoenix East Aviation, in Daytona Beach, Florida, is located on a controlled airport; in fact, it is located at an international airport. You will learn to become an excellent pilot here....

Qatar Airways Announces Upcoming Multi-Billion Dollar Aircraft Order

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

Qatar Airways, which is the second-largest carrier in the Middle East, has announced plans to place a multi-billion-dollar aircraft order at November's Dubai Air Show. This is especially newsworthy, as Qatar Airways already has placed orders for more than 200 new aircraft, which has been estimated to be worth USD$40 billion. The carrier also is planning to officially annouce a new route to Helsinki, Finland, to add to their flights to Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Qatar Airways now operates approximately 100 aircraft to more than 100 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and North and South America....

Become a Pilot and Fly for American Airlines

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

To help you learn more about aviation and becoming a pilot, Phoenix East Aviation provides occasional summaries of airlines. Today, the spotlight is on American Airlines. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. The airline averages more than 3,400 flights each day, every day of the year. The combined network aircraft fleet totals more than 900 airplanes. American Airlines alone employes 11,987 pilots. Their larger aircraft include MD80, B757, B767, and B777....

Pilots Today -- The Number of Women Pilots Has Increased

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

One hundred years ago, the first American woman earned her pilot's license. In the past ten years since 2000, the number of women pilots in the US has risen by nearly 19%. And the number of women who have achieved the highest certification, Airline Transport Pilot, has increased 35%, according to Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) statistics. There were an estimated 42,218 female pilot certiifcate holders in 2010. This is approximately 7% of the total approximately 627,000 pilots in the US, according to the FAA. Among those with Commercial Pilot Certificates and Airline Transport Pilot Certificates, women license holders grew from 10,218 in 2000 to nerly 14,000 in 2010....

South African Company Builds New Aircraft

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

The two major aircraft manufacturers in the world are The Boeing Company in Chicago, USA and the Airbus unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. Some other countries, most significantly Brazil and Canada also manufacturer aircraft that is sold and operated worldwide. Now South Africa is hoping to join that illustrious group, as two South African companies have developed aircraft. Paramount Group and Aerosud Holdings have introduced the Ahrlac, a small aircraft that according to the manufacturer has the capabilities of adrone, an attack helicopter and is can also be used as asurveillance aircraft....

Aviation in the Middle East -- An Update

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

Aviation in the Middle East continues to grow rapidly. If you intend to become a pilot and fly for a Middle Eastern Airline, your opportunities are excellent. Just a few example of the latest growth taking place: Dubai International Airport's number of passengers during August topped four million. This is the sixth time in the last eight months that passenger counts surpassed four million. The year to date traffic reached over 33 million in August, compared to 30 million in August of last year. Dubai International Airport expects to meet their projections for 51 million passengers for the year....

U.S. Airline Pilot Salaries

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

US Major Airline Pilot Pay Comparison Major Airline Pay Survey Annual pay (regular guarantee) & Aircraft Size Airline Total Pilots Regular monthly hours guaranteed Reserve monthly hours guaranteed 1st yr....

Summary of U.S. Pilot Salaries

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST

Airline pilots salaries vary from airline to airline, country to country. It always also depends on your experience -- are you a first-year first officer(F/O)? Or are you a ten-year captain? -- and also the aircraft you fly: Generally, the bigger the aircraft, the more the first officer and captain are paid. A recent survey by FltOps.com has detailed salaries at major US airlines. "Major" US airlines are defined for purposes of their study as carriers that operate at least 100 aircraft with capacity of 100 passengers or comparable freight. Keep in mind tht pilots work 72 hours a month at the controls of a plane....

Ladies, It's Time for You to Learn to Fly

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

For women, if you want a job that is adventureous, challenging, well-respected and simply amazing, who not work to become an airline pilot? The commercial aviation industry worldwide is open to female pilots now. The numbers are small for women commercial pilots, but increasing all the time. In the US, for example, women make up about 6% of the 53,000 members of the Air Line Pilot Association (ALPA), which represents pilots in the United States and Canada. In the U.K, approximately 200 of the 10,000 airline pilots are women. The first woman to pilot a commercial airlines was Helen Richey -- and that was nearly 80 years ago....

Beijing Wants to Be World's Busiest Airport

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

China has plans to make Beijing the world's busiest airport. Part of a huge expansion of China's airline industry, the new airport is expected to have as many as nine runways, according to the U.K. newspaper, The Guardian. The mega-project is planned for the rural district of Daxing, about 31 miles from downtown Beijing. As a comparison, Denver Colorado international airport has six runways, which is the most of any airport in the world. Development for this third Beijing airport could mean as many as 120 million passengers passing through Beijing's airports each year, estimates indicate. This would overtake London as the world's busiest aviation hub....

Air France-KLM Orders USD $12 billion

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

The airline industry continues to show its expected strong growth with the purchasing of more aircraft. Just this week Air France-KLM placed a USD $12 billion order for jet aircraft. The order includes both Boeing and Airbus planes -- 25 Boeing 787 jumbo Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A350s. The announcement is the result of months of negotiation between governments and aircraft manufacturers with Air France-KLM. Boeing delivering its first B787 Dreamliner to Japan's All Nippon airways this month. It expects to deliver the first B787 to Air France-KLM in 2016, and Airbus expects to deliver the first jumbo A350 to Air France-KLM in 2018....

More Reasons Pilot Training in the U.S. is the #1 Choice Worldwide

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

There are many reasons that smart, aspiring pilots chose flight training in the US In places like Florida, the perfect flying weather means you can complete your training faster and be ready for that job with an airline sooner. In addition to the weather factor, it is typically also about 50% less costly than training in Europe. And in other parts of the world, the training and certification that is needed to prepare you for employment as a professional pilot are simply not available in all areas and countries, for example, training for a Commercial Pilot Certificate or training for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate....

Pilot Training - the Airline Transport Pilot Rating

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is the highest certificate a pilot can achieve, worldwide. You must have a total of at least 1,500 flight hours before you can apply for this certificate. Most airline pilots have achieved their ATP certificate. Before you can start training for your ATP Program I at Phoenix East, you must have completed your Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Multi-engine and all three Instructor Ratings. At Phoenix East Aviation, you will receive some of the finest training anywhere in the world. You also will be trained under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135 to become a single-engine and multi-engine charter pilot....

Pilots to Be Hired by British Airways

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

One of the biggest airlines in the world, British Airways (BA), will be hiring 800 new pilots in the next five years, according to a recent announcement. And, very significantly, half or 400 pilots, will be first-time trainees. This is the biggest hiring campaign by BA in ten years. The airline has even posted a YouTube video to attract young applicants. Is this your dream? If so, now is the time to learn to fly. Contact Phoenix East Aviation, known worldwide, for its professional flight training programs, and learn how you can start training very soon. Go to www.pea.com for more information....

Aviation Air Show -- Truly Amazing

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you love aviation, picture this: Every year a very small airport in a tiny town in a remote part of Wisconsin, USA. becomes the busiest air space in the world. That's when the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) hosts its annual AirVenture, which draws over one-half million (that's 500,000+) spectators from 60 countries around the world. About 10,000 of these spectators fly their own planes here and pitch tents next to them to live in for the week. Tiny Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. is the location for this amazing event. And the top air-traffic controllers in the Midwest vie to come to AirVenture to direct the traffic that's constantly taking off and landing....

FAA Air Traffic Control and Pilots -- An Essential Aviation Partnership

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

As a pilot, air traffic controllers are your best friends: your partners in the sky. Aviation wouldn't be what is today without them, world-wide. In the US this year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control (ATC) division. Just a few statistics to astonish you: there are 15,000 air traffic controllers at 263 control towers, 29 Tracons, and 21 Centers to handle more than 50,000 flights a day. When you train at Phoenix East Aviation in Daytona Beach, Florida, you will be one of these 50,000 flights. That's an annual workload of handling over 18 million flights a year -- safely, of course, 24 hours a day, seven days a week....

India Expected to Buy USD $150 Billion in Passenger Aircraft

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

Boeing Aircraft has forecast that India's fast-growing commercial airlines will purchase 1,320 new passenger aircraft in the next 20 years. The cost of this is expected to be approximately USD $150 billion. These mew aircraft will be required to meet the demands of air passenger traffic in the country. Already, in fiscal 2011, domestic passenger traffic stands at 53.6 million people and 13.1 million people flying internationally. Growth is expected to exceed 8 percent annually over the long-term. Boeing predicts the biggest demand will be for single-aisle aircraft such as the B737, the most widely flown jetliner in the world. For more information on becoming a pilot, contact www.pea.com....

American Airlines Announced the Largest Aircraft Order in History

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

American Airlines recently announced the largest aircraft purchase order in history. Agreements with both Boeing and Airbus for 460 additional aircraft, beginning in 2013, will allow it to replace its current narrow body fleet. The order consists of 460 narrow body, single-aisle Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. These new, state-of-the-art commercial aircraft will allow American to reduce its operating and fuel costs significantly. American expects that this order will give them the advantage of having the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet among the US airlines. Under the agreement with Boeing, American will buy 200 B737 aircraft, and option another 100 B737's....

Airbus and Boeing Book USD $25 Billion in Orders for New Aircraft

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Paris Air Show has just closed, and during that show week Airbus and Boeing signed more than $25 Billion in orders. Airbus signed orders for 142 aircraft worth USD $15 billion, including orders for 90 A320s. Boeing booked orders that totaled more than $11 billion, including commitments for 56 of its jets. Qatar Airways alone ordered six B777s, which cost $1,7 billion. Boeing has raised their long-range forecast for commercial aircraft because of increases in passenger and cargo traffic. The company predicted that airlines would buy 33,500 planes through 2030. This is nearly a 9 percent increase from their last estimate....

Airline Pilot Salaries

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

Salaries for airline pilots vary from airline to airline; how "senior" you are also makes a big difference. Therefore an airline captain who flies international routes in a jumbo jet will typically make less in salary than a young first officer who is flying a small aircraft domestically. An example of an airline which flies internationally and provides excellent salaries for its pilots is Emirates. It is the largest Middle Eastern airline; it currently has more than 200 new planes on order and plans to recruit 500 new pilots this year alone. What salary do they pay? Emirates offers a starting monthly salary of 34,410 dirhams (USD $9,370) for captains, according to its website....

Salaries for Singapore Airlines Pilots

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

When you first begin flying for an airline as a new first officer, your salary may not be amazing. However, as you become more experienced -- and become a captain -- your salary will often become quite big. One example is Singapore Air captains flying twin-aisle Boeing 777 or Airbus A330's: They begin at S$9,870 (USD $6,870) per month. Pilots can often also earn more: a productivity allowance of as much as S$3,800 is available for pilots flying 70 hours a month. In the US, senior (experienced) captains, who fly the larger planes at major airlines, typically make more than USD $15,500 per month or $186,000 per year, according to FltOps.com....

Biggest Surge in Pilot Hiring in History

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

After a few years of low-levels of pilot hiring, the airline industry is at the beginning of what's expected to be the biggest surge in pilot hiring in history, according to Boeing Aircraft. The number of commercial pilots needed worldwide in the next 18 years is nearly 467,000. This is an average of 23,300 new pilots that must be hired each year. In North America, 97,000 pilots will be needed. And nearly 200,000 pilots are expected to be hired in the Asia-Pacific region. This is expected to be the longest AND largest pilot hiring boom in the history of commercial aviation. The demand for pilots will be so great that some analysts predict a possible shortage of pilots....

Airlines Increase Pilot Staffing

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

In the US low-cost airlines such as AirTran, SouthwestAirlines and Virgin America have increased their pilot staffing over 11% just this year. And many new pilot opportunities are also in Asia, where growing national economies spur a demand for more air travel. For example, Air China plans to buy five 747-8 intercontinental jets. And big aircraft mean more pilots are needed. A former commercial pilot who is now a university professor of Aeronautical Science gave an excellent example: if an airline wanted to start flying from Chicago to Shanghai, that one route alone could require an airline to hire 40 additional pilots....

Airports Build More Runways for More Aircraft

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST

The increased number of large aircraft expected to be in service in the next decade or two will also require more airport resources. For example, the Hong Kong Airport Authority has proposed building a third runway. If this new runway is approved, and it is expected to be approved, Hong Kong will join airports in China, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai and more places that are growing rapidly to meet demand....

Global Air Traffic Strongly Rebounds

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that global air traffic in April has rebounded by nearly 17%. It also said that a strong growth in passenger numbers was met by a 17% increase in capacity -- more aircraft and/or more flights. International freight grew more than 5% also, as did Asian airlines international passenger traffic. IATA attributed the international growth in Asia to the very strong Indian and Chinese commercial aviation markets. IATA also said India had the fastest growing domestic (within India) market, expanding by a strong 25%. China's growth was an impressive 11%....

India's Kingfisher Airlines to Get More Aircraft

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Kingfisher, India's second-largest airline, will be lasing many new aircraft to meet the growing passenger demand in India; they are seeking both large wide-body and also narrow-body jet aircraft. The economic recovery in India has resulted in an unexpectedly strong surge in demand for more commercial capacity. "Load factor," which is basically the percentage of sold passenger seats on a flight, has increased rapidly -- to unpresedented levels. Currently, Kingfisher averages a load factor of from 85-89%. As indicated on Kingfisher's website, the airline has more than 125 planes on order right now. It currently is flying 66 commercial aircraft, mostly Airbus jets and ATR turbo-props....

Korean Airlines Business Grows

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Korean Air Lines is growing strong and buying more aircraft. The largest airline in the country, Korean Air's income increased 49 percent to 282 billion won (equivalent to USD $264 million) in the first three months of this year. Sales were up nearly eight percent, and earnings from affiliates jumped more than nine-fold, an airline spokesperson said. To meet this growth, Korean Air has purchased seven new aircraft -- two Boeing jumbo jet 777-300ER and five Airbus 330-200s. The list prices on these aircraft are nearly USD $1.6 billion. Korean Air will take delivery of its first Airbus A380 super jumbo jet this month -- and expects to take delivery of five more A380s this year....

Air Travel Increases Each Year, So Does the Need for Pilots

Sun, 15 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Air travel by citizens of every country increases each year, even in times of economic uncertainty. More pilots are therefore needed. Estimates for the number of commercial pilots need is now significantly higher than before the worldwide economic recession: In 2008 Boeing Aircraft projected that at least 18,000 new pilots would be needed each year. However, the latest figures project nearly 23,000 pilots are needed each year, to keep pace with the increasing demand in air travel. According to industry publications, a potential 2,484 pilots are expected to achieve their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating this year, which is roughly 12% of today's 613,740 active pilots....

Air Travel Increases Each Year, So Does the Need for Pilots

Sun, 15 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

More Pilots Needed

Sat, 14 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you are interested in becoming a professional pilot and flying for a US airline, you will be interested in this: Dr. Gerald Dillingham is the Director of Civil Aviation Studies at the US Government Accountability Office (GAO). He said "We are hearing widespread concern about a pending pilot shortage in the not-too-distant future from almost every set of stakeholders that we talk to." He also said that the regional airlines are concerned about what they call the "domino effect." that is, when the major airlines (such as American, United and Delta) hire a large number of pilots, their principal sourced would be the regional airlines....

Need for Pilots in Africa

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

The new study published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projects the great need for an increase in pilots to be in the region of Africa. However, the pilot attrition rate in North America because of retirements is expect to have a large impact on pilot supply and employment. It is expected that 292,314 pilots will be needed in North America by 2030, while 262,329 will be needed in Europe and 229,676 in Asia/Pacific region. Phoenix East Aviation has been training pilot candidates for airlines worldwide since 1972. You could be one of them. Contact www.pea.com for for information on pilot training....

Russia's Taimyr Airlines Buys New Aircraft

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Russia's Taimyr Airlines (also called NordStar Airlines) has bought four new aircraft, the ATR 42-500. They also have three options for additional aircraft. The Krasnoyarsk-based ATR 42-500s will fly to domestic destinations with the Krasnoyarsk Region plus to Ekerinburg, Irkutsk, and Novosibirsk. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney 127M engines, the 46 seat aircraft will be specially outfitted for operations in Siberia and Russian Far North, where operations down to -45 degrees C are common. Phoenix East Aviation trains pilot candidates for airlines worldwide. Contact www.pea....

Turkish Airlines -- Europe's 3rd Largest Airline

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

A few facts about THY Turkish Airlines: Already Europe's third largest airline, THY Turkish Airlines is also among the fastest growing. Passenger volume from 2009 to 2010 grew 22%. THY is ranked the sixth most profitable airline also. Not only is the airline growing, but THY has just taken delivery of the first of 12 new jumbo jets: Boeing B777-300 ER (for Extended Range). They are also changing their training processes and creating more opportunties for pilots. Phoenix East Aviation trains pilots to be airline pilots all over the world -- Phoenix East is known as "teaching the world to fly." Contact www.pea.com to learn more about pilot training....

Recall of All Furloughed Pilots

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

US regional airline, Mesaba Airlines, has recalled all its furloughed pilots during the first quarter of this year. A division of Pinnacle Airlines, Mesaba called all 159 pilots back to work. Mesaba's fleet consists of Saab 340 aircraft. The airline also has LaGuardia, NY hub. If Mesaba Airlines has recalled all these pilots, that means they need new pilots. If you are interested in flying for an airline, you must start training now, to be ready. You will need a Private Pilot License, an Instrument Rating and a Commercial Pilot License. Contact Phoenix East Aviation at www.pea.com to learn how you can start training now....

South American Airlines News

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

South American airlines LAN and TAM a few months ago announced their intention to merge. They intend to continue operating independently, and that includes purchases of new aircraft. TAM Linhas Aereas of Brazil are further expanding their fleet. For single-aisle aircrft, TAM has committed to purchasing 32 Airbus A320s, 22 of which would include the NEO (new engine option) configuration. The engine will either be a Pratt & Whitney or a CFM International Leap-X. Delivery of these new aircraft is expected in approximately five years. In addition, TAM has also ordered two B777-300ER (ER=extended range). These wide-bodied aircraft have a value of USD $568 million....

To Be a Pilot: Multi-Engine Rating

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

So you've achieved your Private Pilot License, and you're conquered your Instrument Rating, and also achieved your Commercial Pilot License. Congratulations! Adding a multi-engine rating to your Private or Commercial or Certified Flight Instructor Certificate is another big accomplishment. Why do you want to do this? Simply, a Multi-engine Rating allows you to fly an aircraft with two or more engines. If you want to become a professional pilot, you will most likely need this. As an airline pilot, even for a regional airline, you will need this. As a charter pilot or a cargo pilot, you will also need this rating. You can achieve your Multi-Engine Rating pretty quickly....

The B-737 Aircraft Changes over Time

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

The most popular commercial passenger aircraft in the world, in terms of number of these aircraft in operation today, is the Boeing 737. The B-737 was first built in 1967. However, much has changed with this aircraft since then. In 1967, it could carry about 100 passengers 2,775km (1,725 miles) without refueling. Today, the latest model, the B737-800 can carry nearly 200 passengers -- and for approximately 5,550km. Not only can the aircraft carry more people and fly farther, it can also do so while burning 23% less fuel. On a per-seat basis, this is really 48% less fuel, given that more passengers now fly in each aircraft....

Need for More Cargo Pilots is Great

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

Do you realize how great the need for pilots is becoming? If you are considering training to be commercial pilot, don't wait...start now. If you still hesitate after reading the following statistics, you must really not be committed to being a comercial pilot. Being a cargo pilot is just one of the excellent jobs for a commercial, professional pilot... CARGO: The world need for cargo aircraft is expected is expected to grow from 1,980 aircraft in 2006 to 3,980 aircraft by 2026. Will you be one of the new pilots that will be recruited to fly one of these new cargo aircraft? If you're interested in a career as a pilot, you need to start your training now....

Chinese Airlines Expand Orders for More Aircraft

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

Boeing Aircraft Company, as well as other aircraft manufacturers, has announced a number of orders for new aircraft from China's airlines. This is another indication of the strong growth in aviation in Asia -- and the increasing need for more pilots, especially in China. Air China and Hong Kong Airlines have just ordered Boeing aircraft worth about USD $10 billion. Air China is the first Chinese airline to place an order for the new B-747 model, the B-747-8 intercontinental wide-body aircraft. They are ordering five of these jumbo jets, which can carry 467 passengers. Hong Kong Airlines and Hainan Airlines have also agreed to buy new jets from Gulfstream and Dassault Falcon....

Phoenix East Aviation Helps You Become a Pilot and Get Your College Degree at the Same Time

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you choose to attend Phoenix East Aviation to train to become a professional pilot, we will also help you achieve a US university degree at the same time, if you wish. Yes, it is possible for those who are hard workers and willing to study diligently. Phoenix East admissions officers are ready to help students meet their academic AND career goals with some of the best training programs available in the world. Phoenix East Aviation has partnerships with a number of universities, many whom offer on-line classes, so you don't even have to go to a school to attend classes....

Taiwan Government Now In Charter Business -- More Pilots Needed

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Taiwanese government-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) is now in the business jet charter business, as of January 2011. Using Astra SP aircraft, it plans to operate both domestic and international charters -- with hopes of going into Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Bangkok, Saigon, Singapore and Tokyo. The People's Republic of China is Taiwan's most important trading partner; AIDC hopes to also be able to fly charter flights to the China mainland. A privately-owned Taiwanese start-up business jet charter company, Win Air, already has put a Gulfstream G550 into service. It has been operating since last November....

Mesaba Airlines -- The Longest Flying Regional Airline in the U.S.

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

Periodically, this blog focuses on one particular airline, to provide prospective pilots with more information on the industry they wish to enter as a career. Regional airlines are an important part of the US aviation industry; they fly million of people each year, often providing service to secondary cities that the legacy airlines, such as American, United, Delta etc, cannot profitably serve. Mesaba Airlines was founded in 1944, during WWII, and is the longest flying regional airline in the United States. It is a subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corporation and also operates as a Delta Connection carrier under an agreement with Delta....

China Building a General Aviation Industry - Now Acquiring U.S. Plane Maker

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), a unit of the state-run airline has agreed to buy US private-aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Industries Inc. China Aviation plans to acquire the Cirrus line of four-seat propeller aircraft as part of the expansion of their emerging general-aviation industry. Such small aircraft are typically owned by small businesses and private individuals. China is considered one of the world's most promising markets for aviation growth. This acquisition would give the Chinese company access to Cirrus' technology, including the small jet, the Vision, now in development....

To Be a Pilot: Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you plan on a career as a professional airline pilot, you will, of course, need extensive training. After you receive your Private Pilot Certificate and your Instrument Rating, you will need a Commercial Pilot Certiifcate. You earn that certificate by passing commercial pilot ground school and flying a minimum of 250 hours. You then must pass your check-ride, which is a test by an FAA examiner who will evaluate your skill in actually flying the aircraft. The examiner will ask you to execute certain maneuvers and direct your flying throughout the check ride....

Manufacturers Building More Large Aircraft as Industry Grows

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

Airbus has raised it forecast for jet demand, and Boeing has boosted its B-777 production. What does this tell you? Even if you're not an expert in business, you should be getting the hint that the airline industry worldwide is expecting huge growth. Good time to be a pilot! Not a pilot yet? Then this is an excellent time to start your training and be ready to take advantage of worldwide growth in professional aviation. Airbus has upgraded its long-term global market forecast by a considerable amount. European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., of which Airbus is a division, said it expects demand for nearly 26,000 new passenger and cargo aircraft between now and 2029....

India Continues to Hire Foreign Pilots

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

India's airlines have grown at a pace too rapid for them to train and hire Indian pilots. Therefore, they have for years hired foreign or "expat" pilots. The civil aviation authority, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has recently granted their domestic airlines approval to continue to hire foreign pilots until at least 2013, as airlines prepare to induct 240 new planes in three years to meet the demand of increased travel among Indian citizens. Previously, the Indian government has granted only yearly extensions on hiring foreign pilots; however, they have now granted a three-year extension as the airlines become better at training and hiring within India....

Middle East Aviation Growth Update

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

There continues to be many articles in the news about the Middle East and the area's growth in commercial aviation. You will find much continuing information and updates on this blog. Be sure to see previous posts for more data. Aircraft manufacturer Dassault Falcon sees a 30% growth in the fleets of aircraft of airlines in the Middle East. The company also notes a an increase in private aviation and business jet operators in the region. This includes business users such as corporate leaders and entrepreneurs who value the efficiency of charter jets....

Pilots Needed in the U.S.

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

The big jet aircraft manufacturers, Boeing Aircraft and Airbus, agree on the numbers below, as well as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), so you can rely on them as the best available analysis at this point. How many new pilots are estimated to be needed in the US from 2009-2025? And how many new commercial aircraft? In summary, a lot of both new pilots and additional aircraft. This presents an excellent opportunity for those who wish to be professional pilots, flying commercial airlines....

A New Airline for the U.S.

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Vision Airlines, a new airline to begin commercial service in the US in March, will serve 23 cities. The airline will be flying primarily to cities in the Southeast US, which it considered an areas underserviced by major airlines. When major airlines do serve these smaller Southeastern cities, the fares are often higher and layovers between connecting flights longer. Vision Airlines will fly mostly to secondary cities, with the exception being large hubs such as Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas....

India Places Big Order for Aircraft -- the Biggest in History?

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

India's aviation industry is clearly preparing for more growth in the future. A very large order was just placed by IndiGo, one of India's low-cost carrier's, for 150 new A320neo aircraft, which has a value of nearly USD $16 Billion. India is considered an emerging, fast-growing aviation market, and IndiGo is clearly a fast-growing airline. Airbus, the manufacturer of the A320neo, has indicated that if the order holds firm, it would be the biggest order in terms of the number of aircraft in aviation history, according to the New York Times. The A320neo is the latest version of Airbus' A320. It is scheduled to be ready to begin delivery in 2016....

Flying for a Cargo Airline

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

You may dream of flying for a big passenger airline such as British Air, Lufthansa, or American Airlines, but there are advantages to working for a cargo airline too. You probably didn't realize that in the US, the highest paid pilots currently are working for the cargo company UPS. During a 35 year career with UPS, pilots will make over USD $14 million at today's salaries! That averages USD$408,000 per year (NOTE: keep in mind that a pilot's salary is modest when he or she first starts a career and then by the time he retires, it is typically considerable....

26,000 New Aircraft Needed in the Next 20 Years -- and the Pilots to Fly Them

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Airbus' Global Market Forecast has indicated that nearly 26,000 new cargo and passenger aircraft will be required in the next 20 years. This great demand is driven by a number of factors, including increased growth in air travel throughout the world and replacement of aircraft for newer, more fuel efficient and eco-friendly models. The dynamic growth in newer markets, especially among Asia's low-cost air carriers, is another strong factor. In passenger air traffic volume, domestic US leads the world with 11%, followed by domestic air traffic in China with 8% of the world's total. Intra-European travel ranks next with 7%....

Guess How Many Pilots Are Needed per Aircraft

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

When an airline buys a new aircraft to add to its fleet, how many pilots must that airline hire? You may think two pilots or even four, but if you say that, you've guessed far too low. In the US for the major or legacy airlines, such as Delta and United/Continental, each new aircraft added to the airline needs an average of 12.55 new pilots. For US national airlines such as Southwest Airlines, 10.15 new pilots are needed for every additional aircraft the airline buys. For US jet operators, such as regional airlines, which tend to fly smaller aircraft than the major or national airlines, each new aircraft brought online will require 8.17 new pilots on average....

Salaries for Pilots

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

It is common knowledge that being an airline pilot is a good career -- with good pay, benefits, flexibility and time off for family and recreation. But exactly how much do pilots really make in salary? Keeping in mind that a beginning pilot makes a modest salary, but a senior captain with 30-35 years with a major airline makes a very significant salary -- I have averaged the salaries for pilots of major US airlines. Over your entire career of 35 years, flying for a major US airline such as American Airlines or United Airlines, you will make an average of USD $249,000 to $297,000 per year....

Qatar Aviation Industry

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

Both the commercial airline industry and the private jet charter business continue on the path of strong growth in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing carriers in the Middle East, with orders currently for 80 Airbus A350s, 60 Boeing B787s and 32 Boeing B777. The airline has also ordered five of the new Airbus A380 Super Jumbos. Clearly, strong continued growth is anticipated. In addition to a growing commercial airline industry, Qatar now holds 10 percent of the Middle East's air charter business....

Changes in US Regional Airlines in 2010

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Regional airlines operate in countries worldwide, typically flying domestic or short international routes. They play an important role in commercial aviation today. For example it may not be feasible for US airline Delta to operate from one small city to another small city, but a regional airline like SkyWest may have the perfect aircraft to do so efficiently. Or in Europe it might not be economically practical for British Air to operate out of smaller UK airports to fly to smaller airports on the continent, but that might be just right for Ryanair....

Fractional Jets & Opportunities for Pilots

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

The fractional jet business is an excellent source of jobs for pilots. What are fractional jets? It's a common term for companies with customers (called "owners") who buy a share of a plane, rather than an entire plane. The price is, of course, pro-rated from the price of a full airplane. Owners then have guaranteed access (typically 50-400 hours annually or a certain number of days, depending on the share bought) to that plane with only a few hours advance notice to fly anywhere. The size of the share bought may also define the additional benefits the owner enjoys. Owners also typically have access to the full fleet of planes -- larger and smaller....

Upcoming Air Shows

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you love aviation, a big thrill -- and a great learning experience -- is to attend an air show. Whether it's a large or small show, local or international, it is bound to be entertaining and informative. Most are open to the public. Seek out any air show that may be nearby. However, if you get the opportunity to visit one of the bigger international air shows and exhibitions, you will not be disappointed. Here's a 2011 list of some of the largest and most famous: Australian International Airshow 2011 -- March 1-6, 2011 at Avalon Airport, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Shanghai Air Show 2011 -- April 13-15, 2011 in Shanghai, China....

China to Begin Building Aircraft

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

China's Commercial Aircrft Corporation just announced receipt of orders for 100 C919 passenger aircraft. General Electric Capital Aviation Services, GE's aircraft leasing company, agreed to buy as many as 10 C919s of this 166 seat aircraft. China's three biggest domestic airlines are the majority of the other customers for the new, narrow body aircraft, according to Chinese authorities. A full-sized model of this aircraft was on display at the recent Zhuhai air show in southern China this week, with the first flight expected to take place in 2014; the airplane is expected to enter commercial service in 2016....

What's Airspeed and Is There More Than One Type?

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Flying an airplane is certainly different than driving a car. One of the many differences includes the different types of airspeed. A recent article in "FAA Safety Briefing" by FAA Flight Test Engineer Jason Brys included discussion of groundspeed, true airspeed, indicated airspeed (also known as IAS) and calibrated airspeed (CAS). These will be important for you to know as you study to be a pilot. So here is a headstart on learning about airspeeds: GROUNDSPEED - pilots need to know that the speed shown in your aircraft might not be be the actual spped of the aircraft because of factors such as wind, which could alter the aircraft's true speed....

Famous Aviator: Clay Lacy

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Clay Lacy is famous in aviation annals. He has achieved much, including flying for United Airlines, flying for the US Air Force National Guard in California, starting and building a successful charter business and developing a clientele of Hollywood stars and prominent people. Lacy earned his Private Pilot Certificate at the age of 16; he says he has loved aviation since the age of 6. Lacy started flying for United Airlines at the age of 19 in 1952, and started a private charter company, Clay Lacy Aviation, in Los Angeles in 1968, while he continued flying for United Airlines....

Gulfstream Business Jets Book Record Number of Orders

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

General Dyanamics, which builds the well-known Gulfstream business jets, received more orders for their business jets in the third quarter (July-August-September) 2010 than in any comparable period since mid-2008. One-third of those orders came from Latin American and Asian corporations, charter companies and high-asset individuals. In the third quarter of this year, 23 Gufstream aircraft were delivered, up from 17 in the same period of 2009. General Dynamics indicated the aircraft delivered were 17 large planes andsix midsized ones. The new Gulfstream G250 jet, which has a mid-sized cabin, is expected to be ready for the first deliveries next year....

Ever Dream of Flying a Luxury Jet?

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

As a professional pilot there are many job opportunities. Of course you can fly for an airline or a cargo company. You can also fly for a charter company or as a military pilot. Agricultural flying and flying police/fire department/park service aircraft are other options. There is another category -- flying at the highest niche, where cutomers pay well over USD $40 million for a jet -- and then another USD $8 million to outfit the cabin for private, non-commercial use. This is the private jet business. You could be hired by very wealthy individuals or royalty or even large corporations for fly a jet like this....

How Air Travel and Aircraft Have Changed

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

What did a typical passenger aircraft look like in your grandparents' days of 1949, 1959, and then in perhaps your parents days of 1969 and 2009? 1949 1959 &#

Turkish Airlines Expands -- Now Flies to 19 New Cities

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Turkish Airlines are expanding very aggressively -- and becoming more profitable than ever as a result of this expansion. While some other airlines have cut a few routes, Turkish Airlines has increased their destinations, which now includes Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam, as part of the 19 new cities served this year alone. And the airline is talking about buying LOT and Jat, the Polish and Serbian airlines, though no final decision has been made yet. Turkish Airlines CEO says the airline will continue to grow 15% to 20% each year -- just as it has for the past seven years....

To Be a Pilot: The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

(Note: This is part of a series of blog entries designed to provide you more information on becoming a professional pilot. To read previous "To Be a Pilot" information, go to www.pea.com. Click on "What's New" and "Blog.") The Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is the highest certificate a pilot can achieve. A pilot must have a total of 1,500 flight hours before applying for this certificate. The pilot must also have completed Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine and Instructor Ratings (CFI, CFII, and MEI). At some point most airline pilots will get an ATP Certificate....

New, Longer Boeing B747 Completed and Ready to Fly

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

Maybe your parents remember when the first Boeing B747 was first introduced to the worldwide airline industry -- it was back in the 1960s. New models of the B747 followed that first model -- and now the latest model, the B747-8 series has just been introduced. This is the first time the passenger model (there are also freight models of the B747) has been stretched. The fuselage is now 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters) long, which is 18 feet 4 inches longer than the previous model, the B747-400. The new B747-81 is also has a stretched double-deck passenger section (you can sit upstairs as well as on the main floor section of the aircraft)....

Brazil-based TAM and Chile-based LAN Completing Their Merger

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST

The merger of TAM (Brazil) and LAN (Chile) is going forward; the due-diligence on their merger has been completed, and the completion of the merger is expected to take place in the 2nd quarter of 2011. Both carriers are still working on the details of the agreement. Both TAM and LAN has orders for Boeing and Airbus new aircraft: TAM has ordered 27 Airbus A350s, and LAN has 26 Boeing B787 on order. Brazil's domestic commercial airline market grew by 27% from January to August of this year, and its international business grow by 17% over the same period. TAM is estimating a 9-12% growth annually over the next 20 years....

Spotlight on Aircraft Manufacturer Embraer

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

To be part of the aviation industry, it's a good idea to learn about aircraft -- and about aircraft manufacturing companies...who they are and what they build. After all, if you become a pilot, you may be flying an aircraft made by, for example, Embraer. Set up in 1969 as the national aircraft-maker by Brazil's then-military government, Embraer was privitized in 1994. It soon established itself as the world's third largest producer of commercial jets, after Airbus and Boeing. It become the market leader in jets in the 50-120 seat range and has since expanded with its bigger E-170-190 aircraft, which have 70-122 seats....

A New Airline For Japan

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

New airlines provide another clue that the aviation industry continues to grow. And very importantly for those of you who wish to be part of it by becoming professional pilots, it opens up more opportunities for careers and career advancement. The latest new airline, just announced this week, by All Nippon Airways (A.N.A.) of Japan, will be structured as a budget airline; it will operate separately from A.N.A., though A.N.A. will hold a 39% stake in its ownership. First Eastern, a direct investment firm in China will have another one-third of the ownership, and various Japanese investors will own the rest. A.N.A....

To Be A Pilot: A Commercial Pilot Certificate

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

(NOTE: This is part of a series of blog entires designed to provide you more information on becoming a professional pilot. To read previous "To Be a Pilot" information, go to www.pea.com. Click on "What New" and "Blog.") If you want to work as a professional pilot, for an airline, a charter company, a corporation or one of the many other career opportunities for pilots, you will need to have a Commercial Pilot Certificate, if you will be carrying passengers for hire. Typically you will start out by working to achieve your Private Pilot Certificate, follow by your Instrument Rating, and then train for your Commercial Pilot Certificate....

Airline Industry Expects to Buy 30,000 New Aircraft

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Boeing has indicated the needs for personnel are even greater than indicated in the prior post on this blog site. Just this week, Boeing indicated the industry will have to hire 466,650 pilots in the next two decades to meet demand. According to Boeing's Chief Customer Officer, Roel Ganzarski, "Our challenge is adapting training to engage the future generation of epople who will fly and maintain the more than 30,000 airplanes that will be delivered by 2029." As was indicated in the previous blog entry, the biggest need is in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. In the next 20 years, it is anticipated that 180,000 pilots will be required....

Huge Pilot Shortage Ahead

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

The shortage of commercial pilots globally is expected to be significant in the next decade. According to aircraft manufacturers, 17,650 new passenger aircraft will be delivered in the next 8 years. This will require more than 200,00 new pilots -- or nearly 19,000 new pilots hired each year. Those are astonishing numbers, but they are accurate. The opportunity for young career pilots is excellent! Currently global pilot training programs can train only about 15,000 per year, which would leave a shortfall of over 3,000 new pilots annually....

Latin American Airlines Announce Merger

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

LAN Airlines of Chile and TAM Airlines of Brazil have just announced plans to merge. Both of these airlines have substantial operations in their home countries, and a merger would creat Latin America's largest airline. It is expected that after the merger, both airlines will continue their separate identities, with TAM's headquarters remaining in Sao Paulo and LAN's in Santiago. Passenger service to 23 countries and over 115 cities would be provided by the merger of LAN and TAM....

Trends Indicate Africa to Need 770 Aircraft

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Africa is expected to need 770 more commercial aircraft in the next 19 years, according to a report published in Aviation Week magazine. This is to add to the current fleet of approximately 635 airplanes. The "Outlook on Africa" report, developed by Embraer Aircraft, was the source for the article, which indicates a need for 120 new jets in the 61-120 seat jet size for the continent's airlines, for sub-regional connectivity. Last year 62 million passengers flew from 345 airports on Africa's 98 airlines....

A Tribute to Pilots Everywhere

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

(NOTE: The poem, High Flight, has become a favorite of pilots worldwide. It was written by a pilot officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Gillespie Magee, during World War II.) High Flight "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds -- and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air....

To Be a Pilot: An Instrument Rating

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

(NOTE: This part of a series of blog entries designed to provide you more inforamtion on becoming a pilot. To read previous "To Be a Pilot" entries, go to www.pea.com. Click on "What's New.") After you receive your Private Pilot Certificate (see previous blog entry on this), you will next concentrate on achieving your Instrument Rating. This is an important step in your professional pilot training....

Russian Airlines and International Service

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

A total of 104 different airline companies offer scheduled commercial flights in and out of Russia today. The largest is Aeroflot, with almost 550 weekly departures. By frequency of international departures, the next five largest airlines are Transaero with 190 weekly departures, the German carrier Lufthansa with 112 departures, next is S7 with 104 weekly departures, followed by Rossiya with 99 and Ural Airlines with 85 weekly international departures. Other airlines with a large number of operations into and out of Russia are the Ukrainian airline Aerosvit with 84 and the Armenian airline Armavia with 59 weekly international departures....

A Favorite of Bush Pilots and Flying in Remote Locations -- the Twin Otter

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you're just learning about aviation -- or dreaming about being a pilot -- you might not yet know much about different aircraft. There's many interesting, sometimes fascinating, aircraft -- propeller and jet -- to learn about. One of them is called the Twin Otter -- known as the "workhorse of the sky," according to one pilot. It is a favorite of bush pilots and companies flying into remote locations. The Twin Otter turboprop plane is now being built again; it was last in production in 1988....

To Be a Pilot: A Private Pilot Certificate

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

(NOTE: This is part of a series of blog entries designed to provide you more information on becoming a pilot. To read previous "To Be a Pilot" blog entries, go to www.pea.com. Click on "What's New.") Each country has their own aviation authority which sets the requirements for pilot certificates, so US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requirements will be discussed here. Differing pilot requirements for different countries is not a problem for international flight training students, however, as they can readily convert their FAA flight certificates to that of their home country....

Asia Airlines Invest in More New Aircraft

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

The airline industry, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, is seeing significant growth. Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, is seen as an indicator for the airline sector in Asia, and its revenues increased 34% in the past year as people traveled by air more and cargo volumes increased. Cathay Pacific carried approximately 13 million passengers in the first six months of this year, which was nearly nine percent more than during the same period in 2009. The latest figures by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show growth of nearly 16 percent in the Asia-Pacific region overall, including all airlines....

U.S. Military Veterans -- Grants for Flight Training from Phoenix East Aviation

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) announces two institutional grants available for US military veterans for professional flight training. Career flight training is a covered benefit under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Chapter 30; the Phoenix East Aviation grants, called the Patriot Institutional Grant Alpha and the Patriot Institutional Grant Bravo, are designed to assist the veteran financially and express appreciation to veterans who wish careers as professional pilots and choose to train at Phoenix East. The new Patriot Grant Bravo, effective August 1, 2010, can reduce training costs by up to $3,000 overall....

Cargo Companies -- Good Jobs for Pilots

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

When many student pilots dream about a professional piloting, they think of a job flying passengers for an international airline. That's certainly an excellent job. However, another superb career opportunity is being a pilot for a worldwide cargo company, such as UPS or Federal Express (FedEx). Consider this, they fly some of the most sophisticated jets in the world; they fly internationally; the pay is excellent, and because of the nature of the industry, any economic downturns affect the cargo industry less than the passenger airline industry....

To Be a Pilot: General Education

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

To become a pilot, is a high school education sufficient? Do you need a university education to become an airline pilot? Before answering that question, please note that this disucssion will be limited to civilian pilots, not military pilots. A high school education is sufficient in the US to get your pilot certificates; however, airlines -- and charter companies, corporations etc. do vary in their individual hiring requirements -- that includes minimum education, as well as minimum flight hours logged for hiring as a first officer....

To Be a Pilot: Medical Certificate Required

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

This is the first in a series of articles on what it takes and what it's like to be a professional pilot. We will start at the beginning -- and that's the requirement for a medical certificate. Why? Simply because it's important that you not have any disability that would prevent you from effectively and safely flying an airplane -- for yourself, your passengers and people on the ground. An aviation medical exam will also alert you to any condition you may have -- and be unaware of -- that could prevent you from being a licensed pilot. It is of course prudent to know this before you start investing money for flying lessons....

Harrison Ford Talks to U.S. Congress about Aviation

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you love aviation, then you have something in common with actor Harrison Ford. A avid pilot, Ford owns several personal airplanes and is an avid supporter of aviation. In his recent speech to members of the US Congress, he emphasized that in the US, general aviation produces 1.3 million jobs and contributes USD $150 billion annually to the economy. He reminded his listeners that other services such as medical flights, police work and fireflghting are also important aviation services. Ford said general aviation pilots also fly 118,000 hours of volunteer work on free medical missions, Civil Air Patrol and other public service flights each year....

North American Airlines Scores in Customer Satisfaction Survey

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

A recent research study ranked Alaska Airlines highest in customer satisfaction for US airlines for the third consecutive year. The survey was based on interviews with over 12,000 passengers. JetBlue scored the highest among the so-called discount airlines. It has been the top-rated discount airlines every year since 2006. Research firm J.D. Powers' customer satisfaction survey ranked US airlines as follows: Network/Legacy Carriers: 1.) Alaska 2.)Continental 3.)American 4.)Delta 5.)Air Canada 6.)United 7.)US Airways. Discount Carriers: 1.)JetBlue 2.)Southwest 3.)WestJet 4.)AirTran 5.)Frontier....

Emirates Buying 32 New Superjumbo Jets

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Emirates is in a growth mode that may be changing the face of long-distance travel and European and Asian carriers who are now competing with it. The airline is building a fleet of 90 Airbus A380 superjumbos with a total of 45,000 seats. This is expected to threaten the supremacy of European carriers that specialize in long-distance flights, such as British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. The latest order placed, for 32 A380s, is worth USD $11 billion. When they are delivered, it will give Emirates 70 more superjumbos than any other airline in the world. Emirates ranked only 24th among international airlines in 2000....

Aviation Industry Continues to Grow -- Boeing Increases Production of Aircraft

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Boeing Cohas has again announced it plans to increase its production of the best-selling B-737 passenger jet. They're new goal is to produce 35 B-737 each month; the company currently produces 31 monthly. This is the second increase announced in the past 30 days. It is just another indication that the aviation industry has weathered the world-wide recession and is once again growing. Boeing officials say they are working to meet the new orders coming in , as well as to produce aircraft to fulfill the 2,000 orders they already have. If you are interested in becoming a commercial pilot, this is good news....

More Pilots Needed

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

In the US today, there are about 54,000 pilots working for the major or legacy airlines and another 19,000 working as regional airline pilots, according to a former pilot recruiter for American Airlines. It is estimated that due to retirements and anticipated growth in the airline industry, another 42,000 pilots will need to be hired during the next 10 years. Do you dream of flying? Is it your passion? If you're ready to learn more about what it takes to be the captain of a commercial airline, contact www.pea.com....

Flight Dispatcher and Pilot Salaries

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

There has been much interest in salaries of US pilots and flight dispatchers. Please use this information as a guideline, as it varies, and some salaries may range above or even below that shown below. All salaries are shown in US dollars. Flight Dispatcher (often called the "Captain on the Ground"): $25,000 - $100,000....

A Woman's Place Can Be in the Cockpit

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

Just over 6% of all pilots are female, according to Women in Aviation, a professional group for women employed in the aviation industry. Women have moved out of the era of "firsts" -- the first female captain of a major US airline (Emily Warner in 1976), or first woman to fly in a helicopter around the world (Jennifer Murray in 1997) to be captains of commercial aircraft flying for airlines worldwide....

Delta Airlines Hiring Pilots

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

Delta Airlines, the world's largest airline, will be hiring many new pilots this year. It is also planning on bringing back on-line aircraft that was taken out of service and parked in the California desert the last few years due to recession cuts in capacity. Delta plans to hire 300 new pilots -- even more than the 240 pilots it had previously announced it would hire. The company also plans to invest about USD $1 billion the next few years to improve the efficiency of its fleet of aircraft. Delta provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the US and also around the world....

Dubai Airline Places Big Aircraft Order

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, just announded that it had placed an order for another 32 A380 superjumbo jets from Airbus. This order has a list price of nearly USD $12 Billion. And added to the other aircraft Emirates also has on order with Airbus, brings the total to 90 A380s. Airbus has indicated that this is the single largest A380 order ever recorded. Emirates already has 10 of the planes in service. John Leahy, Airbus's Chief Operating Officer, said the company now had fir orders for 234 A-380 aircraft from 17 different airlines worldwide. If your dream is to fly for an airline in the Middle East, contact Phoenix East Aviation at www.pea.com now....

Aviation in the Middle East Skyrockets

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3 will soon be the largest building in the world by floor space when it opens in 2012. That one terminal alone will be able to accommodate 23 of the jumbo Airbus A380 aircraft at the same time and handle 43 million passengers a year. Dubai airport became the world's third-busiest international airport this year. Passenger growth now exceeds 20% each year, and capacity is expected to reach 90 million passengers annually in the next few years, which will then overtake Heathrow Airport in London . If that's not amazing enough, just up the roal in Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum Airport is being built....

Global Airline Industry Growth -- Are You Ready to Fly?

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the airline industry worldwide will increase their profits to over nearly USD $3 billion, which is a significant increase. This powerful growth is the result of increase in demand. Most of that improvement comes from the Asia-Pacific and North American regions. IATA's Director General, Giovanni Bisignani, said that the global economy is recovering much more quickly than anticipated. Mr. Bisignani spoke at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Berlin, Germany recently. Industry revenue (sales) is expected to rise to $545 billion this year, up from USD $480+ last year....

New Airline to Be Based in Lebanon

Sat, 22 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

A Lebanese businessman has announced he will launch a new full-service airline from Lebanon in the next 18 months. Mr. Georges Mousa, currently living in Dubai, said the name of the airline is yet to be decided. Mousa, who also owns Dubai-based Planet Group said "the plan for the airline is ready. However, we have to wait for the Lebanese government to open up the skies for competition." Planet Group provides travel services in the Middle East. The company is also investing a considerable sum of money in hotels in the UAE. The Lebanese government plans to open its skies to competitive airlines in 2012....

Airline Pilots Needed

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

Experts on pilot hiring just told the US National Transportation Safety Board that there was a coming shortabe of pilots, especially for American regional airlines. Regional airlines account for about 50% of US domestic flights andare the only scheduled air service to over 400 cities and towns in the US In the US alone, there are approximately 54,000 pilots currently working for major (legacy) airlines such as Delta, American and United, plus about 19,000 regional airline pilots. It is estimated that airlines will need to hire about 42,000 pilots over the next ten years....

Flydubai Tripling its Fleet of Aircraft

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Dubai government-owned airline, Flydubai, is expected to triple its size in the next two years, according to its chief executive officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith: "We aim to double our size by 2010 and triple it by 2012." The airline will add six new aircraft this year; its fleet will then contain 13 aircraft. Flydubai will take delivery of six new Boeing 737-800 aircraft this year, plus add eight additional planes each year through 2016. Flydubai ordered a total of 50 aircraft in 2008, spending US$4 billion. Flydubai currently flies to 12 destinations. The airline started service just two years ago in 2008....

New "Dreamliner" 787 Aircraft Soon to be Delivered

Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

Boeing reports that it's on schedule to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner this year. The first one will go to Japan's All Nippon Airways. This state-of-the-art aircraft will compete with Airbus' A380 -- both superb aircraft. Production was delayed a number of times, mainly because of shortage of parts and a change in design. US airlines United and Continental, soon to merge, both have orders for Boeing planes, including 35 single aisle 737s and 50 of the new 787 Dreamliners....

The Biggest Airline in the World

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

Maybe you've heard about the merger of United Airlines (UAL) and Continental Airlines. Did you know that when the merger is complete, that it will form the world's largest airline? It will have the capability of flying nearly 150 million passengers a year. The chief executives of the two airlines agree that combining the carriers should result in a savings of US $1 billion a year plus generate signficant additional revenue. The airlines' networks (where they fly) in both the US and internationally complement each other with little overlap, which will further enhance the efficiency of the poster-merger airline....

More Praise for Phoenix East Aviation Training

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East often hears from some its graduates, with updates on what they are doing. Here's one from Surya Oka Setyawan, who was a student at PEA in 2008: Dear Phoenix East Aviation, I'm Surya Oka Setyawan. I took a PRO course last year, and now I'm back in my country to work for AirAsia, flying a Boeing 737-300. I was a bit surprised to know that the high standards you guys set prepared me so well for real life flying. It made my 737-300 type rating easier -- easier than your instrument course :)....

Indonesia's Aviation Market Growing Fast

Sun, 16 May 2010 12:00:00 EST

Indonesia's good economy, which mostly escaped the global financial crisis, has set the stage for strong growth in its aviation industry. Indonesian passenger traffic rose 16% in 2009, and demand is expected to continue to grow faster than in many other countries in Asia. Indonesian airline companies have ordered 215 new aircraft, to be delivered over the next few years. Garuda Indonesia, which is the country's flagship airline, is working on a public stock offering later this year. They are also planning to start service to Europe in June. Garuda is boasting three years of profitability in a row, despite the economic downturn worldwide....

What Can You Learn from These Blog Articles

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

We know you're interested in aviation and most likely interested in learning to fly as a career. That's why this blog exists -- to help you learn more about this. So keep checking out what's new in aviation by going to www.pea.com and clicking on "What's New" on the horizontal navigation bar. Then click on Blog to find literally hundreds of short articles about professional piloting and learning to fly. You will see many new articles each month....

Opportunities for Pilots

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you're wondering what opportunites might be out there for you as an airline pilot, here's an excellent example. American Airlines pilot union (Allied Pilots Association) actually summarized the current situation by saying that today there are nearly twice as many active pilots over age 60 as there are below age 40. The average AA pilot age is nearly 51 years old, with the average captain being 53 years of age. The average first officer is 48 years of age....

Meet A Real Aviation Star

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you dream of being a pilot, you'll thrill to hear the story of one pilot extraordinaire -- Clay Lacy. Just recently inducted in the US National Aviation Hall of Fame, Lacy began flying at age 12 -- no, that's not an error -- he was flying at age 12. By the time he was 19, he had logged 1,500 flight hours. He flew F-86s in the US Air Force and then joined United Airlines as a First Officer in a DC-3 aircraft. He retired as senior pilot after 40 years with United, having flown DC prop planes,plus the B-727, DC-8, DC-10 and B-747 aircraft. He may have retired from United Airlines after 40 years, but not from aviation....

Phoenix East Aviation Will Get New Cessna Aircraft

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

Cessna Aircraft has a new airplane, the C-162 Skycatcher. It's been in development for years, and it is just now starting to be delivered. Phoenix East Aviation recognizes excellence in aircraft, and therefore ordered 10 of these new airplanes as soon as they could place the order. Delivery will be soon, though Cessna has set no specific date as of yet. It will join Phoenix East's fleet of Cessna 172 SP Skyhawks, Piper PA-34 Senecas, and Diamond DA-442 Twinstar. The C-162 is Cessna's answer for a replacement of the Cessna 150 series, which has been out of production since 1977. To learn more about flight training, go to www.pea.com....

Spain's Iberia and British Airways to Merge

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

The pending merger between Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana and Britsh Airways (BA) will create Europe's third-largest airline by revenue. The two airlines have been in merger talks for nearly two years. For Iberia and BA, this merger will mean competing more with Deutsche- Lufthansa and Air France-KLM. The new company plans to have its headquarters in Madrid, but with its operational offices in London. How big is Iberia? They have 20,671 employees and 174 airplanes. They fly to 106 destinations around the world....

Flying for British Airways

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

One of the largest and most respected international airlines is British Airways. Bet you have no idea of just how large they really are. Here are some statistics: Fleet: 245 airplanes Passengers annually: 33 million Operating bases: Healthrow and Gatwick Airports, London Revenue: USD $9.36 Billion Employees: 36,758 Destinations flown to: 148 Can you see yourself as a pilot for British Airways? Want to learn more about becoming a pilot? Phoenix East Aviation has been training pilot candidates for airlines worldwide since 1972. Go to www.pea.com for more information....

Exciting New Technology in Aircraft Design

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you want to be a pilot and fly for an airline, you will definitely get excited about some of the new technology in aircraft -- because it all makes flying even more fascinating. Most of the improvements evolve around fuel economy, lower carbon emissions and changes in the way pilots navigate. SATELLITE-BASED NAVIGATION: Airlines are just starting to change from a radar-based system to satellite-based, and it's an significant change. To give you an example, on a recent trial flight, Southwest Airlines used satellite navigation and continuous descent approaches; this reduced fuel consumption by an impressive 6%....

Pilot Training -- What's It Like?

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

You may be very enthusiastic about learning to fly -- but are not sure just what it involves. Here's a brief summary on what to expect when you start your training. Your first pilot certificate is typically the Private Pilot Certificate: All pilot training includes both theoretical learning (typically called "ground school;" which is classroom instruction) and the practical training in the aircraft, flying with an instructor....

US Airlines See More Recovery

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Both American Airlines and United Airlines reported growth in passengers in January as compared to January 2009. Now seven of the top nine US airlines are showing growth in passenger miles flown. Even when compared to 2008, four major US airlines showed growth: AirTran was up nearly 12%, Alaska Airlines was up over 4%, and jetBlue and Southwest grow in passenger miles flown by approximately 1%. As the worldwide economy continues its recovery, this growth in airline traffic is excellent news for those who wish a career flying for a US airline. Continued recovery means more hiring in the near future....

Hiring of Pilots to Grow in 2010 in the U.S.

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Aviation companies in the US are gearing up to hire staff, including pilots, in 2010, according to a recent survey by JSfirm, an aviation employment company. The survey indicated that 80% of the aviation companies expected to hire in 2010. The greatest demand for new employees will be in flight crews -- pilots and flight attendants -- and in production. Are you ready to be hired as a professional pilot? If not, contact www.pea.com and learn how you can become an airline pilot....

Airlines in the Growing African Market

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Africa has recently posted a significant increase in the listings of destinations served by both local carriers and foreign airlines. In the past two years, nonstop air traffic between African cities and major overseas markets grow nearly 12%. Delta Airlines, the first US international airline to serve Africa, launched new flights to Senegal and South Africa in 2006 and now wants to add four new destinations in Africa this summer. United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Brussels Airlines all recently announced new service to Accra, Ghana....

Want to Own an Airline? Here's One Man's Story

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

So you want to learn to fly -- and then have your own airline? It's possible, even today. Here's one man's success story: As a teenager, Robert Deluce of Toronto, Canada, learned to fly at a small airport in the suburbs. He now owns Porter Airlines. In 2005 Mr. Deluce bought a ramshackle terminal building at a small airport near downtown Toronto. He set up Porter Airlines, which has become very popular with business flyers because of its top-notch service and convenient location. Mr. Deluce has just opened the first phase of a 150,000 square foot terminal that eventually will house two passenger lounges and 10 aircraft gates....

100th Anniversary of Women in Flight

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

The first time a woman piloted an airplane was 100 years ago this month. Raymonde De Laroche, a French female balloonist, learned to fly a fixed-wing aircraft and in 1910 was the first woman to ever be awarded a pilot certificate. There are many associations worldwide for women aviators, such as The Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation International, the International Society of Woman Airline Pilots and other groups. Recently, Women in Aviation International concluded its annual meeting. It was held in Orlando, Florida, USA and nearly 3,000 people attended, with visitors from 20 different countries. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Director Randy Babbitt spoke....

U.S. Airlines Pilot Hiring

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Some airlines are hiring now, and some are not. That is certainly not unusual for any industry, whether it be computer or clothing or even softdrink companies; During these challenging economic times, industries worldwide vary in their economic health -- and their hiring practices. The good news is NOW is the time to learn to fly, achieve your flight certificates and build those hours so you are ready as airlines all begin to hire pilots. American Eagle Airlines has passed down some good hiring information -- useful to anyone who wishes to be a professional airline pilot....

A U.S. College Degree Plus Pilot Training -- a Real Advantage

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Are you interested in becoming a professional pilot, but you are not sure if perhaps you should attend college or university before -- or after -- flight training -- or not at all? How about doing both at the same time? If you are committed to an education and flight training, Phoenix East Aviation makes it easy for you to do both at the same time -- and on your schedule. A special arrangement with Mountain State University and Phoenix East allows you to take your university classes on-line while you are learning to fly and getting your flight certificates.....and the special advantage to Phoenix East Aviation students is a 20% discount off your college fees....

Air Traffic Increases in Asia-Pacific Region

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Passenger and air-freight traffic in the Asia-Pacific region showed significant increases in December 2009, as compared to December 2008; this is further evidence that the global economic recovery has begun in earnest. Airlines are now expected to continue growing worldwide. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, which includes 17 airlines in the Asia-Pacific region (but excludes most in the People's Republic of China) said that passenger travel last December was 8.5% higher than the prior year. Air cargo, a main source of business for many Association of Asia Pacific Airline members, rebounded sharply in December....

Asian Demand for More Aircraft

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing Company are looking to Asia for increased business. Stimulated by a growing middle class who are eager to travel, Asia is expected to need about 8,000 new planes in the next 18 years, according to Airbus executives at the recent Singapore Air Show. This will cost Asian airlines about USD $1.2 trillion over the period. Passenger traffic in Asia is expected to grow by 6% each year for the next 20 years. This is stronger growth than both the US and Europe. The CEO of Airbus, Mr....

Do Phoenix East Graduates Really Fly for Many Airlines?

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Occasionally the question arises about airlines for which Phoenix East Aviation graduates fly. We sometimes hear from students when they get that first airline job and sometimes even if they change airlines; however, as you might imagine, not all students contact us and let us know. Even considering that, our list of airlines for which PEA grads fly is quite long and is both US and international in scope....

A Superior Pilot Uses Superior Judgment

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Another quote by experienced pilot Barry Valentine about what makes an excellent pilot: Mr. Valentine served as acting FAA Administrator during President Bill Clinton's administration. Mr. Valentine earned the US Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary flying. He was also on the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Board of Directors for 10 years. He says "There is an old saying that a superior pilot is one who uses his superior judgment so as not to have to use his superior skill."..What makes a 'pilot's pilot'? Attitude and judgment. Recognizing that a pilot's license is simply a license to learn..............

What Makes a Great Pilot? One Flight Instructor's Thoughts

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you are reading this, you're most likely a beginning pilot or someone eager to begin pilot training. Here's something to think about regarding becoming a good pilot; this is from an article by Jane G. Birch. She quotes a master flight instructor: "Thinking about what makes an expert pilot, I believe the first trait is one's ability to maintain beginner's mind. Beginner's mind is having an open mind to life experiences and the ability to recognize and use these experiences in the future. You may know someone who seems to know all there is to know about aviation....

Major International Expansion Plans for U.S. Airlines

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Delta Airlines just announced plans for several new international routes from New York to Bucharest, Lagos, Prague, Valencia, Gothenburg and Zurich. Also the airline is adding new flights to Paris from Pittsburgh and Raleigh/Durham in the US US Airways is also growing its international route system with new flights from Philadelphia to Oslo and Tel Avis and from Charlotte to Paris. United Airlines will add flights connecting Geneva with Washington, D.C. and London to Denver. Continental has increased its schedule with news daily service from its hub at Newark to Shanghai....

The Cost of a Commercial Aircraft -- any Idea?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

If you are reading this, you probably have a passion to learn to fly -- or maybe you have already started earning your flight certificates. But did you ever stop to think about what those magnificent aircraft cost that you yearn to fly? Here's some of the latest catalog costs from Airbus; Airbus, by the way, is the European aircraft manufacturer, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. or EADS: The price of an A380 is now at US $346.3 million, up from US $327 million last year. The price of the future A350-800 is increasing to US $225.2. The very popular A320, which is flown by many low-cost and regional airlines, is now US $4....

Cropdusting: Great Job for a Pilot

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

The US's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that the number of hours flown by crop dusters climbed 29 percent between 2003 and 2007 to more than 1.4 million hours a year. Because of the value of crops now, the farmer wants to protect that investment more through crop dusting to prevent disease. Crop dusters apply chemicals as a preventative measure. And the increasing use of minimal till practices, which reduce plowing to prevent erosion and protect soil quality, often requires more chemcial spraying. Sometimes on larger farms, crop dusters are the only option because ground equipment would smash crops....

What's It Like to Fly?

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Maybe you've never flown in a training airplane before, and you have no knowledge about flying. What are some of the things you'll hear and learn about on your first flight? Before you even start moving, you'll note that pilots have an extensive check list they use to make sure every dial, button, control, light etc. is working. You may then be surprised to learn that as your plane reaches a certain speed on the runway for takeoff, and with a lttle pressure on the elevator, it will "automatically" lift off the ground. And as you fly, you'll learn how air flow impedes or helps you when making turns in the air....

United Airlines Plans to Buy Billions of Dollars in Aircraft

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

United Airlines last month announced it would spend more than US$10 billion for new aircraft over the next decade. The airline plans to split its orders of 50 jets between the Boeing's 787 and Airbus' A350. Both models of aircraft have two aisles and would typically be used on international flights. The 787-8 seats 210 to 250 passengers. The A350 is designed for 314 people. Both aircraft can fly mroe than 9,000 miles, which is enough to fly nonstop from United's hub in Chicago in the US to Shanghai, China. Boeing made its first test flight of the 787 last month in Everett, Washington....

Technology and Computers in Today's Aircraft

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Orville and Wilbur Wright had only three instruments in their first airplane: a stopwatch, an anemometer for measuring wind speed and a tachometer. Now aircraft design engineers have managed to just about cover every inch of cockpit space with instruments, buttons and switches. Though we tend to think that cockpit displays are just like fancy television screens, they are much more complex. They are typically liquid crystal displays (LCD), backed by the control/display computer takes all of the sensor, condition and flight information and converts it digitally...and that's just the start....

European Airlines Grow

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Europe's low-cost carriers, called "LCC" in the industry, have once again continued to grow even during the recent world-wide recession. EasyJet and Ryanair are notable examples of airlines that are becoming larger. The growth of airberlin is helped by its takeover of much of TUIfly's city network. Vueling doubled its size, due mainly to its recent merger with clickair. Other carriers reporting significant year-over-year growth include Aegean, germanwings and Wizz Air. In Denmark, carriers such as Cimber Sterline, Norwegian and transavia....

How To Obtain a Private Pilot License

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Whether you want to fly as a career or just learn to fly as a hobby, the first certificate or license you will most likely earn is a Private Pilot Certificate. It requires a minimum of 20 hours of ground training and at least 35 hours of flight training -- though most people find they need more flight training time than that minimum number of hours. The average would be closer to 50 hours, though it varies considerably by individual....

Middle East Continues Airline Industry Growth

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA region) experienced strong growth in the airline industry in 2009, according to recent remarks by the director general of the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). Mr. Giovanni Bisignani said the MENA region saw an increase in passenger demand of over eight percent just in the first eight months of 2009. Agreeing with the IATA's Mr....

Phoenix East Aviation Now a Cessna Pilot Center

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) announces becoming a Cessna Pilot Center. The academy, which has been training pilot candidates for airlines worldwide since 1972, flies Cessna C-172 aircraft for its single-engine training. In addition, PEA has ten of the new Cessna model C-162 aircraft on order, due to be delivered in 2010. A flight school which has been designated as a Cessna Pilot Center is a specially selected aviation academy that represents top-quality, professional flight training....

India's Airlines Posting Impressive Growth

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

During the period June to October 2009, India's domestic air travel returned to impressive growth. In October, air traffic was up nearly 10% compared to the same month in 2007. According to Indian government statistical data, Kingfisher Airlines continued to be the leading airline with nearly 21% of the market, but Jet Airways, with nearly 20% and JetLite with approximately 8% were all considerably larger than previously. NACIL, which includes both Air India and Indian Airlines) had approximately 19% of the market. Both IndiGo with 14% and Spicejet with 12% of the market maintained their market shares. The biggest gainer, though, so far this year, has been GoAir....

Airbus and Boeing Look to the Mideast

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

Middle East airlines are expected to continue to lead the global aviation industry for growth -- that was the word at the recent Dubai Airshow. According to the CEO of Airbus, Tom Enders, "The Middle East is still the hub of aviation gorwth." Randy Tinseth, commercial marketing vice president for Boeing Co., said "we see tremendous growth for the Middle East." Boeing anticipates Mideast passenger-type jet aircraft demand to total over 1,700 new aircraft -- valued at approximately USD $300 billion over the next 20 years. Airbus estimates that the Middle East will need over 1,400 new aircraft worth USD $243 over the same period....

Airlines Improving More Each Month

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

The economic recession has affected airline travel, of course, as it has virtually every industry. But now the airline industry worldwide appears to be headed toward a recovery as fuller planes, lower fuel prices and additional revenue are starting to pay off. Fuel prices are almost 50% lower than their mid-2008 peak. People travelling on business, which is the most profitable customer mix for airlines, appears poised to to be ready to bounce back, according to several surveys of US corporate travel managers....

PEA Approved for F-1 Visa for Pilot Training Students

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

Great news for international students who wish to train at Phoenix East Aviation! Phoenix East has just been approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for F-1 Visa form authorization. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows a foreign student to enter the US as a full time student at an approved, academic institution. This visa requires the student to be enrolled in a full-time program that culminates in a professional certificate -- such as FAA certifications -- or college degree....

University Degree along with your FAA Certificates

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation offers you an exceptional opportunity to get both your FAA certificates and ratings AND a college degree. One of the schools that Phoenix East has a special advanced learning partnership with is Mountain State University. Mountain State University offers PEA students credit for FAA certificates and ratings toward an associate or a bachelor's degree in aviation, at no extra charge. Mountain State offers PEA students convenient study on-line and at the Mountain State Orlando campus. You can attend class as little as just one evening a week -- and do so in the classroom in Orlando or online....

The Health of the Airline Industry and Load Factors

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

First of all, you may ask "What's a load factor?" The airlines will tell you it's the percentage of available seating capacity that is filled with passengers, or to put it more simply, for all the scheduled flights, the percentage of seats that are sold on a particular airline. This is important to the health of that airline -- and the industry as a whole. If load factors are high or simply increasing, this tells you that more people are flying, which means the airlines are making more money. Plus, the airlines could also soon need additional pilots and aircraft to meet this increased demand....

A Former PEA Flight Instructor, Now Flying with Delta Airlines

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

It's helpful to hear from graduates of a flight school have to say about their experience -- after all, who knows it better than someone who has been there, and in the case of Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) graduates, who have suceeded in achieving their lifelong dream to be an airline pilot. That's the case with another former member of the Phoenix East team. Shannon Connolly spent a few years instructing at PEA, and then was hired by Pinnacle Airlines in 2004 as a First Officer. She was then upgraded to Captain after only 18 months. When the major airlines began hiring many pilots again in 2008, Shannon applied to a number of them....

More Women Flying Professionally

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation encourages all women with a passion for aviation to train at PEA -- and take that first step toward an exciting and rewarding career as a professional pilot. There is a large growth in the number of female pilots, according to the Chief Flight Instructor at Ohio State University, who is female: "Women can do the work, are just as competent and capable of doing the same things that men could do, according to Chief Flight Instructor Cathy Roby. While some women learn to fly because family members fly, others are proud to be the first in their families to achieve pilot's licenses....

Growth for Low-Cost Airlines

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Two years ago low-fare European airline Ryanair first considered flying between London and New York. This was a time when few viable low-cost airlines had scheduled flights across the Atlantic Ocean. But now two European low-cost operators have recently announced plans to start international service within months from now. They see this as a prime opportunity. It is also a prime opportunity for pilots -- more flights mean more pilots needed. Low-cost, long-distance flights have already become more common in routes between Australia and Asia. Over the last couple of years, several airlines including Air Asia X, Tiger Airways and Jetstar have build up sizable networks....

From a Phoenix East Aviation graduate ...

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

This is a direct quote that Phoenix East Aviation received from an airline pilot, Brent Dunmire, who is a graduate of Phoenix East Aviation. "I wanted to let you know that I appreciate the excellent program you have at Phoenix East. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work there as a flight instructor. I received all my flight training at Phoenix East, right up until the time I was hired by Mesa Airlines. I just finished my Initial Operating Experience with Mesa, flying SIC (NOTE: second-in-command) on a CRJ 900. It was quite a thrill for me. Next I'm headed to Washington, D.C. to fly CRJ 200's and 700's. I'm glad I went to Phoenix East....

Act Now. Limited-Time Opportunity to Train & Instruct in the U.S. with a J-1 Visa

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation is one of the very few professional flight training academies in the US that offers the J-1 Visa (DS-2019) for those flight trainees who wish to take part in the Exchange Visitor Program. IMPORTANT: To be considered for the J-1 Visa program, you must apply before December 31, 2009 to Phoenix East Aviation. The US government has decided that this visa will only be available until the end of this year; it will be discontinued after that time. You must therefore apply for this special J-1 Visa program before the end of 2009 to be considered -- and your training must begin by 31 May 2010. There are a limited number of J-1 Visas available....

Profile of an Airline

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Ever wonder how many aircraft an airline owns or how many people work for an airline you admire? Since you are either a pilot or interested in becoming a pilot, quite possibly a professional pilot, you may find the statistics of one airline interesting. As research is available on other airlines, this blog will list them. Republic Airlines is a little-known, US commuter airline, which was recently the victor in a bankruptcy-court auction to buy Frontier Airlines. Republic Airlines won out over Southwest Airlines, a large, well-known US airline. Previously for a time Republic was Frontier's regional partner....

What the Airlines Are Saying About Hiring Pilots

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

According to British aviation journal, Flyer, here's what's going on in hiring pilots for some of the smaller British airlines and charter services: CityJet Airlines: They are currently hiring about 18 pilots a year and are confident that will continue. Thomas Cook Airlines: The training manager says this is a good time now to start training. Ryanair: Last year they recruited 450 new pilots. They expect to continue to hire large numbers of pilots. NetJets: Training management consider anytime being a good time to train. The dnager of waiting to train until the next rush to hire pilots is that you won't be ready....

A Good Time to Learn to Fly is NOW

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

So you've always dreamed of being a pilot, since you were a child? Now, however, with stories in the news about some airlines and their financial problems, you may be wondering if it is a good time to learn to fly. To quickly summarize, this is an excellent time to learn to fly. The aviation industry has traditionally been one of ups and downs, good times and bad. After 9/11 there was a significant drop worldwide as people flew less. However, in recent years we've seen a relatively buoyant market for pilots -- better in some countries than others and better with some airlines than others, but generally good....

Did You Know Aeroflot Flies US and European Aircraft?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Aeroflot is selling all of its Tupolev jets. And when they are gone, only six of 100 jets in their fleet will be Russian-made -- and those six will fly mainly to Havana, Hanoi and some cities inside Russia. Aeroflot will fly nearly all Boeing and Airbus jets. This is amazing for a company that once owned nearly every civilian airplane in the entire Soviet Union. But the new Aeroflot wishes to be considered a business airline, and passengers mostly prefer Western aircraft. Russian airplanes have more cramped and noisier in general; Airbus and Boeing aircraft have the reputation of being safer and more comfortable....

Phoenix East Scores Highest in Survey

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Obtaining information about pilot training can be confusing: What should you ask, how to evaluate what the school tells you, is the school telling you the truth? And even if you are lucky enough to visit the school before making your decision on attending, how can you best evaluate what you see and hear? Recently Phoenix East was part of a independent survey, conducted by Pilot Journey, a US on-line directory of aviation schools. Pilot Journey only lists schools on their web site which get "good marks" as being reputable and quality schools....

What One Airline Pilot Has to Say about Phoenix East Aviation

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Here are excerpts from a letter from a Phoenix East Aviation graduate, Jason Prestigiacomo, who is currently a First Officer with United Express Airlines: "I am currently based in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, flying the Canadair Regional Jet. This assignment, although daunting at first, was made easier because of the education I received at Phoenix East Aviation of Daytona Beach, Florida. From the day I arrived in Daytona to the day I left for my first airline job, PEA's commitment to developing quality professional pilots stood firm. The hardest part of choosing a school is trying to sort through the admissions "sales pitch....

Phoenix East Aviation Flight Training Combined with a College Degree

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Students attending flight training at Phoenix East Aviation can also work toward an aviation-related dgree. Credit for flight training can be applied for an Associate in Science Degree or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation. PEA has partnered with three universities to offer its flight training students this additional opportunity for education: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Extended Campus in Orlando, Utah Valley State College, and Mountain State University. Both Utah Valley State College and Mountain State University offer classes via distance learning and on-line classes....

Airbus Delivers 500 New Aircraft

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

European aircraft manufactuer Airbus is just beating American Boeing Aircraft in deliveries for the first half of 2009. Airbus has delivered 254 new aircraft, and Boeing delivered 246. Airbus made 43 deliveries in May alone and 49 in June. Airlines receiving new aircraft from Airbus included China Southern (5 aircraft), easyJet (6 aircraft), Singapore Airlines (3 aircraft), Aeroflot and US Airways (4 aircraft each). Other airlines receiving a new Airbus in the past few months were Air Caraibes, Bangkok Airways, Chongqing Airlines, Iberworld, SATA, Sichuan Airlines, Zest Air and Wataniya Airlines....

Cessna to Begin Delivery of Its Newest Single Engine Aircraft

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) has the reputation, not only of quality, valued-priced flight training, but also of innovation in training. And once again PEA is looking to the future concerning its training fleet of aircraft. Recently placing an order for 10 new Cessna C-162 SkyCatcher aircraft, Phoenix East has been notified that deliveries of this new aircraft are expected to begin the end of this year. The Model C-162 is a two-place, single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft in the LSA category, defined as an aircraft with a gross weight less than 1,320 pounds and a top speed of 120 knots....

Lufthansa Airlines Now Owns Austrian Airlines

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Just yesterday, Lufthansa took control of Austrian Airlines, after working on the deal for the past 9 months. European Commission approvals were required before Lufthansa could take over. The airline bought over 90% of Austrian Airlines and plans to take over the remaining shares soon to bring its ownership to a full 100%. It is estimated that the purchase cost Lufthansa nearly 362 million euros (USD$514 million). Austrian Airlines is the third European airline that Lufthansa has taken over this year. The other two are Bussels Airlines and BMI....

Piper Aircraft Plans Global Expansion

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Piper Aircraft, located in Vero Beach, Florida, USA, is on a growth path, funded with investment from oil-rich Brunei. Recently purchased by Imprimis, an investment company with offices in Bangkok, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Piper plans to aggressively develop and market new aircraft, including the USD$2.2 million very light jet (VLJ) PiperJet. The company is also reintroducing the Archer next year, plus various upgraded aircraft, such as the G-1000 equipped Meridian (single engine turboprop). Piper's global expansion will be focused on Asian markets. It will extend its dealer network into 12 regions, including Southeast Asia, India, China and Australia....

China Aviation Opportunities

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Aviation in China continues to grow. Both Beijing and Shanghai each handle over 50 million passengers a year. And since September 2008, the number of flight at Beijing airport has increased by over 9%. This means more opportunities for pilots and airline dispatchers. China's first private jet base is set to open in Shanghai next year. It will be at the Hongqiao Airport (one of Shamghai's two airports) and consist of a 3,000 sq.meter terminal with separate security and customs sections. There will also be a hangar sized for business jets. It is estimated that up to 4,000 business jets will arrive in Shanghai during May 2010 alone, during the World Expo....

China Aviation Opportunities

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Agricultural Pilot Careers

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

The great thing about careers in aviation as a pilot is there are so many different kinds of jobs. You may at first think of professional flying as being a pilot for an airline -- yes, that's an excellent job. However, there are others: charter pilot, corporate pilot, instructor pilot, military pilot, and agricultural pilot -- to name only a few. What? Agricultural pilot? Yes, it's a great job, and it's not some old guy flying a bi-plane like in some out-of-date films. You can work for large agricultural companies -- or you can be your own boss with your own plane and growers contract for your services....

The Most Successful Low-Cost Carriers

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have taken the commercial aviation world by storm the past decade. As a young professional pilot, you may find you are interested in flying for one of these LLCs somewhere in the world. Low cost carriers are often lumped together as one category of commercial airlines when analysed, but they do differ in terms of their size and their profitability. So if you are deciding which airlines you would prefer to fly for or to which airlines to send your resume, you may want to consider the following Top 10 of the world's most successful LCCs. Many graduates of Phoenix East Aviation fly for LCCs throughout the world....

Why Does Phoenix East Fly the Cessna 172SP for Flight Training?

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

The Phoenix East Aviation training fleet includes only new and late model Cessna 172SP aircraft for basic single-engine training. Did you ever wonder why? By far,the most popular aircraft and the safest for single engine flight training worldwide is the Cessna 172. Cessna decided to start building new airplanes again in the late 1990s, and to also upgrade the 172 to a better, stronger aircraft. That's what PEA flies -- new and late model C-172SP -- because it has a higher horsepower: 180hp instead of the older 160hp. It also is fuel-injected and with higher fuel capacity (more than 50 gallons). The C-172SP has an updated interior and instrument panel and inertia wheel seat belts....

What is General Aviation?

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Have you heard the term "General Aviation" but are not sure what it means? If you guessed that it does not include military aviation, you are correct. If you guessed it also does not include scheduled airline flights, you would be correct again. So what does it include? General Aviation basically covers all aviation activities outside scheduled airlines and the military, including business aviation (corporate fleets), medical evacuation, aerial photography, crop dusting and forestry, firefighting and rainmaking, news gathering, public security, pilot training, plus sport and private aviation....

Veterans' Program Makes Flight School Affordable

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

If you are a US military veteran, this could be important news for you: The Dept. of Veterans Affairs is accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill contains new education benefits for flight training for veterans, including reservists and National Guard members, who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. The provision for using GI Bill benefits to pay for flight training has been approved and will be a permanent part of the educational benefits for the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Montgomery GI Bill and the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (RMGIB)....

Want to Fly Private Jets in the Middle East?

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

It is anticipated that the private jet charter business in the Middle East will grow between 15-20% this year. One large charter company grew by 40% in 2008 alone. Officials say that the Middle East private aviation market continues to grow as the region's elite and affluent enjoy the convenience of private jet transport. There has been particular growth in this aviation market on traffice between the Middle East and Europe. Awareness has grown about the practical value of using private charter aircraft: it is fast, luxurious, hassle-free and efficient. Flying as a charter pilot is an excellent career....

India's Aviation Market Growing

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

It looks like India's aviation market may come out of the worldwide recession faster than most countries. This was predicted by Boeing Aircraft at its 20-year India Market Outlook this week in New Delhi. India currently accounts for 3% of Boeing's aircraft sales. Air India has orders for Boeing 777 aircraft -- 23 airplanes, including five 777s (it has ordered a total of 23 and received 12) and three 737s (to Air India Express). Jet Airways has one 737 on order also. Boeing expects 31% of the 29,000 aircraft it has forecast for the world for the next 20 years to go to airlines in Asia/Pacific. The budget carriers continue to lead the pack in growth....

ATC Communications -- Why It's an Important Part of Your Training

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Aviation has its own lingo, as many other professions do. It can be confusing at first, when you're just learning to fly, but it is vital from a safety perspective that you understand aviation terminology, especially that used by air traffic control (ATC). Phoenix East, always a step ahead of many other flight schools, now includes ATC Communications training as part of your ground school. This is unique among flight schools and makes it another important advantage of Phoenix East pilot training....

Phoenix East Introduces Jet Type Rating for Pilots

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phenix East Aviation has just announced a new jet type-rating program being offered at the Daytona Beach, Florida academy. Currently two new training courses are now offered: a Cessna Citation Jet Type- Rating and a Cessna Citation Jet Second-in-Command (SIC) Course. The Jet Type-Rating Course is designed to enable the student to act as pilot in command of a Cessna Citation jet. Pilots will be trained under FAR Part 61.63 to gain knowledge of advanced systems through ground school, simulator training and actual flight training....

Are Your Eyes Turned Skyward?

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

The renowned painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci said "For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." As a pilot you will enter a new world of adverture and challenge, You'll be in the company of some of the most exciting, friendly and spirited people you can imagine -- professional aviators. For more information on professional flight training, contact Phoenix East Aviation at 1-386-258-0703. PEA has been training pilots for airlines worldwide since 1972....

Salaries for India's Pilots Increasing

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

With the continued shortage of pilots in India, the country's airlines are increasingly relying on foreign pilots. For Indian pilots, slaries have been skyrocketing, as airlines compete for a limited pool of qualified pilots. Last year the need for pilots reached such intensity that the government become involved and decreed that airlilne pilots much give six months notice before resigning. Increasing the retirement age (now at age 62) for airline pilots is also being considered to lessen the problem. Commercial pilots in India can earn up to eight times more than what Indian Air Force pilots make....

Statistics on the World's Airlines

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

Though the world's airlines have schedules 4% fewer flights for June compared to last year (though this is only a 2% drop in seat capacity), the total number of seats offered remains high at 297.5 million for this month alone. That certainly shows what a large industry commercial aviation is on a worldwide basis. The total number of flights scheduled to operate worldwide this month is 2.43 million. And this does not include executive jet flights, military or charter aircraft....

India's Need for Pilots

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

India's need for pilots continues. The latest estimates (as of this month, June, 2009) indicate that India has a need for 4,800 additional pilots by 2012. By that time India will have taken delivery of another 480 new aircraft. The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that as of last October the average age of candidates taking their Commercial Pilot License exams was 19 to 20 years old. India has only 41 registered pilot schools, which is not nearly enough to teach all the pilots needed. Therefore, many students eager to become professional pilots come to the US for training. Even so, India is projected to have a shortfall of 3,000 new pilots by next year....

A Commercial Pilot is Skilled and Well-trained

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

There are no unskilled, untrained pilot positions available. Flying is a rewarding, exciting profession that requires training -- and ongoing training -- and a high set of skills. First and foremost, you must be trained and trained well in order to qualify for FAA certifications and ratings, as well as for other countries' certifications. The types of certification you will need depends on what type of flying you plan to do: For example, if you plan to be an agricultural pilot, the requirements are different than if you hope to be a captain for British Airways. Plus, you will need certain aircraft type ratings for the specific aircraft you will fly, if you want to be airline pilot....

Why You Should Consider Phoenix East Aviation for Flight School

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Established in 1972, Phoenix East Aviation has gained recognition as one of the finest educational flight training facilities in the world. Certified under the Federal Aviation Administration as an approved pilot school, Phoenix East Aviation can train for any position from the dispatcher on the ground to the pilot in the cockpit of a jet. The academy is approved under the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and offers training to meet International Civil Aviation Orgnaization's (I.C.A.O.) flight training requirements. The instructors at Phoenix East are carefully screened to insure a staff of fully licensed, US trained, experienced professionals....

Choosing a Flight School - 10 Good Questions to Ask

Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

You want to be a professional pilot. You understand you must go to a flight training academy, but you've never flown an airline -- so how do you find out what flight school is the best for you? Here are some tips on questions to ask: 1. Experience: Does the school have the experience and financial security and stability that comes with many years in professional flight training? 2. Quality of Instruction: If the school is in the US, is it nationally accredited? VA approved (if you are former US military and eligible for GI benefits). 3....

There's More to Do Than Just Fly the Plane When You're an Airline Pilot

Sun, 17 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Work for an airline pilot before takeoff involves a lot more than just greeting passengers as they board: You will need to get information about the specific route you will be taking during the flight, the weather, the passengers and aircraft, work out a flight plan (that consists of the route, flying altitude, how much fuel to take), sometimes (depending on the airline) supervise the loading and fueling of your aircraft, carry out pre-flight checks on the navigation and operating systems, and of course,communicate with air traffic control....

Planning a Career as an Airline Pilot?

Sat, 16 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

So your goal is a career as an airline pilot? Being a professional pilot for one of the big or small airlines can be one of the best jobs in the world. First year salaries in the US, for example, range from $25,000 to $50,000, and senior captains can earn as much as $200,000 annually. You may work only eight or ten days a month, depending on your airline and the length of your typical flights. You and your family fly free and also get reduced rates at hotel and car rentals often. With the worldwide shortage of pilots once again expected in the next few years, your timing is excellent right now to start pilot training....

Aviation Jobs -- Ready and Waiting for You

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Since you're reading this blog, you're probably very interested in becoming a pilot and having a long, satisfying career as a professional pilot. But maybe you've read that things aren't as good with the airline industry in many countries as they were a year ago. So what should you do? Think past today. Use this time to become trained and then build flight hours so your resume will be attractive to airlines. If you wait until all the airlines throughout the world are hiring again before you start pilot training, you're going to miss some really good chances at wonderful jobs with airlines....

The Boeing 747 -- What a History

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

The Boeing 747 made its first test flight over 40 years ago and entered commercial service in January 1970. Boeing has produced 1,400 variations and different configurations of the aircraft since then. Production continues today, though only 14 freighter versions of the 747 were produced last year. British Airways wins the prize as the bigger user of this excellent aircraft. It operates 578 flights each week -- 40 daily departures from London's Heathrow airport alone. Apart from BA, Luftthansa and United Airlines are the only airlines in the top 10 users: the other seven are Asian airlines. Thirty passenger airlines operate scheduled service with 747-400s today....

The Age of Commercial Fleets -- Is It Important?

Thu, 14 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

If you want to be an airline pilot, you'll likely find this information quite interesting: What's the real difference between older and newer models of commercial aircraft. In a word, it's fuel efficiency. Most of the US carriers planes, such as the large Boeing 767, date from the mid-1980s. However, most of Air France-KLM airplanes are at least 10 years younger. The Airbus A330, for example, that Air France flies between Paris and the US, burns an average of 12% less fuel per passenger than the 767 does. Actually, US airlines' aicraft are some of the oldest around....

Long Flights and Pilot Rest

Thu, 14 May 2009 12:00:00 EST

Ever wonder how pilots rest on long international flights? If you dream of being an international pilot, this will be of interest. Some of the aircraft used for ultra-long flights today, such as the Airbus 380 and Boeing 777, for example, are capable of flying nonstop for as much as 20 hours. Aviation regulatory agencies in different countries have different policies on what is called "crew rest." The FAA, for example, in the US has both a 24 hour and 48 hour minimum requirement for crew rest, depending on the length of the flight and the time on duty....

Start Your Pilot Training Now....

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place....

Why Come to Florida for Pilot Training?

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation attracts students from all over the world. Over 65% of students are from countries outside the US They come for the quality training at Phoenix East, the great Daytona Beach, Florida, flying weather, the beaches, and the excellent value for money Phoenix East offers. You may not have known, however, what an aviation hub the state of Florida is. The state of Florida has a large number of airports, many of which were military air bases in WWII and were converted to civilian use in the War Surplus Act....

Airline Pilot Responsibilities

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

The job of an airline pilot consists of the following responsibilities: 1. Navigate or pilot aircraft to transport mail, freight and/or passengers 2. Supervise or perfrom pre-flight checks of loading, fuel supplies, instruments, and switches 3. Discuss with meteorologist weather conditions for take-off and flight 4. Supervise activities of flight deck crew 5. Modify flight plan as necessary In the United Kingdom in 2000, there were 16,449 airline and commercial pilots (with Airline Transport Pilot Licenses and Commercial Pilot Licenses). In the US the FAA estimates there are over 600,000 pilots, both airline and private pilots. Six percent of them are female....

Airline Pilot Salaries - International Comparison

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

The income data below is provided to the International Labour Organization by various government agencies, such as Statistics Canada, US Bureau of Labor Statisticws, Statistics Finland, Federal Statistical Office of Germany, National Statistics Republic of China, etc. The income is indicated in US dollars and is average gross salary per month before deductions for taxes, social security etc. Germany: $9,122. United States: $7,877. Taiwan: $7,867. Philippines: $5,639. Kuwait: $6,445. United Kingdom: $6,177. Brazil: $4,851. Peru: $4,801. Norway: $4,500. Mexico: $4,148. Italy: $4,141. Thailand: $3,335. Australia: $3,443. China: $3,249. Austria: $3,016. Portugal: $2,899. Latvia: $2,757....

PEA Graduates First Class of Dispatchers for Middle Eastern Airlines

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) announces the graduation of the first group of new airline dispatchers for Middle East Airlines AirLiban (MEA). Phoenix East initiated training 23 student dispatchers for MEA and other Middle Eastern airlines in February. The recent graduation ceremonies were attended by MEA management personnel, as well as by Ghassan Reslan, CEO of Phoenix East Aviation. The intense six-week training course took place in Beirut, Lebanon, at the MEA training facility; it was conducted in accordance with curriculum provided by PEA, developed to meet ICAO and Lebanese aviation authority requirements....

A Great Way to Build Flight Hours

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation, Daytona Beach, Florida, has a great idea for pilots who wish to build additional hours, either for professional enhancement or to build a better resume to become a career airpline, corporate or charter pilot. The PEA program allows you to build hours in a Cessna C-172SP, a Piper PA-34 or a Diamond DA-42 aircraft (glass cockpit aircraft available), while enjoying Florida's sunshine and the famous beaches of Daytona Beach. Did you know you can drive on the beach, right on the sand? PEA's time building program makes this possible at a lower cost than you would pay in Europe or in most countries of the world -- quickly and easily....

Stereotypes about Airline Pilots

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

A stereotype about airline pilots persists -- that they are male, trained by the military,are trim and fit,have perfect vision, and are excellent at mathematics. Then there's the myth that all pilots are paid like senior superjumbo jet captains for major airlines. Maybe 50 years some of this had some small bit of accuracy to it, but not today. Women and minorities are in all positions in aviation now, including as captains for major airlines, charter operations and corporate fleets. Approximately one-half of the current pilots never flew in the military, and as long as your vision is correctable to 20/20, a pilot can wear glasses or contact lenses....

Emirates Airline Increases Its Fleet and Flights

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Emirates Airline, the largest airline in the Middle East, has announced plans to increase its fleet of aircraft, as well as to increase the number of its flights. Based in Dubai, the airline intends to increase the number of flights by 14%, as well as adding 18 new passenger aircraft to its fleet. The airline has grown at an average rate of 20% each year for the past five years. By the end of this month, Emirates' fleet will consist of 132 aircraft, including four superjumbo Airbus A380s. Emirates will add another seven A380s by next March, plus another 12 Boeing 777 jets. Emirates Airline also has 165 new aircraft on order currently, worth USD $55 billion....

Aviation Growth in the Middle East

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

We're seeing different strategies by different airlines in various parts of the world. Some airlines are reducing flights, other airlines are expanding. In the Arab countries, most airlines are expanding their capacity. The Centre for Asia Pacific expects a positive future for Middle Eastern airlines: "The region will be growing while others are stagnating." Passenger travel in Arab countries shows a growth of 10.3% in January 2009 compared to January 2008. Regional growth grow nearly 6% January 2009 vs. January 2008 and international airline operations grew nearly 12%....

The Wright Brothers Had Only Three Instrument Gauges

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Pilots use instrument gauges to help them fly and reach their destination safely. The fathers of flight, Orville and Wilbur Wright, had only three "gauges" to help them: a stopwatch, an anemometer to measure wind speed and a tachometer. Of course, they didn't go very high or very fast during these first days of flight. With the introduction of instrument flight, nearly every inch of cockpit space became covered with instruments, switches and buttons to help the pilot....

What is Seniority and Why Is It Important to a Pilot?

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

There are two or three typies of pilot positions with any airline or company: Captain, First Officer and Flight Engineer. Compensation and even some benefits at airlines and most companies (corporations and charter companies) are based on "seniority." Seniority at an airline is based on a pilot's date of hire by that airline. When a pilot is hired as a First Officer or Flight Engineer, he or she is immediately assigned a seniority number at the bottom of the list of pilots. Over time, the pilot will advance on the seniority list, as pilots retire, resign and are removed for other reasons....

Smaller Turboprop and Jets Important to Commercial Aviation

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Smaller regional aircraft have become very important to the US airline industry -- and this is good news to pilots with less experience. Seventy-five percent of the commercial airports in the country are served by such planes -- and only such planes. How is "smaller regional aircraft" typically defined? Those are the turboprop and smaller jets with fewer than 100 seats. Such aircraft make up 45% of all operations (arrivals and departures) at Newark N.J. Liberty International Airport, for example. Liberty is a large airport, one of three serving the greater New York City area....

You Might Be Flying into Orlando Airport When You Come to Phoenix East

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

If you decide to train at Phoenix East Aviaton, when you arrive, you may fly into the Orlando, Florida, airport. It's about one hour away from Daytona Beach; you can easily take a shuttle bus from the airport in Orlando to Phoenix East Aviation. Orlando is a beautiful airport and the 10th largest airport in the US. According to OAG magazine, most planes land from Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Newark (New Jersey), Detroit (Michigan) and New York. Atlanta (Georgia) is a major hub and a source of "indirect" traffic to Orlando....

Focus on an Airline: Wizz Air

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

In our effort to help you learn more about the aviation industry, here's some information on a great airline called Wizz Air. Not familiar with it? It's headquartered in Budapest, Hungary; last year it carried nearly six million passengers on its fleet of 20 Airbus A320 aircraft -- each seating 180 passengers. The airline has bases in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and most recently in the Ukraine. Wizz Air has a very busy schedule going to London also: currently 91 Wizz Air flights arrive and depart each week from Luton Airport....

What's New with Airlines Worldwide

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

To meet passengers needs and manage their airlines effectively, airlines make changes. If your dream -- and plan -- is to make commercial aviation your career, you may find some of these changes ineresting. Here's snippets of what's happening this past month: JetBlue's market share has risen to nearly 11% of the US market because of expansion into new markets in the US, Mexico, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Costa Rica. Spirit Airlines is now flying to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The single biggest international market is still Canada, and this winter Aair Canada, Air Transat, Sunwing and Westjet are flying Canadians down to various cities in sunny Florida....

Phoenix East Partners with Middle East Airlines AirLiban

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Not everyone wants to be a pilot or is able to be a pilot. That does not mean you cannot have an exciting career in aviation. A career as an airline dispatcher is an excellent, well-paying career. You work for an airline and become "the captain on the ground," so-to-speak. (Check out an earlier blog article for details on being an airline dispatcher). Phoenix East is one of the top schools for training airline dispatchers and is well-known throughout the world. Phoenix East has just announced a training agreement with Middle East Airlines AirLiban (MEA)....

What is ICAO and Other Aviation Organizations?

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

So you think you want to be an international pilot for a career, and you've heard people talking about ICAO, but don't really know what that is? It is useful to know about this organization and what they do if international aviation is in your future. International Civil Aviation Organization (or ICAO), is an agency of the United Nations, which codifies the techniques of international air navigation and principles and fosters international air transport to ensure orderly industry growth and safety. The ICAO Council recommends practices and adopts standards on air navigation, border-crossing for international civil aviation and prevention of unlawful interference....

Living Legend in Aviation

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

If you become a professional pilot and fly as a career, you will be in the company of some great men and women. Do you recognize names such as Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Sir Richard Branson, Gene Cernan, Dick Rutan, Emily Howell-Warner and Harrison Ford? Wait, did I hear Harrison Ford? Harrison Ford is indeed famous in aviation circles as the chariman of the EAA's Young Eagles. The Young Eagles promotes aviation in the US for young people. Harrison Ford said "Those who are bound to the Earth by gravity -- and are without an airplane -- don't really see the world the way a pilot does. There's so much beauty in flight....

Biggest Low Cost Carrier in the US

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Many new pilots get their first job flying for a low-cost or discount airline or a regional airline. This is typical throughout the world. Who are some of the big low-cost airlines? Southwest Airlines in the US is the biggest, and in Europe and the UK, Ryanair is the largest. Southwest is three-times bigger than Ryanair in terms of weekly flights (22,800 vs 7,800), but Ryanair operates a phenomenal 629 routes to 139 airports. Southwest has three times more aircraft, but operates 434 routes only from just 64 airports....

Business Jets and Their Use Throughout the World

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Business jets are a big business, and it's a great job to be a pilot for a corporation with a fleet of aircraft. There are more than one million people employed manufacturing, flying, maintaining and managing business aircraft, according to The General Aviation Manufacturers Assocation (GAMA). They contribute USD$150 billion to the US economy each year. As a pilot for a business jet, you fly executives wherever they need to go for business. So you fly all over; some companies even fly their executives to visit customers thousands of miles away....

What's New in Southeast Asia Aviation

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

What's going on in some of Southest Asia's growing aviation markets these days? A lot, especially in Cambodia. In 2007 Cambodia's two international airports at Phnom Penh (PNH) and Siem Reap (REP) grew nearly 25% in traffic, handlilng 3.3 million passengers. Since 2003 combined traffic handled at these two airports has grown by over 135%. Traffic figures released for 2008 reveal that Phnom Penh is continuing its double-digit growth. Two airlines account for over 40% of all scheduled flights at those airports: Bangkok Airways leads with flights from both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Bangkok, as well as to other Cambodian airports....

US Airline Market Growing

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation is pleased to report that the latest figures show that the US domestic market is showing signs of more rapid growth. In August of last year (2008), passenger numbers were up a strong 7%. The last time growth was above 4% in a month was back in September 2005. Since the beginning of 2008, Southwest Airlines has been extending its market share lead over nearest rival American Airlines. In January the gap was 2.8% and by August 2008 it reached 4.5%. Southwest was responsible for carrying 15.54% of all US domestic passengers. AirTran's market share has risen from 3% the beginning of 2008 to 3.8%....

Air Sylhet Launches Service

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

Another new airline has started service -- presenting more career opportunities for new pilots. Air Sylhet has launched service from Stansted and Manchester, England airports to Dubai and Vienna, Austria. Air Sylhet has leased an Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The airline says it plans to fly to multiple cities. The first destinations of Dubai and Vienna have been chosen, according to the airline, because there is room in the market for more flights to these destinations. This year, Air Sylhet plans to begin flights to Bangladesh also. The airline was started by chairman Kabir Khan and three other businessmen of Bangladeshi origin, who now live in England....

Another New Airline Begins Service

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

The aviation industry continues to grow and create opportunities for new pilots. A new airline has just started up in Brazil. Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras SA started service last month with four jetliners. The airline plans to buy four more aircraft soon. Azul Linhas started service sooner than planned in order to capitalize on the holiday season. "Azul" means "blue" in Portuguese. The airline started with US $150 million in funding from investors in both the US and Brazil. It was launched by the founder and former chief executive of JetBlue Airways; this is the fourth low-cost airline started by him....

Phoenix East Partners with MEA Airliban Airlines

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

If you are from the Middle East -- or from many other places in the world -- you're probably familiar with Middle East Airliban Airline (MEA), a large, highly-respected airline that flies worldwide. Phoenix East Aviation is proud to announce a partnership with MEA to train their flight dispatchers. Not only is Phoenix East well-known worldwide for exceptional high-quality flight training, but the academy also trains airline dispatcher students from countries around the world at its Daytona Beach, Florida, academy. Phoenix East is approved by the FAA to train to FAA standards....

Airlines Have Different Requirements

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

Sometimes we receive questions about what is required to work for a particular airline -- how much training and how many flight hours for hiring new pilots. Each airline has its specific requirements -- and these requirements sometimes change, based on the current need of the airline. So if you have your heart set on one or two airlines only (not recommended for new pilots), you should check with the crew hiring department of those airlines. For example, Saudi Arabian Airlines requires the following for new first officer applicants: Minimum of 320 hours total time with 50 hours multi-engine time....

Two Major Airlines Merge

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

The US Department of Justice has given its approval to the proposed Delta Airlines - Northwest Airlines merger. The Department of Justic closed its six-month investigation into the proposed merger with the announcement that it is "likely to produce substantial and credible efficiencies that will benefit US consumers and is not likely to substantially lessen competition." India's two biggest private airlines recently announced a major alliance to help cut costs. Jet Airways and Kingfisher together have more than 50% of domestic capacity in seven of top eight domestic airports in India....

No More Radar for Commercial Airlines

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

A new air traffic control system about to be implemented is expected to save fuel, save time off long flights and improve safety. This new system will replace radar and will first be launched in Canada next month, impacting flights between the US and Europe. However, to be fully implemented in the US is expected to take 10 years. This system is called Automatic Depdendent Surveillance-Broadcast or ADS-B. Among other things, it will also allow controllers to let planes change altitudes more freely. Radar is a World War II technology that sends out radio waves that bounce off objects in the sky and collects the returning signals to plot positions....

Aviation English -- Why It's Important

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

You've probably heard that the ability to speak, understand and write English is mandatory if you wish to fly internationally. But do you know why? English is the language for all pilots and air traffic controllers who wish to operate in any international aviation enviroment. The International Civil Aviation Organization, called ICAO, determines the English language requirements. You may hear the term "aviation English....

US International Gateway Airport

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you think you may want to fly internationally, this information about new international US airports may be of interest to you: Did you realize that more airports in the US are becoming international. Airports at Dayton, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Richmond, Virginia are now all international airports. New York's JFK airport continues to be the leading airport for all international traffic in the US, but there is another airport that is rapidly building more international traffic: Miami, Florida. Among the top 15 international airports, there have been some large capacity increases. Atlanta has grown over 11% and Philadelphia is up 14% this year....

How a Regional Airline Works

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

There are many regional airlines throughout the world -- some small, some larger. One example in the US is Mesa Airlines. Phoenix East Aviation has a recruitment partnership with Mesa; they are always eager to interview and hire PEA graduates when they are looking for new pilots. Mesa Airlines is now operating 180 aircraft to 124 cities, 38 US states, and Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas. The airline has over 800 daily departures. Mesa operates under contract as Delta Connection, US Airways Express, and United Express for Delta Airlines, US Airways and United Airlines. Mesa also flies independently under the Mesa name and as Go! to Hawaii....

A Revolution in Aviation -- Low-Cost Airlines

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

Low-cost airlines throughout the world have changed the way people fly -- and how many people fly. And the changes have been more apparent in Europe than anywhere else: Low-cost carriers have captured nearly a third of the entire market and offer over 130,000 flights each month currently. However, because these airlines operate on a tight budget, they do tend to be more sensitive to high fuel costs. Now fuel makes up at least 36% of global airlines' expenses, up from 1.4% just five years ago. In terms of total seats sold, in the Asia Pacific region in 2007, 12% were on low-cost airlines, compared to 1% in 2001....

Do You Know Which Airlines Are the Biggest?

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you want to be a professional pilot, you will definitely want to earn your Commercial Certificate as soon as you possibly can. This will allow you to fly for compensation or hire. There are general requirements for a Commercial Certificate, and there are, as you would guess, also flight requirements. Following are the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) rules. As always, if you expect to be living outside the US or are a citizen of a country other than the US, you will want to carefully check the requirements in your home country for a Commercial Certificate, as requirements differ by country....

Pilot Certificates and Ratings Explained

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Aviation has its own lingo or language, just as many other professions do. It can be confusing when you are first learning about the industry. And often the first confusion lies in wondering what all the different certificates and ratings are. Here is a summary explanation of each of the certificates and ratings you will need to know about as a aspiring career pilot. We will focus of those certificates that are important to professional pilots (as opposed to recreational pilots). PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE: This certiifcate allows the pilot to operate an aircraft day or night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Passengers can be carried, but not for compensation or hire....

Ways to Build More Flight Hours

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

OK, you've worked very hard and studied very hard, and now you have your Private and Commercial certificates with Instrument rating. But airlines also want experience: How do you get that experience or as pilots call it, "build hours"? There are three basic ways: The most common, easiest and cheapest way is to teach. That means teaching others to fly by being a flight instructor. You must, therefore, first earn one, two or three of the instructor ratings: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)....

What Are the Steps in Becoming an Airline Pilot?

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Many people start out their aviation careers with a great desire to fly, but they have no experience and therefore, don't know how to go about it. As with any other career that includes a significant amount of training and preparation, there are certain steps you must accomplish on that road to being a commercial pilot. One note: there will always be some differences in requirements -- large or small -- among various countries' aviation authorities; those differences might alter these steps somewhat. It's a good idea to check what is required -- and what the specific steps are to meet their requirements -- in your country. The steps below are from a US perspective....

Aircraft Manufacturers - One of the Big Ones

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

So you want to be a pilot -- probably even hope to have a great career as a professional pilot, if you are reading this blog. Then you also most likely want to learn about aircraft -- and who manufactures them. You may already know what aircraft Boeing and Airbus manufacture; their new aircraft are in the news regularly. Have you also heard of Embraer? Did you know Embraer is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats? As a newly-hired pilot, you will most likely be flying smaller aircraft, so Embraer may be especially important to you. The company is based in Brazil and is one of Brazil's leading exporters....

Even Wilbur Wright Felt the Passion of Flight

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Wilbur Wright, one of the world's most important "fathers" of aviation, most definitely was passionate about flight, just as many pilots and aspiring pilots are today. Not only did this passion drive him to develop the first flying machine, it also touched his soul. He said : More than anything else, the sensation (of flight) is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost....

Financial Health of Major US Airlines Has Improved

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

Financial issues of some of the major airlines in the US have gotten some media attention lately; newspaper articles have detailed the challenges in running large airlines profitably, especially since the price of fuel has increased. But lower fuel prices and the carriers' operational and financial changes have helped ease the concern. Most importantly, thanks to more than a $30 drop in the price of a barrel of oil, things have improved. Over the last approximately six months the major airlines (the seven so-called 'legacy' airlines) have boosted passenger air fares, begun charging fees for services, refinanced their debt, sold some assets and issued new stock to build up extra cash....

What is a Commercial Pilot's Schedule Like?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST

In the US, the FAA allows airline pilots up to eight hours of scheduled time flying per day, and up to 16 hours of total duty time (this includes wait time at airports between flights). The FAA also allows up to 30 hours of flight time weekly and up to 100 hours monthly. No significant updating of duty and time-off regulations by the FAA have not taken place recently; current regulations date from the 1960s for the most part. The FAA also mandates eight consecutive hours of rest in any 24 hour period....

Middle Eastern Airlines Continue to Expand

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

As some US major airlines ground their most fuel-inefficient aircraft and eliminate unprofitable routes, Middle Eastern carriers are expanding as fast as they can. They hope to be able to redefine the region as the new crossroads in global aviation. According to Airbus' chief executive, Thomas Enders "these airlines are on a very impressive growth path and expansion course." Airbus has recently delivered a new A380 jumbo jet to the chairman of Emirates. Emirates Airlines has increased its orders to Airbus to 58 planes in the past eight years. And just last month, the airlines signed another letter of intent for an additional 60 jets totalling more than $13 Billion....

More on Funding for Pilot Training

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Students who seek loans from banks can often increase their chances of being approved for a private loan and getting lower interest rates, if a parent or another creditworthy adult agrees to be a co-signer. When it comes to student loans, credit requirements and interest rates vary from lender to lender, so that the same person who is denied a loan by one could be approved by another. So be sure to check with multiple sources -- and don't get discouraged if you are initially denied. Though only a very small part of student lending, so-called "peer-to-peer" web sites llike www.fynanz.com, www.greennote.com and www.virginmoney.com have recently sprung up....

New Opportunities for Pilots

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Low-cost US carriers are being presented with a new market opportunity, as some of the major airlines, such as Delta and United, reduce service to some cities. Low-cost carriers are typically hungry for these new chances created by the larger airlines. For example, Allegiant Airlines sees competitors' capacity cuts as the silver lining of fuel price increases. The airline plans to open new routes to popular destination Las Vegas, where US Airways has just decreased flights. AirTran Airways also announced last month that it will increase its service to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, following Midwest Air's capacity reduction there....

So Your Mother is Concerned about Your Safety if You Become a Pilot? Not to Worry, Mom!

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Changes in safety improvements have been quite dramatic. Going back to the beginning of the jet age, in 1959 Boeing research indicated one fatal accident for every 30,000 commercial jet flights. By 2006 the rate for all airlines had dropped to only one accident for every 4.3 million commercial flights by Western-built jets, according to Flight Safety Foundation, a non-profit research group. An American's chance of being in a fatal plane crash last year was only one in 432,484, says the US National Safety Council. Compare that with your chances of being in a fatal car crash -- one in 19,216. That calculates to a lifetime risk of one chance in 5,552 in a commercial airplane vs....

The Cost of Aviation Fuel

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Most flight schools now have what is called a fuel surcharge, which is in addition to a flight training program cost. This covers the increasing cost of fuel, which, as you know if you have a car, has been increasing quite rapidly. If a flight school did not have this fuel surcharge, they would have to change their training prices all the time -- making it confusing for the student, the prospective student, and the school itself. Even many airlines charge fuel surcharges now, on top of your ticket price -- or they build in the increasing cost of fuel into their ticket price....

Paying For Flight Training

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

There is no question: Flight training is not inexpensive. However, it is typically considerably less expensive to learn to fly and receive your certificates and ratings in the US than it is in Europe and Asia. And in many countries in Africa and Asia, there is simply not the professional flight training easily available that is needed to become a career pilot. In addition, there is the weather factor: In many places, the weather is just not consistently good enough for daily flying, so building your flight hours takes a long, long time....

What's Going on in India in Aviation?

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

India's commercial aviation industry continues to grow. We have heard that the rate of growth may be slowing a bit -- from incredible to just very strong. Airlines continue to seek pilots, and airport traffic is still growing. The most recent statistics indicate that India's international airline traffic growth was between 15% and 20% for most of 2007. In 2008 its rate of growth has been averaging around 11%. Still pretty impressive. In May 2008 alone, Delhi and Mumbai (which cater to around half of all international passengers) saw traffic increase by 7% and 9.5% respectively. At Chennai and Cochin airports, international traffic was up 18% and 28% respectively....

Environment and Aviation -- Much is Happening

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Are you interested in both aviation and the environment? If so, you might be very interested in what's going on in commercial aviation these days. Aircraft manufacturers are becoming more environmentally-conscious, or "green," as the expression goes. Boeing and Airbus, as well as other manufacturers, are working to reduce the environmental impact of flying, as well as the cost. Inside Boeing's exhibit at this year's big Farnborough Airshow in the UK, sits a 75-gallon tank of bright geen algae -- the potential feeding ground for a jet fuel substitute. The algae doubles in size every 24 hours, says the company....

More Airlines Lower Minimum Flight Hours for New Pilots

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Trans States Airlines, a St. Louis, Missouri-based regional airline that operates flights on behalf of American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways has announced that it has lowered tis minimum flying hours requirement for new hires to 500 hours; not too many years ago, the minimum number of flight hours required to be considered for employment as a First Officer was 1,500. Newly minted pilots at all airlines start as co-pilots, also called First Officers. The Federal Aviation Administration requirements to fly as a Captain, or Pilot-In-Command, of a commercial aircraft include as least 1,500, which is typically about two years of airline experience....

New Class of Jets - Very Light Jets (VLJ) -- Will Need Pilots

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

There are many different jobs for pilots in commercial aviation. One of them is new -- and getting to be a bigger deal worldwide: With the advent of the Very Light Jet class of aircraft (VJL), commercial aviation may change. How would you like to be pilot in a VLJ -- and work for an air taxi service -- flying executives (and maybe celebrities) point-to-point from an local or regional airport to other smaller airports? Have you heard about VLJs yet? They are just becoming better known, with more of them being available commercially all the time: VLJs are poised to change air travel -- according to some folks in the aviation industry....

Commercial Pilot or Corporate Pilot -- Which Will You Be?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Any idea how many commercial jets fly in the US? At the end of last year, there were about 8,000 commercial jets flying in the US -- and also about 18,000 corporate jets. Private jets account for fewer takeoffs and landings and passengers. In general, commercial airlines use about 66 percent of the resources of federal air traffic control and pay about 96 percent of the costs. There's lots of room for growth for business aviation, however, which is changing from ownership by companies and wealthy individuals to sales of jet time in hourly increments (time-sharing purchases), as well as an emerging on-demand air taxi business....

Corporate Jet Passengers -- Often the Female Boss

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

This week is a big week for corporate jets in New York, as squadrons of them arrive at area airports with business executives and their customers for the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium. So who's really in the passenger cabins of these corporate jets? If you're thinking of becoming a pilot and flying for a corporation, you might find this interesting. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) says about 75% of the approximately 11,000 business jets in the US are operated by entrepreneurs and small to midsize companies. One private jet company, XOJET, according to the New York Times, said that about 15 percent of its customers are female bosses and business owners....

Biggest Commercial Airshow in the World in Full Swing

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

If your passion is aviation, you'd probably love to be part of the excitement at a big airshow. Well, if you want to go to the biggest commercial airshow, you may want to fantasize about going to the Farnborough airshow, now being held outside of London. In addition to a multitude of static displays (aircraft open for viewing on the ground) and demonstration flight, the Farnborough show is one of the most important venues for aircraft buyers to place orders for new airplanes. Airbus today announced orders for 143 aircraft -- worth nearly US$16 billion. A320s dominated those orders, accounting for 103 out of the 143 total....

What Is a Good Way to Get a Job as a Pilot?

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

How can you be assured of getting a job as a pilot for an airline? There are some non-negotiable basics -- things you absolutely must do. The most important of course is get the ratings you need. You must study and pass your written and flight tests for your Private Pilot Certificate. In addition, you need at least an Instrument Rating, a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and a Multi-Engine Rating (to fly aircraft with more than one engine). So now you have the minimum certifications and ratings. You probably also have from 126 to 225 flight hours. In addition to this, you will need more experience -- in the form of more flight hours....

How Much Money do Pilots Make Compared to Other Professions?

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

So you want to be a pilot -- or a doctor -- or a lawyer, maybe? You think you want to be a pilot, but you're not sure, and compensation is one issue. Seven different occupations made the list of salaries over $100,000. Doctors in the US are first; however, that requires many, many years of study and intense dedication. Guess what profession is next? It's airline pilots. They rank second at $128,406 a year, followed by lawyers at $118,786; marketing and advertising managers are next with $103,883. This information comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bizjournals.com....

Airlines Save Fuel by Using Water

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Did you know that fuel is now the largest component of operating costs for airlines? If you read aviation news articles, you might have read about that. So what are airlines doing to help save fuel? For one, they are buying new aircraft, if they can afford it; the latest technology aircraft burn fuel more efficiently -- and that means less fuel is used. Also, since 2001, hundreds of jetliners worldwide have been outfitted with upswept wingtips that increase range and make the aircraft more aerodynamically efficient. That can save up to 7% on fuel costs....

Phoenix East Aviation Re-Accredited for FIVE Years

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

It's pretty obvious that you want the flight school you choose to be in good standing with the country's aviation governing body -- in the US, that's the FAA, of course. Choosing a school that has a consistent good record with the FAA is most important for safety considerations, and safety should always be foremost in your training. However, a good flying record -- and staying out of trouble with the FAA -- should not the only factor when you choose a flight school. Quality of training, financial security, truthful advertising are also important, as well as number and quality of aircraft. Accreditation will help you determine these things....

What is "Accreditation" for a Flight School?

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

So you've decided to take the big step and go to flight school, because you want to be a commercial pilot and fly with an airline for a career. Good decision: It's an excellent career, and this is the best of times to put on the uniform and start that career. But now for the next big decision, how to choose a flight school. There are many things to consider, but one in particular you may not know about -- and it may help you make the best decision for you. That is the question of accreditation. What is "accreditation" and why it could be an important factor for you? Accreditation is a sort of "seal of quality assurance....

Global Airline Traffic and Fuel Prices

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you read the news, you know it's no secret that the increasing price of fuel is an important concern to airlines worldwide. One test of how well airlines worldwide weather rising costs is expected to come after the peak tourist-travel season, which runs through August. Here's a short lesson in airline industry economics that may help you understand what's going on: Did you realize that global airline industry fortunes currently tend to vary by country or region? For example, US carriers, more than rivals from other countries, are feeling the pinch....

Embraer Expects to Build Record Number of Jets

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, has indicated it expects to deliver 200 jets in 2008, with the 170/190 model accounting for about 80% of the total deliveries. This further indicates the health of the commercial aviation market -- as airlines worldwide buy and fly Embraer jets. In 2007, the company delivered 123 170-190 aircraft, seven ERJ-145s and 35 Legacy aircraft. At the end of 2007, Embraer's backlog (aircraft ordered by not yet build and delivered) consisted of 430 170-190 and 46 ERJ-145s, as well as options for another 917 aircraft. According to Embraer's President and CEO, depite a slowing world economy "customers are demanding more aircraft, not less....

More Reasons for the Pilot Shortage in the US and Europe

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

In the US and Europe, an entire generation of airline pilots who were trained by their countries military in the 1970s are hitting retirement age, and these air forces are no longer turning out enough replacements to be a source of pilots for commercial aviation. In addition, sophisticated fleets of corporate and fractional jets are expanding very rapidly and sucking up pilots who once might have been flying for commercial airlines. Plus, the regional airlines, which genrally hire young and less-experienced pilots, have shifted from slow propeller planes to fast and more complicated new regional jets, which require additional training time....

Some Interesting Regional Airline Statistics

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

OK, so you're now a pilot. You have your Private License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate and Multi-Engine Rating. You've also worked briefly as a flight instructor, earning money while building "free" hours. You now have 350 or 500 hours, maybe a little less even. What your next step? Chances are you'll find yourself on the hiring list of a regional airline. They are growing fast and are often the first important career step for a young pilot....

Training Pilots for Airlines Worldwide

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you've been following aviation in the press anywhere in the world the past few years, you know the shortage of commercial pilots is at perhaps its highest level in many, many years right now. That's no secret. And orders for new aircraft worldwide have been booming, which makes the pilot shortage problem even more severe. This creates an exceptional opportunity for someone who wants to fly as a career. A number of the big aircraft orders have come from low-fare airines, especially in Asia and the Middle East, such as IndiGo, AirAsia, Air Arabia, Tiger Airways and Lion Air....

What is a Fuel Surcharge?

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

The airline industry is having to cope with increasing fuel costs. Flight training academies are also having to deal with the continual increases in aircraft fuel costs. Did you realize that aircraft fuel costs have risen more than 60% in the past year? Airlines are charging a fuel surcharge as part of their ticket prices. You might not realize it, but when the cost of your airline ticket goes up, it's likely that at least part of that cost increase -- if not all of it -- is the result of increasing aircraft fuel costs. Just as the airlines do, flight training centers also often must charge an hourly fuel surcharge, just to keep up with rising fuel prices....

American Eagle Hires New Pilots

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

American Eagle Airlines hired 800 new pilots in 2007 and plans to hire another 700 more in 2008. Las year, American started using pre-employment regional jet training programs to prepare newly hired young pilots. These jet training programs teach perspective first officers such advanced skills as crew resource management (CRM). Want to prepare yourself to be one of these new American Eagle first officers -- or a first officer for one of the other great US airlines? Check out www.pea.com or call 800.868.4359 for information....

Do I Need A University Degree to Be an Airline Pilot?

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:00:00 EST

A US four-year university flight education now costs $120,000 to $180,000. However, many airlines do not require a four-year university degree. At Phoenix East Aviation, Daytona Beach, Florida, you can accomplish all the ratings you need for employment with an airline for as little as $38,046. And if you wish to also have instructor ratings in order to earn money while you build additional flight hours, you can achieve your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings for only $15,226. Check out www.pea.com for more information....

What's an LSA?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST

The LSA market -- or Light Sport Aircraft -- has arrived. And Phoenix East Aviation has 10 of the new Cessna C-162 Skycatchers on order already for flight training. With Cirrus and Cessna aircraft manufacturers both entering this field, it's clear that the "sport" market is hot. The availability of technology in these aircraft is awesome: the latest materials and avionics are found in LSAs that used to be found only in business jets. The selection in avionics ranges from a few standard gauges to glass avionics by Garmin. It seems LSAs are incorporating some of the best characteristics of full sized aircraft, including adding the best avionics available ......

Why Do Airlines Merge?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST

The big news this week in aviation circles is the proposed merger between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines. If government regulators at the US Justice Department approve this deal, it will make the Delta-Northwest combination the world's biggest carrier. Since you want to be part of this exciting industry and make it your career, it would be helpful for you to understand a little about why airlines merge. Mergers are intended to achieve several goals. They can widen route networks, attract more high-profit corporate travel contracts and also strengthen pricing power through their stronger market positioning....

How Safe Is Flying?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST

Just in case your parents are concerned about safety and flying, here is an excellent (quantifiable and verifiable) statistic to convince them that a career as a pilot is indeed safe: In May 2006, Mr. Nicholas Sabatini, the FAA's chief safety official, gave a speech to an audience of international air safety investigators. As part of his speech, he made safety statistics meaningful: He said that if you flew on a US jet once a day, every day, 365 flights a year, it would be 43,000 years before you had a 50-50 chance of being in a fatal crash. In other words, the risk is almost zero....

Airlines Say Major Issue is Shortage of Pilots

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST

As part of the commercial airline industry forecast for 2008, presidents of airlines were asked what are the major issues currently facing them. Here's what they said: Peter Bowler, President, American Eagle: "The industry will face pilot staffing issues in the next year". Chuck Howell, President, Great Lakes Airlines: "The industry will face the following three issues this year: fuel, pilots and consolidation." Michael Magnusson: President, Saab Aircraft Leasing: "The pilot shortage is a real problem and holding regionals back in many instances, not only in the US, but worldwide....

Regional Airlines - Important to Aviation and New Pilots

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST

Regional airlines may quite likely be your first job as a young professional pilot. They have become very important partners to the major or legacy airlines. Regionals carried 156 million pasengers in the US in 2006, with 14,000 flights per day. This accounts for 50 percent of the US domestic schedule. Nearly one in four airline passengers travel on regional airlines. The regional airlines typically serve smaller cities and feed passengers to the larger legacy airlines. An example is SkyWest, which operates 60% of its flights on behalf of Delta and 40% for United. SkyWest also devotes 15 of its 436 aircraft to Midwest Airlines....

Japan Set to Start Manufacturing Jet Aircraft

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expects to announce this week that the company plans to move forward with its Mitsubishi Regional Jet, a 96-seat, single-aisle plane. The jet will use new engine technology and new manufacturing methods that the company hopes will allow it to leapfrog existing regional jets. The company is reported to have lined up financial and technical support from Toyota Motor Corp, Boeing and Pratt & Whitney jet engines. Regional jets are smaller commercial planes with a range of about 2,000 miles. In recent years, airlines around the world have rushed to purchase these smaller jets....

What's "General Aviation?"

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

Since you may just be learning the language of aviation, which, like many other disciplines, has its own "lingo," let's start at the beginning....with the definition of something you will hear all the time: General Aviation or "GA." General Aviation encompasses all aviation other than scheduled airline flights and military operations. It includes privately-owned aircraft, business aircraft and charter operations. That means recreational flying falls in the GA category, as well as flight training, air taxi, passenger charter services, shipping, corporate flying and fire-fighting and police....

If You're A New Pilot and Looking for a Job.......

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

You're a new pilot with a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and Multi-Engine Rating.......and now you want a job flying, of course. You may have a total of 200-250 flight hours. Your goal is to fly for an airline, but they may require more flight time. How do you get those hours as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible? You have a number of options: If you also have Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings, you can work as an instructor pilot to build hours....

Voted Best Airlines in Europe and Asia

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

Swiss International Air Lines was voted "Best Airline for Europe" by the readers of Germany's Business Traveller magazine. It won first in the categories of cabin crew, cabin comfort and ground services and lounges and was therefore once named Best Airline for Europe. It achieved this same award in 2006. Dragonair was voted "Best Asian Airline" at the 2007 annual Huran Report Best of the Best Awards, presented in Shanghai in January. The Hurun Report Best of the Best Awards are selected based on preferences by China's multi-millionaires (Six-hundred and sixty Chinese entrepreneurs worth at least 10 million RMB voted)....

What's a Multi-Engine Rating?

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you're just learning the language of aircraft and flying, one of the ratings you'll want to have as soon as possible is a Multi-Engine rating. What are the requirements? You need to have a private pilot certificate first. For the Multi-Engine rating, there is no minimum age requirement, no formal ground school, and no FAA regulated required flight time. However, most flight schools and insurance companies have a minimum flight time: Phoenix East requires at least 15 hours in the twin-engine DA-42 or PA-34, as well as at least 15 hours of oral instruction, to be competent enough to pass your checkride....

More Airlines Growing and Expanding Service

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

LOT Polish Airlines has purchased 12 additional Embraer 175 jets. The value of this order is USD$372 million, and could be as much as USD $744 million, if all options are confirmed. LOT Polish Airlines was the first operator of the E-jets family in Europe, flying out of its Warsaw hub. The new E-175 jets will complement the airline's existing Embraer fleet of six E-175s and 10 E-170s. Emirates Airline recently signed contracts for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated USD $34.9 billion. Air Arabia recently opened a new hub in Kathmandu, Nepal. The airline is the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa....

Fying Cargo -- Another Good Job for a Pilot

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you wish to fly jets as a career, another good job is flying for a cargo company. That segment of commercial aviation is growing strongly, as the demand for faster shipment of goods increases. Here's what's going on in that segment of the industry: DHL is establishing a $175 million USD Express North Asia Hub at Shanghai Pudong Airport. This is designed to reduce transit times and distances. DHL says this new hub will allow it to provide faster service to more major cities in North Asia. The facility's capacity will be up to 20,000 parcels and 20,000 documents per hour. DHL already operates or uses space on 500 weekly flights to or from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China....

Airlines' Revenues and Profits Continue to Increase

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

The International Air Transport Assocation (IATA) expects the airline industry to report record profits in 2008. They estimate net profits to be approximately $9.6 billion USD, up substantially from 2007, which showed a strong increase over 2006. Net profits in 2007 were approximately $5 billion, as compared to those of 2006, which were $3.8 billion. The general director and chief executive of IATA said airlines in Asia and Europe have gotten a boost from stronger-than-expected growth. Fuel costs represent on average 26% of an airline's operating expenses, but greater efficiency across the airline industry have partly offset the rise in fuel prices....

US Airlines Looking for New Pilots -- Big Opportunities Await You

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

According to Aviation Week, perhaps the most highly respected aviation magazine in the world, challenges continue in pilot recruitment, and the minimum flight hours required for employment appear to be falling as carriers attempt to attract newly qualified pilot candidates. That means you can get a job as a first officer with an airline more quickly after pilot training than anytime in recent history. Pinnacle, ExpressJet and Republic all had pilot staffing problems in 2007, to name just a few. Pinnacle's attrition rate (typically pilots leaving for jobs with other airlines who are aggressively recruiting to meet their own pilot shortages) was 20 a month last year....

Australian Airline Warns of Big Pilot Shortage

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

Australian airline Regional Express (Rex) has said that the country is facing such a severe shortage of pilots that a crisis will ensue within a year, as airlines continue with unprecedented expansion plans. Rex Chief of Staff, Jim Davis, said that already some airlines are struggling to find enough pilots to crew their regular schedules, and many are resorting to cancelling flights to cope with the situation. This has impacted not just Rex, but also Qantas, QantasLink, Virgin and Jetstar. And the situation is expected to get worse. Based on industry figures, it is estimated that the net additional requirements for new pilots in Australia will be 1,800 for at least the next two years....

Regional Airlines Fly Nearly 50% of US Flights

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

So you want to be an airline pilot....make a great salary with excellent benefits, wear the uniform, make your family proud, and be respected by everyone...all in all, have a great career? Your first job after pilot training -- and do call Phoenix East Aviation now to learn about starting your pilot training right away -- will quite possibly be a regional airline. Regional airlines are headquartered and fly all over the country, and those airlines are growing faster than any other category of commercial aviation: that means they especially need pilots and are often ready to take new pilots almost right out of flight school....

Demand for Corporate Pilots Outpaces Supply

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

A range of new opportunities exist for business jet professionals and new pilots who wish to fly business jets as a career -- and an excellent career it is -- with a great salary and good benefits. The demand for pilots outpaced the available resources, according the Raymond Stebler, of New Jersey based Jet Professionals, which experienced a 50% growth in business in 2007. The company hires pilots to fly corporate aircraft. Interested in being a charter or corporate pilot? Call Phoenix East Aviation at 1-800-868-4359 or check out our flight school web site for more information....

Learn Something About Commercial Aircraft - B737-800

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

So you say you dream about flying, that you have a passion for aviation? Then maybe it's a good idea for you to learn a little about commercial aircraft. Check out this site regularly for information about various aircraft. Think about which ones excite you...maybe even fantasize about being the captain of one of them yourself someday. Let's start with a very popular aircraft today: The Boeing 737. The 737-800 is the most popular member of the next-generation 737 family, with more than 2,400 airplanes ordered. The 737-800 single-aisle aircraft is ranked as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class....

Middle East Aviation Poised for Significant Growth

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Middle Eastern airlines are planning significant -- and sustained -- growth, according to the CEO of Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa. Middle East-based airlines are collectively growing at 10 percent a year, double the global average, according to Arab Air Carriers Organization. That means that one in every eight commercial flight worldwide is now flown by a low-cost carrier. The Middle East is home to the youngest (newest) fleet in the world, with a total of more than 600 aircraft. The Middle East also had the greatest number of new aircraft on order anywhere in the world....

So Many New Aircraft Ordered...

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

We continue to let you know who's buying new aircraft, so you, as a new pilot or someone interested in a career as a pilot, will know who is growing and buying new equipment. Actually, virtually all airlines worldwide are expanding now, but check out who's buying new equipment this month: SpiceJet (India)plans to have 24 planes by April 2008. They currently have 18. The airlines has only been in operation for two years. Emirates Airline has contracted for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated US$35 billion. (Yes, that's right, a staggering total of 143 new airplanes). LOT Polish Airlines has signed a firm order to add 12 more Embraer 175 jets....

Air China to Become the World's 6th Largest Airline?

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you want a career as an airline pilot in Asia, the strong growth in that market indicates this is the best time in recent history for you. A good example of this is Air China, which is poised to become the world's sixth-largest airline, bigger than Northwest Airlines and even British Airways. It appears that Air China plans to take over China Eastern. That means China could soon have a single giant aviation business dominating Beijing as well as Shanghai. Beijing-based Air China is already affiliated with Cathay Pacific, which is the dominant carrier in the country's richest city, Hong Kong. The biggest Chinese airline is China Southern. Air China is second and China Eastern third....

Expanding Airlines -- New Aircraft Purchases

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you plan to be a pilot, you may want to find out which airlines are expanding the fastest -- and maybe hiring more pilots. Though the industry overall is rapidly growing, here's who's placing orders this month for new aircraft: Malaysia's AirAsia ordered 25 more Airbus A320s. This order is valued at $1.8 billion USD. This new deal will raise AirAsia's total orders for A320s to 175, according to CEO Tony Fernandes. Economic growth is boosting air travel in Southeast Asia, home to more than 500 million people. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is seeking to loosen air restrictions in the region this year to spur tourism and business travel even more....

Another New Airline Planned

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Another new airline is planned. AirAsia signed a letter of intent with Shipbuilding Industry Group to establish a joint venture low-cost airline in Vietnam. The airline would carry the name VINA AIRASIA. It would serve domestic, regional and international routes, and eventually build two distinct divisions to facilitate short and long-haul aviation, according to AirAsia. Interested in flying for this new airline? Call Phoenix East and start your flight training now. Check out www.pea.com and learn how you can fulfill your dream by becoming a commercial pilot....

What About Flying a Business Jet?

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Have you ever considered a career as a corporate pilot or a charter pilot? The field is growing rapidly, making it easy for pilots to get jobs. Here's some statistics on this market: Forecast International expects business jet production to exceed 1,200 airplanes in 2008, reaching at least 1,500 units by 2011. It projects that 14,978 business jets, worth some $192 Billion USD will be produced from 2007 through 2016. Included inthose nubmers are some 5,783 Very Light Jets (VLJs) which will accountfor over 30 percent of the overall business jet units forecast. What does this mean? If you want a career as a pilot, if you dream of a career as a pilot, here's another excellent opportunity....

You Can Now Fly to Age 65

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

If you want to be an airline captain, you're in luck. Your career can now be longer. On December 11, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would rescind the mandatory retirement age of 60 for pilots. The bill was quickly approved, and President Bush signed the law. It is designed to at least temporarily slow the number of pilots that big airlines hire away from smaller airlines, and that foreign airlines hire away from US airlines. This new bill allows pilots flying under 14 CFR Part 121 to remain on the flight deck of aircaft requiring multiple crew members, if at least one of the other crewmembers has not yet reached 60 years of age....

American Airlines Hiring Pilots Right Now

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

American Airlines's (AMR Corp) American Eagle hired more than 500 pilots in 2007, which is approximately 20% of its total 3,000 pilots. About 170 pilots were also called back up to American Airlines, and about 30 pilots each month found left American Eagle. That has left American Eagle hustling to hire new pilots directly from flight schools. The pilot shortage was a contributing factor in some flight cancellations in 2007. As a result, Eagle has lowered its minimum requirements to 600 hours total flying time (it was 800 hours), and the airline says it will also consider pilot candidates with only 500 hours....

Dubai Airshow Results -- Even More Aircraft Orders

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST

If you wonder whether a career as an airline pilot would be a secure one, with jobs available, just look at the plans of major airlines for the answer. The future orders for aircraft are at an all-time high. This was again apparent at the recent Dubai Airshow. Airlines would not be buying aircraft in record numbers, if they didn't feel strongly that the commercial aviation industry would be continuing its strong growth for a long time. Here's what happened at Dubai: Combined, the two major airframe manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, won contracts worth nearly $70 billion USD at that show. Airbus took the lead with 297 orders and commitments, and Boeing won 155 new aircraft orders....

Middle Eastern Growth in Regional Airlines

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST

The Dubai Airshow produced huge orders for widebody commercial aircraft, but it also showed there has been -- and will continue to be -- significant growth in Middle Eastern regional airlines. The CEO of Royal Jet said that relaxation of customs restrictions in the Gulf region has helped create a thriving economy, which is reflected in regional flights growing at up to 30% a year. This growth is being met by low-fare airlines such as Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways, Nile Air, nas air and Al Jaber. It is also being met by executive charter operations such as Royal Jet....

Lufthansa and Chinese Airlines Announce the Need for More Pilots

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Lufthansa Passenger Airlines, LH Cargo and Germanwings say they will need about 425 additional pilots in 2008 just to meet the airlines' growing demand. This includes 315 pilots for the passenger segments alone. Currently, about 4,500 pilots fly for these three German sister carriers. Subsidiary LFT trained over 200 new pilots during the past two years, but they are still looking for an additional 200 pilots. LH doubled its request for new pilots from 120 in 2004 and 2005 to 300 in 2007. They expect to need an additional 360 pilots by the end of 2008. Shanghai-based Spring Airlines has indicated they will be slowing development unless they can resolve their pilot shortage....

India Airlines Continue to Expand

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

India's Kingfisher Airlines has further expanded its route network with the additonal of four new routes. New service includes New Delhi to Lucknow, Varanasi to Khasjuraho, and New Delhi to Khajuraho and Delhi to Varanasi. Kingfisher is now operating 218 flights each day to 37 destinations. They have a fleet of 36 new aircraft. Kingfisher Airlines was launched in May of 2005. The airline has received 30 awards to date for innovation and customer responsiveness. SpiceJet, also an India-based airline, has announced delivery of a new 737-900ER (extended range) aircraft....

Massive Aircraft Order by China

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Chinese aviation officals announced an agreement yesterday with Airbus to order 110 A320 aircraft plus 40 A330 aircraft. The massive order is valued at approximately USD$15 million. China Southern Airlines also signed a separate agreement with Airbus for 10 A320-200s. These announcements coincided with a meeting held this week in Beijing between French President Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu Jintao. The agreement also includes the stipulation that Chinese industry have a 5% stake in A350 airframe production. Six Chinese manufacturers already build parts for Airbus....

Pilot Shortage Hits US Regional Airlines Hard

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Traditionally, regional commercial air carriers have been the first stop for new career pilots. However, because of the current pilot shortage, this has changed over the past year. There are now fewer regional airline pilot applicants and attrition rates have increased. In response, these carriers are recruiting flight instructors to staff their cockpits. This is expected to continue for a number of years, because the projected need is for 120,000 new pilots in the next 10 years. There has never been a better time to become a pilot. And the shortage extends beyond just regional airlines....

Pilots in the Middle East Are Needed

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Middle Eastern airlines are scrambling behind the scenes to ensure there will be enough pilots to fly all the new aircraft they are ordering. Air Arabia pilots attending a recent conference in Amman, Jordan, agreed that it was common for wealthier Middle Eastern airlines to poach pilots from their smaller rivals. Royal Jordanian estimates that the cost of paying to obtain a CPL, plus 140 hours at Jordan Airline Training and Simulation is approximately $100,000 and takes 30 months. Visit Phoenix East Aviation and find out how you can achieve that rating for about half that cost....

Honda Builds Aerospace Plant in US for VLJs

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

The commercial and general aviation industries are watching the development of a new class of aircraft very carefully: the very light jet, or "VLJ," is anticipated to have a big, very positive impact on aviation in the next decade. Honda is one of the companies developing the new VLJ aircraft. The company, in partnership with GE, has decided to build their own engines for this aircraft, and to do so in the US. Honda Aero, Inc. will break ground tomorrow on its new corporate headquarters and state-of-the-art engine manufacturing facility in Burlington, North Carolina. Manufactured at this plant wil be the GE-Honda HF120 turbofan engine. It will power two of Honda's VLJ models....

How's the Pilot Salary with Regional Airlines?

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Regional airlines say that a relatively low base pay for entry-level pilots can rise quickly because of growth and upward mobility. Pilots ramp up quickly from the average beginning annual salary of $20,000 in the US. Moving from the right seat to the left, from First Officer to Captain, often triggers a 33% increase in pay within a year for most regional airlines. A Pinnacle Airlines captain, for example, with several years of flying can make $80,000 or $90,000 a year. European regional pilots entry pay is typically higher than in the US. For example, the base salary at Flybe for a Q400 first officer is comparable to $39,000 to $50,000....

Ever Consider a Career as an Airline Dispatcher?

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST

If you have a passion for aviation, you might want to consider a job as an airline dispatcher, definitely one of the most exciting and best paying jobs in the airline industry. What does an airline dispatcher do? You will work in an airline's Operations Centrol Center, making decisions and sharing responsibility with an airline captain regarding daily flight operations. You are like the "captain on the ground," planning flights, considering the weather, aircraft maintenance, airport navigational facilities etc. You may cancel or delay flights to ensure the safety of each flight. You will work in a central office that controls all the flights for your airline....

American and Delta Airines Report Strong Profits

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST

American Airlines announced a USD$175 million net profit for the 3rd quarter, up from $15 million in the same period in 2006. Load factors were at record levels, and forecasts indicate load factor will grow again in the fourth quarter of this year. American's third-quarter profit was the crarier's highest since 2000. US carrier Delta Airlines just reported an all-time company record of USD$5.2 billion in revenues for third quarter. It's net income for the period was USD$220 million. Delta plans to continue its international expansion and will launch 17 new routes by next summer....

The Delivery of an Airbus A380

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST

Airbus has just delivered the first A380 to a customer. That customer, Singapore Airlines, is now in the process of unveiling its astonishing new cabin configuration. SIA will carry 471 passengers in "enhanced" economy, business and a premium first class (which includes 12 personal suites and a full bed). There are even 60 upper-deck business class seats which convert to full flat beds. Interested in flying one of these incredible airplanes? It make take a few years until you get there, but there's no better time to start working on your dream to fly one of these amazing airplanes. Phoenix East Aviation is here to help make that dream come true....

US Airways Hiring Huge Numbers of Pilots

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST

US Airways has announted that it plans to hire 350 pilots. These new hires will be based in Philadelphia, PA and will fly the airline's new Embraer 190 aircraft. US Airways is also expanding its fleet. It currently has four 99-seat 190s and plans to have eight more by year's end. That will boost its overall fleet to 25 by the end of next year. The first of this group of new pilots will begining training next month. Starting pay is about $41,000 for a first officer. The airlines says it expects to have hired all 350 new pilots within 12 to 16 months from now....

Aviation in Africa Today

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST

Passenger travel in Africa is growing steadily, and that's good news for perspective pilots from African countries. However, capacity needs to grow at the same pace. The market holds immense potential, according to the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and European carriers have been actively working to add routes. US carrier, Delta Airines, is also adding US-Africa non-stop routes. Right now about 3,500 passengers fly daily each way between the US and Africa. If you're interested in becoming a pilot, and you are from an African country, consider coming to the US for your flight training....

Supersonic Flight -- 60 Years Ago

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST

Supersonic flight has come a long way since the first manned flight broke the sound barrier 60 years ago. That was in 1947, and it happened in California, over the Mojave Desert. That's when the first sonic boom was created by a manned aircraft. You may have heard of the pilot; he's pretty famous in aviation circles -- young US Air Force Capt. Charles (Chuck) Yeager was his name. He flew in an experimental aircraft, the Bell XS-1 and reach Mach 1.06. The reaction of the world was phenomenal when the press found out about this previously-secret flight. The breaking of the sound barrier, as it was called by the press, represented a milestone in the burgeoning post WWII aviation industry....

A Good Career as a Charter Pilot

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

Today's charter pilots are much different than 20 years ago, when many came from the military and flew Beech King Air or Piper Chieftain for passenger work. The influx of corporate jets into the charter market changed things. Today a charter captain makes an average annual salary between $55,000 and $80,000 (with some making as much as $120,000), according to a Charter Journal survey. If you fly charter for other than a small company, your work schedule will likely be five days on duty and five off. You may even get fourteen on and fourteen off. While certainly not all charter pilots are men, only about five percent are female currently....

Airlines Worldwide Buying More Aircraft

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

This blog keeps you updated on many of the commercial airlines who are purchasing new aircraft. The reason is simple, though maybe not obvious; it is so you, as pilot training students or prospective pilots, know which airlines are growing especially rapidly or replacing their equipment -- and learn more about these individual airlines. You may want to fly for one or more of these successful airlines some day. Since the commercial aviation industry as a whole is growing so rapidly right now, all airlines purchasing new equipment are not included here; the list would be very, very long, and, frankly, pretty boring....

An Aerobatic Trainer for Phoenix East

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation recently took delivery of a new aircraft for flight training, an 8KCAB Decathlon. What makes this aircraft unique in the PEA fleet is its use: It is used for upset recovery training. If you're asking yourself "what is that," you're in for an interesting answer: In summary, it's to make you, the student pilot, a safer pilot, not just during your training, but throughout your career. Phoenix East, as part of its Professional I and Professional III programs, trains you to recover from emergency situations, safely, in the 8KCAB. This amazing little aircraft is capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses of +6/-5g....

The Global Pilot Shortage Problem

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

The 10th annual World Aviation Training Conference recently took place. All the statistics that follow are from that conference. Aviation employment in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will need to double by 2015 and India's will triple to serve the growing industry. The GCC will need 8,000 new aviation professionals a year, but the schools in the region graduate a mere 1,000 a year. And globally, in the next 20 years there will be unparalled growth, with 25,000 new aircraft added to the 17,000 already in service, requiring the training of 18,000 new pilots each year....

Chinese Aircraft Makers Planning New Models

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

Chinese aircraft manufacturers are planning to build a number of new aircraft. This is in addition to the ARJ21 large regional jet, which is expected to be introduced by the end of this year in China. Avic I, which is one of the country's two aviation manufacturing companies, is planning a new turboprop transport, a new business jet and a new general aviation aircraft. The company's strategy is to build a complete family of aircraft at plants in China. These would include turboprop aircraft with up to 70 seats, as well as its ARJ21 with 100 seats....

More Women Take Flight

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

There is a growing band of women in the commercial airline industry who are taking over high-profile positions running big hubs, heading airport ground operations, leading aircaft maintenance and managing airline operation control dispatch centers. The shift is largely due to the airlines' lessening dependence on the military for recruits and a wave of retirements by men. American Airlines senior vice president of human resources commented that there was a time when nearly all commercial pilots and mechanics came out of the military, and there weren't many women in the military. The male dominance was by circumstance, not intention....

Bombardier Sees A Surge in Aircraft Manufacturing

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has noted the torrid pace of growth of business and regional aircraft, both jets and turboprops this year. The backlog (orders booked for by customers for new aircraft) at Bombardier's aerospace unit has soared to a record USD $18.2 billion. Net orders for business aircraft rose to 103 from 67 a year earlier, and net orders for regional jets soared to 84 from nine for the period. Bombardier's Aerospace Division president has indicated the manufacturer will start churning out a regional jet every four days, beginning in 2009....

More Airplanes Than Ever Are Flying Now

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST

There are more aircraft in the sky now than ever before, and the need for pilots continues to be great. Some interesting statistics: US airlines grounded a net 385 large planes from 2000 through 2006 -- mainly after, and as a result of, 9/11 -- but they added 1,029 regional jets, according to data firm Airline Monitor. Passengers like the smaller planes because in reality it means more frequent flights to more cities -- and therefore more convenient schedules. The combination of smaller jets and more numerous flights makes airlines' schedules more attractive to high-dollar business travelers. So the airlines also like the smaller jets and the the economics of these aircraft....

Asia's Shortage of Pilots

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

With increasing deregulation and increasing consumer demand, many new commercial airlines are starting operations and offering flights throughout Asia. But there is a serious shortage of pilots. According to Alteon Training, a Boeing company, India has fewer than 3,000 pilots today, but will need more than 12,000 by 2025. China will need to find an average of 2,200 new pilots each year, just to keep up with the growth in air travel, which means it will need more than 40,000 pilots by 2025, according to the international journal, Economist....

China's Airline Industry Rapid Development

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

In recent years China's aviation industry has developed rapidly, with an average annual growth rate greater than 16%, according to the country's civil aviation authority (CAAC). As a result, a shortage of pilots, technical workers, air space and airport capacity has occurred. The government is forecasting a 14% annual growth in passenger numbers through 2010, after which even more rapid growth is forecasted. To give it time to expand its aviation infastructure and services, China will allow few new Chinese start-up airlines for the next three years....

Do You Want To Work for An Airline That's Growing?

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

If you wish to work for an airline that's aggressive and growing, that's easy to do today, with the boom in aviation growth. But to apply some statistics and figures to that statement, here's more about the latest airlines that are buying new aircraft, and which ones are partnering with and acquiring other airlines: Pinnacle Airlines has purchased Colgan Airlines for US $20-million. Pinnacle will now serve a significant proportion of the US major airlines with agreements with Continental, United and US Airways. Frontier Airlines has selected Republic Airlines to operate 17 Embraer 170s, as part of Frontier's regional jet service....

You Are Not Alone in Your Love of Aviation

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

Have you ever heard of an event called AirVenture? It is sponsored by the US-based Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and is held every summer in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It draws enormous numbers of aviation buffs, pilots and industry businesses. The numbers are staggering: This year attendance at the event topped 560,000 visitors. Other numbers included more than 10,000 aircraft that flew in to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and nearby fields -- 2,647 showplanes (985 homebuilts, 1,014 vintage airplanes, 365 warbirds, 136 ultralights, 117 seaplanes and 30 rotorcraft)....

Trillion Dollar Aircraft Market Forecasted

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

Boeing, one of the two largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, has forecasted a demand for new aircraft worth US $3.8 trillion over the next 20 years. This is based on a five percent annual increase in passenger traffic growth, and more than a six percent increase in air cargo traffic. The cargo growth of over six percent a year is for air frieght alone; another nearly three percent growth is predicted every year for airmail. This will triple the volume of world air cargo traffic over the next 20 years. To meet this projected growth, the average size of freighter aircraft is expected to increase, plus the dedicated cargo fleet will more than double to nearly 4,000 aircraft....

Emirates Airline Places Big Order for Jets

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, chairman of Emirates Airline, has order 55 superjumbo Airbus A380 passenger jets, to create the biggest fleet of these double-decker airplanes in the world. His plan to to make Dubai the busiest international airline hub in the world, bigger than London, New York and Singapore. This ambitious plan is not unusual for Sheik Ahmed: He built Emirates from just two planes and only $10 million in 1985 into the world's eighth largest international carrier, with a fleet of 105 widebody aircraft currently. It is not only the world's fastest-growing airline, it is also one of the most consistently profitable....

Airlines Handle More Passengers -- Need More Pilots

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EST

So you want to be an airline pilot, but are not sure a job will be waiting for you after pilot training? Over the past three years, this blog has written a number of articles about the rapid growth of commercial aviation and how this growth has demanded -- and continues to demand -- more pilots. Check out those articles, listed with other articles, on the Phoenix East Aviation blog. Those articles confirm the worldwide growth in commercial aviation. Here is more evidence, from worldwide Reuters News Service about the continuing growth: The number of passengers passing through airports worldwide hit a record of 4....

Is There an Advantage to Using Good Simulators in Flight Training?

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

When a flight school tells you they don't use simulators, that, instead, students are always trained in the air, guess what? That could be because it's such a small school that they can't afford simulators. And maybe they want to train you when they're not busy selling aviation fuel or repairing aircraft. Is this the kind of training you want when your dream is to be a pilot for one of the world's great airlines? At Phoenix East, training in simulators is part of the high quality instruction you receive. We use Frasca flight simulation equipment. And we do so for good reasons -- because they give pilots everything you need on the ground to prepare for anything you'll face in the air....

Northwest Airlines To Hire More Pilots

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

Northwest Airlines had to cancel 1,000 flights recently, or more than 100 a day, because of pilot shortages and bad weather. The airline plans to fix that problem by reduoubling its efforts to increase its pilot hirng, plus modifying trip schedules. Are you interested in becoming a pilot, so you can be one of the lucky new hires for Northwest or other airlines? Call Phoenix East Aviation, one of the few nationally accredited flight schools in the US, for more information. You could be in uniform and training at Phoenix East in Daytona Beach, Florida, as soon as next month. Call and talk to one of our Admissions Officers at 800-868-4359 or visit our web site at www.pea.com....

Pilot Hiring Fairs in the US

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

When a prospective student calls Phoenix East Aviation with questions, one of those questions is often "are airlines hiring pilots?" The answer is an unequivocal "Yes." For example, and just one example of many, (see other blog articles on this subject), more than 400 pilots recently met 70 representatives from 32 major, national, regional, foreign, fractional and crew leasing airlines for the first Airline Pilot Career Seminar, Airline Forum, and Job Fair, held at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Pilots met with key hiring representatives of airlines. Air Tran, for example, spoke with 135 pilots and set up nearly 50 interviews to be conducted in their Atlanta offices....

Pilots Needed for China's Airlines

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

Forecasts indicate that the Chinese mainland will need more than 3,000 passenger aircraft and freighters through 2025, some 2,050 single aisle aircraft, nearly 600 smaller twin-aisle aircraft and over 200 intermediate twin-aisle aircraft plus 180 very large aircraft. And how many pilots will they need to fly these aircraft? 6,000? 10,000? China is hiring pilots from China, from Chinese-speaking countries, and also from non-Chinese speaking countries. The need for pilots is great. Are you interested? Airbus predicts that the Chinese mainland passenger fleet will more than truple in the next 20 years, making it the world's second largest aviation market....

SWISS Continues Expansion and Pilot Hiring

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

SWISS continues growing. In addition to the two further Airbus A330s, whose acquisition has already been communicated, Switzerland's airline plans to add three more Airbus A340 aircraft to its long-haul fleet in the next two years. With the arrival of these five new aircraft, SWISS will operate a fleet of 23 long-haul aircraft. This planned expansion will also create 550 news jobs among SWISS's flying personnel. As of this summer, SWISS will operate a fleet of 72 aircraft serving 70 destinations worldwide....

US and International Airlines Now Hiring

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

All major US airlines are now hiring pilots, according to Chris Lehman, Editor in Chief for Civil Aviation Training magazine. He sites a global boom in commercial airline orders, aggressive recruiting of North American pilots by overseas carriers, and continued high rates of retirements, as fueling this hiring. With global airline fleets expected to double by 2025 -- to over 35,000 aircraft -- it's clear that the number of pilots needed will more than double. It is also believed that the Very Light Jet (VLJ) may also spark significant additional hiring of pilots, as nearly 1,000 VLJs will be delivered by 2010....

What About Those Cheaper Flight Schools?

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST

Some flight schools offer great prices on their web sites, but when students arrive for planned training, they find the flight school fleet consists of only a few aircraft -- and they are old and outmoded and spend more time in the maintenance shop than flying with students. And even when they are available, students find themselves struggling to compete with other students for flight time. The result is too much waiting to get on the schedule, and too little flying. At Phoenix East Aviation, we've had transfer students tell us that they just gave up on some of these cheaper, local, non-professional flight schools because they were not able to fly often enough to make it worthwhile....

So You Love Aviation, But Don't Want to Be A Pilot?

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

If you have a passion for aviation, consider a career as an Airline Dispatcher, one of the most exciting and best-paying jobs in the airline industry. Commercial aviation is expanding worldwide, and now is an excellent time for you to begin this exciting career. Dispatcher positions are available with airlines throughout the world. Phoenix East also has agreements with airlines for immediate job placement for qualified graduates. Phoenix East Aviation provides all your training. Your course is FAA-approved, six-weeks long with 200 hours of classroom training. You'll train at our excellent flight training academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, in a classroom setting, from experienced instructors....

The Facts about Low-fare Airlines Trends

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

Don't listen to anyone that discourages you from flying for the airlines. It's not only a very, very exciting industry -- and career -- it's also growing very steadily and very rapidly. This means it's a great place to be for someone just starting out on a new career. Listen to what's going on in just one segment of the industry -- the low-fare airlines: An analysis of flight schedules from 1,000 network and low-fare airlines worldwide recently showed that there are an additional 46,000 flights and 7.5 million seats available just this year on low-fare carriers....

Turning "Green:" The Airline Industry Become More Environmentally-Conscious

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

At the Paris Air Show this week, in the effort to better publicize its efforts to be part of an environmentally-conscious industry, Airbus showed an image of dolphins, rain forests, and fishing boats on a misty pond. The company's CEO said, at a press conference, that Airbus is "saving the planet, one A380 at a time." Advanced fuel-saving aerodynamic design, including wingtip fences and an all new lighter cabin help reduce fuel burn, making the A320 amily the most environmentally friendly single aisle aircraft in operation....

India Student Pilots

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

So you are an Indian citizen and you want to learn to fly? The need for pilots is great in India -- and will be for a number of years to come. So now's the time to start planning your career as a commercial pilot. You may also know that the opportunities to learn to fly and get a Commercial Pilot's License in India are limited -- and take many years to complete. It's not that way in the US You can learn to fly quickly, get your licenses and ratings quickly, satisfy Indian government flying requirements ... everything, all in the US And at a cost significantly less than in Europe. ...and we do it all in the beautiful beach community of Daytona Beach, Florida....

More Airlines Worldwide that are Growing - Will They Hire You to be Their Newest Pilot?

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

We all want to work for successful enterprises. Here's some news on just a few airlines that recently have announced excellent performance: Canadian airline WestJet marks the fifth consecutive record month. The airline's May capacity increased 15% over May of last year. A growth rate of over 20% continues in Finnair's Europe-Asia traffic. For the whole year, Asian traffic is expected to grow by 30%. And thanks to the 76-100 seat Embraer aircraft, capacity in domestic traffic has also improved. The passenger load factor overall was higher than in 2006 (year to date comparison through May). Delta Airlines achieved record May load factors. System traffic increased 5.9% from May 2006....

What's It Like to Fly for a Major Airline?

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST

Each major airline throughout the world is of course somewhat different. But you may not realize exactly what it means to be a "big" airline -- and fly for one of them. Here's what you can expect, in terms of where you might fly, if, for example, you were hired by Delta Airlines. Delta serves 332 destinations in 57 countries. They introduced 60 new international routes just last year and have added more international capacity than other US airlines combined. Delta has more flights across the Atlantic, with flights to 36 trans-Atlantic destinations. To Latin American and the Caribbean, Delta offers nearly 700 weekly flights to 63 destinations. Delta boarded 9....

Do You Know About Commercial Aircraft Safety?

Sun, 13 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

Members of commerical aviation's trade group, the International Air Transport Association, must abide by safety rules to maintain membership. The association has 251 commerical airline members, all of whom have to submit to an extensive safety audit. These audits involve five days of inspections by a six-member team. Any finds must be addressed, and there are follow-up audits. You can find out those airlines that have achieved a passing grade on a current audit at www.iato.org/ps/services/iosa/registry.htm. This information may assist you as you decide to which airlines you wish to apply for employment....

Virgin Atlantic Purchases Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Sun, 13 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

In order to keep pace with its growth and as part of its strategy to keep the airline internationally competitive on Atlantic routes, Virgin Atlantic Airways will purchase up to 24 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This deal is worth approximately USD $3.6 billion. This new generation of aircraft will fly with a new generation of engines also, which are 20% more efficient than those of other wide-body aircraft. The engines are being developed by both GE and Rolls-Royce. The new technology will also make the engines cleaner-burning and less noisy. Such improvements are important to the aviation industry....

8,500 Pilot Jobs Forecast in 2007

Sat, 12 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

During 2006, US airlines hired 1,556 more pilots than they had forecast at the beginning of the year, according to Aviation Information Resources, Inc. Airlines had expected to hire up to 6,700 pilots, but they actually ended up hired 8,256 during the year, according to 2007 Airline Pilot Hiring Forecast. According to Kit Darby, president of AIR,Inc. "the largest hiring increase came from the national airlines, which forecast hiring 2,100 of the 6,700 pilots. For the ninth straight year the national carriers dominated the industry, adding 3,233 new pilot jobs to their sector -- an increase of 1,133 from what they had originally forecast hiring....

Girls, Have You Always Wanted to Fly?

Fri, 11 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

Girls, do you find yourself gazing skyward when you hear an airplane flying overhead? Do you think about what it would be like to be a pilot for an airline? If you find yourself irresistibly drawn toward aviation, then why not consider making it your career? Aviation is ripe with opportunities for women now. Although female pilots presently make up a small percentage of airline pilots, most airlines in 2007 will hire you based on your skills and experience -- not your gender. Phoenix East has many female student pilots, as well as many female flight instructors....

The Sensation of Flight - Have You Ever Wondered?

Fri, 11 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

Have you ever wondered when it feels like to fly? To pilot your own aircraft? To see far into the distance and look down at the earth? If you think about learning to fly, and you think about it often...about experiencing incredible sensations of flight like these, maybe you should consider becoming a pilot as a career. So what does it feel like to fly your own aircraft? Will you ever know? If you call Phoenix East Aviation in Daytona Beach, Florida, you can talk to an Admissions Officer about what it takes to fly....

Phoenix East Announces Partnership with Airlines

Sat, 05 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

Phoenix East Aviation announces partnerships with two new airlines. The flight training academy has signed agreements with Colgan Airlines and Mesa Airlines to guarantee interviews for positions as first officers on those airlines to those graduates of Phoenix East Aviation who meet their minimum requirements. Phoenix East Aviation has been training pilots for airlines worldwide since 1972. See the Phoenix East website for lists of recent graduates who are now flying for airlines. Phoenix East Aviation also includes the long list of airlines throughout the world for which flight school graduates of PEA are currently flying, as first officers and captains....

A New US Airline Launched

Fri, 04 May 2007 12:00:00 EST

Skybus Airlines, inc., a budget carrier, has announced plans to begin flying this month. The airline plans to buy 70+ aircraft in the next five years as they ramp up service. Skybus will fly from Columbus, Ohio, to Burbank, California; Portsmouth, New Hamphire; Richmond, Virginia; and Kansas City, Missouri. It will soon add Bellingham, Washington; Greensboro/Winston-Salem, North Caroline; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Oakland, California, to its routes. You can train now to be a pilot -- and before you know it, you can be the first officer on an airline such as Skybus. Call Phoenix East Aviation today to learn how we can help you make that happen very, very soon....

Airlines Worldwide Expand with New Routes

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

JetBlue adds new service from Boston to San Diego and Aruba. This brings to 27 the number of nonstop destinations by JetBlue from Boston's Logan Airport. JetBlue is Logan Airport's fastest growing airline. Southwest Airlines announced the addition of six new flights to Dallas, New Orleans, Houston, Tampa Bay, Albuquerque, Norfolk, New Orleans, Seattle and Orlando. Ryanair announces four new routes from its bases in Frankfurt and Marseille. The airline has also added additional flights on routes from Stansted, Barcelona, Liverpool, Pisa and East Midlands....

Are US Airlines Hiring Pilots?

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

Is thre a pilot shortage in the US? Are US airlines hiring now? You betcha they are! Listen to these statistics. US national airlines, defined as those with from $100 million to more than $1 billion in annual revenues, are the LEADERS in airline pilot hiring during the last 12 months. They listed 235 new hires for the month of September 2006 alone, with a total for the past 12 months of 2,351. These include such airlines as Air Wisconsin, American Eagle, ASA, ExpressJet, Frontier, Horizon, Mesa, Pinnacle, Republic Airways and SkyWest. What are called the "majors," or "legacy" airlines recorded a year-to-date new hire list of 1,692 pilots....

Aircraft Orders Strong for Embraer

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

Strong orders for the Embaer's 170 and 190 regional jet family mean the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has sold all production slots for this year -- anad also for most of next year! Embraer is trying to increase production. It currently produces 14 aircraft per month. Only about 15% of the production slots available for 2008 remain uncommitted, according to Embraer CEO Frederico Curado. The company also expects to be able to sell a number of its 170/190 aircraft to China airlines. The EMB-145 is currently being built in China as part of a Harbin-Embraer joint venture....

Airlines Purchasing Airlines as Industry Grows Rapidly

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

The intrigue continues as airlines and investments groups continue to seek airlines to acquire to capitalize on the industry's growth. With all this intrigue, maybe Hollywood should base a movie on this. Lots of intrigue and wheeling and dealing! Texas Pacific Group (TPG) is looking at acquiring Iberia, Spain's biggest airline, and the future of BMI (formerly British Midland) is another issue, as both BA and Virgin Atlantic are showing an interest in this regional airline. Aeroflot has indicated an interest in acquiring Alitalia, in what looks to be a similar arrangement to the recent takeover of Malev Hungarian Airlines by AirBridge, a Russian investment group....

Boeing Exceeds 500 Orders for New B-787 Aircraft from Airlines Worldwide

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

Boeing just announced it now has orders for more than 500 of the new 787 aircraft. At the same time Japan Airlines (JAL) confirmed that it planned to increase its order for the 787 -- adding another five aircraft. It had initially ordered 30. JAL plans to phase out its enormous 747 fleet and replace those aircraft with 787 and 777. Boeing indicated it had not expected to pass the 500-order mark so quickly. The company claims the 787 has become the "fastest-selling commercial airplane in history." It currently has orders for 514 aircraft, from 43 different customers. The 787 is, for all practical purposes, sold out through 2013, based on manufacturing schedules....

Female Pilots Have a Great History

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

So you want to be a pilot, and you are a woman. Today about 7% of airline pilots worldwide are female. If you are a well-trained pilot and meet the requirements of the airline, you could find yourself with a fabulous career. Women also fly in the military and in space, in helicopters and in corporate jets. They do cropdusting, hauling freight, patrolling oil pipelines, and teaching students to fly. And it's nothing new. Women have made significant contributions to flight ever since the beginning of aviation. Blanche Scott was the first woman pilot, in 1910, just seven years after the Wright brothers first 12 second flight. And a year later, Harriet Quimby became the first licensed pilot....

The Joy of Flying ...Can You Relate to This?

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

"I can't remember the time when airplanes were not a part of my life and can't remember ever wanting anything so much as to fly one. Once I had started, I had to keep flying. But it was not until I was seventeen that I finally got into an airplane. At that time I felt I had come to the place where I belonged in the world. The air to me was what being on the groundwas to other people. When I felt nervous, it pulled me together. Things could get too much for me on the ground; they never got that way in the air. Flying came into my mind like fresh air into smoked-up lungs, was food in my hungry mouth and strength in my weak arms. I felt that way the first time I got into airplane....

Women Pilots In World War II

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST

World War II was very beneficial for women who wished to be involved in aviation. As World War II continued, women found it easier to participate in many aspects of flight and aviation in general. They became test pilots, ferry pilots, flight controllers, pilot training instructors, mechanics, and aircraft production line workers. At the beginning of 1943, over 31% of the aviation work force in the US was female. The US Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) Civil Pilot Training Program taught many women to fly during WWII. More than 900 women achieved their pilot's licenses by 1941. Forty-three of them served as flight instructors....

Australia's Liberal Approach to Commercial Aviation

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST

A move into the Australian domestic market by Singaporean budget carrier, Tiger Airways, is an ambitious one. This move highlights Australia's liberal approach to commercial aviation, since Tiger's operations will be 100% foreign-owned. While the US restricts foreign stakes in domestic airlines to 25%, and other countries generally limit foreign ownership to 49%, Australia imposes no such restrictions (except for a rule that foreign investment in any industry must not breach national interest). Last month Australia also approved the entry of UAR airline Etihad into Australia's already heavily contested international market....

What are the Pilot Career & Aviation Trends?

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST

So you think you might want to be a pilot and fly for an airline? You probably are also interested in where the commercial aviation industry is going -- because if it's growing, you'll be more likely to get the jobs you want throughout your career. So is it growing? You bet. Plus, it is anticipated to continue very strong growth for at least another twenty years. Here's some of those details: Based on projections for 726 airports around the world, the trends in both international and US domestic travel demand are once again firmly upwards with growth of 5% expected in this month alone. In April to June of 2006, world passenger numbers are expected to advance by 5....

More New Aircraft Orders Announced

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST

Airlines buy new aircraft to A.) upgrade their fleet and/or to B.) meet the demands of growth. And when airlines are growing, they always need more pilots. So who's placing orders this month? Bombardier announced an order for 30 CRJ900 regional jets from Delta. The 90-passenger aircraft are valued at over USD $1 billion. In addition, Delta took options on an additional 30 CRJs. Ryanair is in the process of taking delivery of 10 new aircraft, worth USD $700 million. The aircraft will result in 50 new routes throughout Europe and will create 5,000 NEW JOBS. Azerbaijan Airlines has signed an order for three 787-8 Dreamliners and two 737-900ERs from Boeing....

US Regional Airlines Continue to Expand

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST

America's regional airlines have increased dramatically. Passenger counts have grown at double-digit rates the past several years. At the same time these aggressive airlines are investing heavily in new, state-of-the-art equipment, aircraft and facilities -- AND new pilots. According to the Regional Airline Association's President, Roger Cohen, in a recent letter to the Wall Street Journal, "regional airlines provide the only scheduled flights to nearly 500 US communities, representing more than 70% of the airports with any scheduled service." In the 3rd quarter of 2006, the most recent figures available, US regional airline passenger enplanements were up 3....

Over 3 BILLION Seats on 28 Million Flights

Sat, 03 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST

If you like statistics and aircraft, you'll love these....... OAG, the global travel information company, has announced that the world's scheduled airlines offered a record 3.3 billion seats (actual count is 3,297,362,597, in case you're counting) during 2006. That represents an average daily offer of over 9 million seats on 77,371 individual daily flights. Total seat offer was up 3.4% from the 3.2 billion seats (actually 3,187,855,301) offered on 27.7 million flights 2006 vs 2005. The longest scheduled route flown in 2006 was between Newark, New Jersey, US (EWR) and Singapore (SIN), with an elapsed time of 18 hours and 40 minutes....

Expansion, Expansion, Expansion -- New Routes

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Growth in the commercial airline industry means many things. If you are considering becoming a pilot as a career, the most significant thing it means is more pilots are needed -- and you could have your choice of exciting, rewarding jobs. Every time you see a newspaper item about some airline expanding their routes and now flying to another new city, that means they will need pilots for that expansion! Each month I list more and more route expansions. The reason I do this is so you can see how airlines throughout the world are rapidly growing -- and needing more employees to satisfy that growth. You could be one of those new employees, joining as a First Officer....

Have You Heard About the Asia-Pacific Airline Industry Growth?

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

India continues to see rapid airline growth. Jet Airways Executive Director Saroj Datta said five new airlines have started up in just the past 16 months. There are likely to be another six starting service in the next 12 months. He says that would equate to a 75% increase in available seat miles. Kapil Kaul, CEO Indian Subcontinent and Middle East, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), said "in 2004 CAPA predicted 25% growth for the next four years. This year, we've revised that and are predicting 30% growth for the next five years. Because the need for pilots for so great in India, Indian airlines are now hiring both domestic and foreign pilots to fly its commercial aircraft....

How Would You Like This Job Flying Jets?

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Attention Pilots, how would you like to fly important business executives and celebrities around? You may not have thought about this, but flying for a international charter service can be a great -- and exciting -- job. There are companies, an example is Air Group Inc, that manages corporate jets and arranges charters for businesses and wealthy individuals. Private jets fly chief executives such as Charles Miller, Avery Dennison Corporation, to Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo and back within a few days from California. It saves him time and hassle. Air Group has offices in both US coasts, in the Midwest and in Japan, helping companies expand globally. Air Group has 160 employees....

January Marks Five Years of Aviation Growth

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Commercial aviation continues to grow; more pilots are continually needed to satisfy that growth. The world's airlines have made another solid start this year, timetabling nearly 2.4 million scheduled flights this month -- 100,000 more than a year ago -- and 300,000 more than in January 2002. This four percent increase is more than matched by a five percent increase in airline seating capacity. These figures were revealed in the recent OAG Quarterly Airline Traffic Statistics. OAG gathers data from more than 1,000 scheduled airlines. Duncan Alexander, OAG's Managing Director, said "While the percentage increases may not sound dramatic, their significance is in their consistency....

Russia's First Budget Airline

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Sky Express, Russia's first budget airline started service this week. Their goal is to win a sizable share of the fast-growing, USD 7 billion domestic market by 2012. The airline is flying Boeing 737 aircraft. They will fly to Sochi, the Black Sea resort and also to destinations in the Ural mountains, Siberia and southern Russia....

Who Is Buying More Aircraft? Who Will Need More Pilots?

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Northwest Airlines has placed firm orders for 36 Bombardier CRJ900s and for 36 Embraer 175s in order to pursue growth opportunities in the US. Northwest also took options for 96 CRJ900s and for up to 136 more E-175s. Northwest is expected to take the initial delivery of both Bombardier and Embraer aircraft within the next few months. Northwest's new regional subsidiary, Compass Airlines, will operate the Embraer 175s as Northwest Aiarlink. EgyptAir has placed a firm order for six Embraer 170s with options for an additional six. Delivery is scheduled for April. The Embraer 170s will operate under EgyptAir's newly created subsidiary, EgyptAir Express....

A New Environmentally-Friendly Airline Starts Service

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Silverjet, the world's first 'carbon neutral' airline has taken its inaugural flight. It is the world's first airline to be 100 percent carbon neutral. Included within each ticket is a mandatory carbon offset contribution, giving passengers the opportunity to reinvest "carbon points" in a number of climate-friendly projects around the world. Silverjet is an all-business class, luxury airline, flying Boeing 767s fitted with 100 award-winning flat bed seats. It is now flying daily from New York and London....

Myanmar Private Airline is Launched

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

A Myanmar private airline, called Air Bagan, plans to start flying its first international flights in April. It will cover three regional destinations, using two airbus A-310-200 aircraft. Air Bagan also plans to increase its regular flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and its charter flights to South Korea and Japan. The airline has also purchased a Fokker F-100 and another 158 seat Airbus A-320 for its international flights. Air Bagan was the third laragest domestic private airline after Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways....

Airbus Super-Jumbo A380 Gets Its Certificate

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

The A380, Airbus' super-jumbo aircraft, has been given its air safety certification last month. This was a landmark event in the development of the world's biggest airliner. Singapore Airlines will be the first to take delivery of the A380 this October. The air safety certificate was granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration. It follows a stringent test flight program with five A380 aircraft. This flight test program revealed that the aircraft meets the guaranteed performance both in the fuel burn and range areas. The A380 produces very low emissions and is also quieter than any other airliner....

Strong Growth for Boeing Aircraft Worldwide

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

Once again confirming the continued strong growth in commercial aviation, Boeing had a record year in 2006, spurred by unexpectedly strong demand for its most profitable wide-body models. This provides evidence that the current boom in commercial aviation may be at least two years longer than predicted. Boeing booked orders for 1,044 new planes last year, a company record that could push its order count past that of European rival Airbus for the first time since 2000. Boeing had originally predicted that 2006 would be a letdown from the then unprecedented 1,002 orders during 2005....

Orders for New Aircraft Confirm Continued Industry Growth

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

On behalf its its subsidiary, Air Nelson, Air New Zealand has firmed up orders for three new Bombardier Q300 aircraft. This is part of an order for 17 Q300s, plus options on 10 Q300s and 13 Q400s by the airline. The value of this latest transaction is approximately USD48 million. Air One has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 from an order for 30 aircraft. Air One serves 23 domestic and six international destinations. On behalf of Air One, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has leased three new Avro RJ70s to use on news routes from London City Airport to Milan Linate. Singapore-based Tiger Airways has ordered eight more Airbus A320s....

Etihad Airways Sets Record Three Years in a Row

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

A fleet of new aircraft, 16 new routes and the accolade of world's leading new airline for the third year running has made 2006 a landmark year for Etihad Airways. The Abu Dhabi-based UAE national airline continued to achieve strong growth in 2006. Last year alone, the airline launched 16 new international destinations, which included New York, Paris, Casablanca, Khartoum and Jakarta, in additional to their routes to Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Manchester, Doha, Jeddah, Muscat, Kuwait, Tehran, Dhaka and Manila. Currently 80 percent of Etihad's fleet is new. The airline has placed a record USD8 billion order for 29 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft....

New Routes Announced

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

As commercial aviation continues its rapid growth, airlines are establishing new routes to meet the demand. The following airlines have recently announced the new routes: FRONTIER AIRLINES will launch daily nonstop service between Denver International Airport and Vancouver International Airport. JETBLUE AIRWAYS introduces new daily service from Boston to San Juan, Puerto Rico. RYANAIR will begin daily service from Rome to Madrid. CONTINENTAL AIRLINES began nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Roatan, Honduras, and Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. AMERICAN AIRLINES Is beginning new service from Austin, Texas to Seattle, Washington....

China's Shenzhen Airlines to Form Regional Airline Joint Venture

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

Mesa Air Group, a US low-cost airline operator, and China's Shenzhen Airlines Co. Ltd. will form a regional airline joint venture based in Beijing. This will be the first regional airline joint venture in the Chinese mainland, and it is expected to start operations at the end of 2007....

More Orders for Boeing as Airlines Grow

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

Korean Air announces an order for 25 Boeing aircraft with the value of approximately USD5.6 billion. The order includes 10 777-300ERs, five 747-8 freighters, five 777 freighters and five next generation 737s, along with options for eight additional airplanes -- four 777-300ERs, two 747-BFs and two 737-900ERs. Mumbai-based Jet Airways announced an order for 10 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. This order, just placed, is valued at more than USD1.5 billion....

2007: Aviation Markets to Watch

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

According to Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation's 'markets to watch' in 2007, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia are both expected to undergo rapid development. The Centre's chairman, Peter Harbison, says "Flag carriers of both countries are on the runway to privatisation, while low-cost entries will stimulate strong rates of traffic growth over the next 12 months." Vietnam's Pacific Airlines is now offering both domestic and international services in response to rising competition from Tiger Airways and AirAsia. Vietnam's aviation sector is expanding rapidly, up 13.1% (passenger) and 14.4% (freight) in 2006....

Airline Recruiting Pilots

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

SkyWest Airlines, the nation's largest independently owned regional carrier, announced that the airline will host recruiting sessions throughout the country to aid in its coast-to-coast expansion for 2007. Currently, the airline operates more than 1,600 daily flights across the country as a Delta Connection from SkyWest's largest hub in Salt Lake City, and as United Express along the West Coast and from Denver and Chicago O'Hare hubs. The company hired a record 4,000 employees in 2006. It was named the Number One On-Time Mainland Airline in the US by the Department of Transportation for 2005, 2004, and 2003....

Cessna Delivers First Citation Mustang

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST

Cessna Aircraft Company has just delivered its first Mustang business jet. This followed the awarding b y the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the production certificate (PC) for the aircraft's Independence, Kansas, assembly line. The aircraft was delivered to Mustang Management Group, based in Fresno, California. Cessna plans to deliver 40 Mustangs in 2007, and production will ramp up through 2009. The six-place Mustang has a top speed of 340 ktas (nearly 400 miles per hour), a range of 1,150 nautical miles (1,323 statute miles/2,1 km), and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet (12,500 m)....

More On the Future of Aviation Worldwide

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST

In the Very Large Aircraft sector, Airbus predicts a demand for 1,660 aircraft, valued at USD503 billion, of which 1,260 are new passenger aircraft. Asia-Pacific will account for 56 percent of these. The top 20 airport hubs will account for more than two-thirds of the world's destinations of Very Large Aircraft. There will also be a demand for some 400 aircraft over 120 tons of payload from the Very Large Freighter category. The requirement for twin-aisle passenger aircraft will continue to grow strongly, with some 5,300 new twin-aisle aircraft being delivered in the next 20 years....

New Low-Fare Start-Up Airlines

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST

Commercial aviation continues to grow. Here are three new start-up airlines just announced: L'Avion, a new low-fare, business-class airline, will begin flying passengers between Paris' Orly Airport and Newark, New Jersey's Liberty International Airport, this month. The Boeing 757-200s will accommodate 90 business-class passengers, in planes with a capacity of 200. Originally branded Elysair, the France-Dutch operator changed its name to the French word for airplane after conducting a poll on both sides of the Atlantic. It joins other start-ups like Silverjet. The UK-based carrier will transport business travelers between New York and London, starting January 2007....

Saudi Arabian Airlines Introduces New Low-Cost Services

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST

Saudi Arabian Airlines has just announced the airline's plan to operate low-cost flights. The decision was made after seeing the success of low-budget airlines in the Gulf region. Two other Saudi private airlines, which are to be newly licensed soon, have also expressed their readiness to start low-cost service. According to Abdullah Rahaimy, president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), most Saudi investors who have applied for licenses to operate private airlines in the Kingdom have opted for budget airline operating models....

Surge in Air Freight Demand Means More Pilots Needed

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST

According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast, freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) are forecast to increase by six percent annually over the period from 2006 to 2025, generating the need for 3,580 freighter aircraft deliveries of which 800, or 22 percent, will be factory-built freighters. Most significantly, this time period will be marked by an increasing demand for new more fuel-efficient airlines, to help address airline operating costs and evenironmental concerns. This factor will lead to a higher replacement rate of over 12,000 aircraft. "Over the next 20 years the number of passenger aircraft will more than double....

What's the Future of Commercial Aviation?

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 EST

Here's what the experts are saying about the future of commercial aviation. You'll want to read this, if you are considering being a commercial pilot for a career. It's pretty awesome information! Between 2006 and 2025, some 22,700 new passenger and freight aircraft valued at USD2.6 trillion will be required by aircraft operators, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast. This represnts an increase of some 5,400 aircraft compared with their previous forecast....

Regional Express plans a Massive Fleet Expansion

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Regional Express (Rex), the largest independent regional airline in Australia, will begin an extensive fleet expansion and modernization program. It includes the lease of 25 advanced 34-seat Saab 340B plus aircraft. The Saab 340B plus aircraft features a redesigned wing to increase take-off and climb perfornace. Passenger comfort is also enhanced with the cabin's new noise cancelling system. The Saab 340 has been described as the ideal turboprop aircraft for today's regional airline environment because of its low operating cost and fuel efficient engines. Rex Managing Director Deoff Breust said that the 25 aircraft would be delivered and in service by January 2007....

The Most Popular Aircraft

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

The Boeing 737 twin-engine airlines is the best selling commercial jet aircraft. To-date, Boeing has delivered more than 5,000 of them. And the most popular general aviation aircraft is the Cessna Skyhawk. Phoenix East Aviation also considers it the best single-engine training aircraft in the world. The C-172 has an excellent reputation for safety; it is also very forgiving of student pilots' mistakes, which is a mandatory characteristic for flight training. The Cessna 172 is known and respected worldwide. It was first manufactured 50 years ago, and The company has delivered over 35,000 aircraft since the introduction of the first Skyhawk model in 1956....

The World's First Airline - a Bit of History

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Some Aviation Trivia.... The first airline in the world to hold scheduled service was the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line. The service began in the winter of 1914....

Route Expansions Update

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Route Expansions - Aviation Industry Continues to Grow Mexicana Airlines is promoting its new route from Baltimore-Washington International to Mexico City. JetBlue has announced service to Newburgh, N.Y. from Florida and added routes to Chicago's O'Hare from New York's JFK Airport and Long Beach Airport in Long Beach, California. Delta Airlines has begun flying a new route from New York's JFK International Airport to Accra, Ghana. United Airlines just last week launched nonstop service from Washington-Dulles International to Tokyo and Kuwait City. This is the first Middle Eastern city serviced by the airline directly from the United States....

Strong Growth in Asian Aviation

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Two of the biggest events in recent Asian aviation history occurred this past September with the long-awaited opening of the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and the compeltion of the takeover of Dragonair by Cathay Pacific. Bangkok's new airport will help ease congestion at the Thai capital, although the airport's capacity for 45 millions passengers annually will most likely be quickly swallowed up, because of rapid growth of Asian commercial aviation overall. Don Muang airport handled 39 million passengers last year, which was nearly ten million more than its design capacity....

Airbus A380 to Make its First Landing In Africa

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Ethiopia will be the first to host Africa's maiden flight by the world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, a testing flight that will build confidence in Africa's aviation industry. This first flight was sent for October of this year. So far, a series of super jumbo A380 successful test flights have been conducted in Singapore, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Hamburg, Madeline (Columbia) and Nunavut (Canada). Ethiopian aviation authorities have expressed confidence that the newly constructed runway at Bole airport can safely carry the weight of the A380 passenger service....

ATA Announced New Contract

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

ATA Airlines announced that it was once again awarded a contract with the US Air Force for fiscal year 2007. ATA is one of The USAF Air Mobility Command's primary providers of charter airlift service, transporting military troops and their families throughout the world. According to Gary Ellmer, Senior V-P of Operations and General Manager - Charter, "Flying for the military will remain one of the cornerstones of ATA's charter business plan for many years to come." While the military is its largest charter contractor, ATA also offers group and sports charters all over the world....

Largest US Passenger-Carrying Regional Airlines

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

The expansion of US regional airlines have created lots of opportunities for new pilots. Did you ever wonder which of those airlines are large, and which are smaller, in terms of passengers emplaned? The Regional Airline Association has published statistics for first quarter, 2006, and the airlines are ranked as follows, in terms of number of passengers: Skywest Airlines (4,468,074 passengers emplaned) is number one, followed by American Eagle Airlines, ExpressJet Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Atlantic Southwest Airlines, Comair, Pinnacle Airlines, Horizon Air, and Chautauqua Airlines at number 10....

Mini Jets -- a New Breed of Plane

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

For all of you who are considering pilot training and a career as a pilot, well, your opportunities are just about to get exponentially greater. A new breed of plane is arriving this fall, promising air-taxi services and jets for smaller companies -- and this means there will be a significantly greater need for pilots. With three "Very Light Jets" (VLJ) in production, two of which will begin deliveries in the next few months, and more than 3,000 orders booked, a new age in aviation is just beginning. VLJs won't revolutionize air travel, but they will create new options for travelers....

Emirates Expanding Flights to Bangalore

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST

United Arab Emirates' national carrier, Emirates Airline, is on an expansion spree. Starting new month, India's economically-thriving southern region will be the destination point for eight new flights a week for the airline. At present, Emirates serves south India with flights to Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. This 31 weekly flights offers over 8,000 passenger seats and 500 tons of cargo capacity. Balgalore is home to more than 1,600 tech firms, including international companies such as Cisco, Sun Microsystems, IBM, Compaq, Intel, and Accenture. The city is considered the IT nerve-center of Asia. According to Software Technology Parks of India, Balgalore exported UDS$1....

JetBlue Airways Adding New Cities

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST

The growth continues! JetBlue Airways is adding six new cities in six weeks. It's now flying to Houston's Hobby Airport and to Nashville, TN. This week the airline will add Aruba, Sarasota/Bradenton FL, Tucson AZ and Columbus, OH....

Sky Europe and Wizz Air are Europe's Fastest-Growing Low-Fare Carriers

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST

It's not only Asia, the Middle East and the US where strong growth is occurring in commercial aviation; Europe is also experiencing rapid growth. Wizz Air and Sky Europe are emerging as Central and Eastern Europe's fastest-growing low-fare carriers, according to Aviation Week magazine. Both airlines have been taking advantage of the EU's eastward expansion, which has added 10 countries to the EU common aviation market. In key Central and Eastern European markets, capacity has skyrocketed, according to GCW Consulting's Vice President Anita Mosner. Low-fare carriers combined to achieve a 41% market share in Poland, 24% in Hungary, and 14% in the Czech Republic....

U.S. Regional Airlines Continue To Grow

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST

Regional Airline Association has released statistics showing the increases in passenger miles flown. Regional airline revenue from passenger miles totaled nearly USD$16 billion for first quarter 2006, a gain of nearly 5% over the same period last year. The industry completed 1.13 million departures, with an overall average load factor of nearly 72%. SkyWest Airlines, American Eagle and ExpressJet were ranked as the three largest regional airlines in terms of passengers flown for the first quarter....

Airports Scrambling to Make Room for Huge Airbus Jetliner

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST

Airports around the world are working to prepare for the arrival in 2007 of the huge Airbus A380 superjumbo jet, a plane so large that some airports must build new facilities to accommodate it. Dozens of airports around the world are scrambling to reinforce runways, widen taxiways, speed up baggage-handling systems and build high capacity gates with supersized lounges. This is necessary to handle the expected crush of people and luggage brought on by an aircraft capable of seating more than 850 -- that's no typo -- 850 passengers. This is nearly TWICE as many passengers as the largest Boiing 747 jumbo jet held....

China Orders Airbus Aircraft

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST

China expects to sign a deal with Airbus for a major order. Concurrently, Airbus has signed an agreement that might pave the way to opening an assemby line in China. Such a move is unprecedented for Airbus, which assembled planes now only in its largest home countries, France and Germany. The Chinese government may purchase as many as 150 signle-aisle Airbus planes. That order would be valued at approximately USD$9.6 billing at list prices. Last December Airbus company officials and Chinese Premier Wen signed an agreement that spells out greater cooperation. An assembly line for its single-aisle planes in China, if that takes place, would have great marketing value for Airbus in China....

Air Arabia Adds International Flights

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

Air Arabia LLC, the first low-fare airline in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced a further increase in the frequency of flights between Sharjah and Mumbai, India. The incrase is aimed at meeting the recent increased demand. Mr. Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia, said "We are proud to announce the additional flights on the Mumbai section, which reflects the increasing traffic". The increased frequency is in response to the strong demand, according to the airline. The airline commenced operations in late 2003....

Commercial Plane Deliveries Increase

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

Boeing Company delivered 97 commercial aircraft between April and June of this year, bringing its total for the year to 195. The company plans deliveries of an additional 200 aircraft to airlines throughout the world to meet its 2006 schedule and schedules. This second-quarter total is Boeing's highest for the period since 2002. Airbus anticipates 20 additional orders for its A380 superjumbo jet this year, an official said. John Leahy, chief commercial officer, said in a BBC interview that Airbus also expects two new airlines to place orders for the aircraft. Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and Virgin Airways are among the 15 carriers that have already placed orders for the superjumbo jet....

Hong Kong's Newest Airline Ready for Take-off

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, has confirmed it will start its Hong Kong to London flights starting this October. "We are pleased to announce the first ever low fare, high quality long-haul Hong Kong to London flights using a fleet of B-747-400 planes. We look forward to launching flights to more destinations i nthe future," said Steve Miller, CEO of Oasis Hong Kong. Oasis Airlines will offer 81 luxury business class and 278 spacious economy seats....

Virgin Atlantic Profits Double

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

Virgin Atlantic Airlines continues strong increases in revenue and profit. The number of business travelers on the airline has increased more than 10%, and total passenger numbers rose 11% to 4.9 million. Virgin Atlantic has a profit-sharing scheme for its employees, and has said it would pay out the equivalent of two weeks pay as a bonus to employees based on the gains in revenue. Virgin will also boost capacity on some of its key rountes. The carrier just introduced a sixth daily flight between London and New York, and will go to adouble-daily service to Hong Kong early next year. Now is a great time to start your flight training....

UK and Australia Sign Aviation Agreement

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

Australia has signed a landmark aviation agreement with the UK to open its skies to removing current aviation restrictions between the two countries. The effect is expected to be immediate. What does "Open Skies" really mean? In this case it means airlines from Australia and the UK can now freely determine the number of services operated between the two countries. There will also be no limit to code-sharing agreements. The decision to do this is in line with the Australian government's policy of sseeking aviation arrangements that provide capacity ahead of demand," according to Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss....

Growth Fuels New Airplane Purchases

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

According to aviation publications, many US airlines have been busy placing orders for more aircraft recently: - AirTran is adding 24 B-737 aircraft to their fleet - Compass Air is adding 36 Bombardier RJs - SouthWest Airlines is order 79 new B-737s. - Frontier Airlines is buying 10 new Airbus 320s. - CE Commercial Leasing has announced they will have 60 new B-737's available for lease. The need for new airplanes is being fueled by an increase in air traffic demand. With this demand comes an increase for more pilots. Find information on flight school training here....

Chinese Airline Recruits International Pilots

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST

After two decades of dynamic growth, China has become one of the largest aviation markets in the world. And it's still growing. According to forecasts, the country will have 1,250 pasenger aircraft by 2010, up 80 percent on today's figure. If the prediction is accurate, CHINA WILL NEED 6,500 NEW PILOTS, FAR BEYOND THE CAPACITY OF THE COUNTRY'S PILOT TRAINING SYSTEM. Faced with an ACUTE SHORTAGE OF PILOTS, many Chinese airlines are looking for pilots overseas. Shenzhen Airlines alone has recruited nearly 60 pilots from Brazil, Russia, the United States and other countries....

Tiger Airways Expands in Asia

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST

Singapore-based discount airline, Tiger Airways, has commenced additional flights to destinations in Thailand -- capitalizing on the Thai Open Skies policy. The Tiger Airways destinations of Bangkok, Hatyai and Krabi, Thailand, are in response to increased demand. These additional flights to Thailand are expected to fly more than 100,000 passengers between Singapore and Thailand. This development follows the recent increase of Tiger Airways flights between Singapore and Phuket, Thailand, earlier this month. Tiger Airways CEO, Tony Davis, said "The Thai aviation policy of Open Skies has made this possible, and it has resulted in a big boost to business and tourism....

North American Airlines Expands

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST

US carrier North American Airlines has just expanded its routes; it has just commenced direct flight service between Lagos, Nigeria, and New York. The airline will operate a thrice-weekly round trip, using Boeing 767-300ER wide-bodied aircraft. The Boeing 767-300ER has 30 seats in business class and 176 coach seats. This is the first non-stop service ever between the US and Lagos. Nigeria signed an open skies agreement with the US in 1999....

U.S. Airlines Show Strong Financial Gains

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST

The largest US air carriers started reporting second quarter financial results this week, and the news is looking good. "June quarter results for the US airline industry are expected to be strong, and we think September's results could be even better," said Merrill Lynch analysis Michael Linenberg, in Aviation Week. Merrill Lynch projects the net profit to double to about $1.2 billion, with operating margins of 7.5%. Linenberg estimated the industry will see a 12% increase in revenues, to approximately USD $29 billion. This is mainly due to a 12% increase in unit revenue and no decrease in capacity. This USD$3.2 billion increase in revenue will more than offset the USD $1....

Asian Pacific & Middle East Facing Shortages of Pilots

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST

Airlines in the Asian Pacific and Middle East regions are facing serious shortages of skilled personnel, due to the surge in aircraft orders, which in turn was stimulated by strong industry growth, according to the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). Airline operators in those two regions are expected to require an additional 150,000 employees. Carriers most affected are airlines in China, India and the Middle East. PILOTS and maintenance engineers are the MOST SOUGHT AFTER. It is anticipated that this shortage will also PUSH UP WAGES OF PILOTS....

United Airlines Reports Highest-ever June Passenger Load

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST

United Airlines has just reported its preliminary traffic results for June 2006 -- and its growth is very impressive. The company boasted its highest-ever June passenger load factor: 88.3 percent. Total scheduled revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increased in June by 2.3 percent compared to the same period last year. United operates more than 3,700 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 210 US cities. Looks like maybe United will be needing more pilots, if this growth continues. Call Phoenix East and talk to an Admissions Officer to find out how long it would take you to train to fly for the airlines. Just call 1-800-868-4359 or email your questions to admissions@pea.com....

AirTran Airways Adds Jobs

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST

AirTran Airways just announced it will add an additional 2,500 jobs. The airline currently employs more 7,700 PILOT and crew members. The plan is to create 500 new positions each year, including PILOTS, flight attendants, mechanics and customer service representatives. AirTran currently operates 230 flights out of Georgia each day, and more than 700 flights daily nationwide; they plan to add more than 80 new Boeing 737s to the fleet, as well as new routes throughout the country. The airline has also made large investments in infrastructure, from a multi-million dollar hangar to multiple call centers. AirTran is one of America's largest low-fare airlines flying daily to to 50 destinations....

Cessna Model 172 an Icon of Global Aviation

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

Cessna Aircraft Company's Model 172, "Skyhawk," is poised to enter a second half-century of service. Few airplanes, military or commercial, can lay claim to being in production for 50 years after introduction, but the Skyhawk is long recognized as an icon of the global general aviation fleet. Phoenix East Aviation considers the Model 172 the best primary trainer in the world. PEA's single engine fleet consists entirely of Skyhawks. Many flight schools use smaller, cheaper aircraft for training, but none meets the quality of the Skyhawk for training. The Skyhawk taxis with ease, and steering through the rudder pedals is responsive....

U.S. Airlines Post Jump in Revenues

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

The largest US airlines, the so-called "legacy" or "major" airlines, posted a 12.6% jump in mainline revenue in May. This is the results of greater consumer demand. Just released by the Air Transport Association (ATA), the report covers the seven major US airlines. If their regional affiliates are included in the statistics, passenger RASM rose 15% in May. This was the stronger April-to-May improvement since 2000, according to JP Morgan aviation analysts, excluding the 2003 Gulf War. US domestic mainline revenue rose 15.1%, according to ATA. Outside the US, unit revenue to Latin America rose 14.8% and transpacific and transatlantic routes rose 7.5% and 5.4%, respectively....

More Expansion - New Routes

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

New routes continue to be added to domestic and international airline schedules, reflecting the continuing growth of commercial aviation in the US and abroad. and the need for more pilots in the future. US Airways will begin daily roundtrip service from Orlando to Key West, Florida. JetBlue Airways has added a sixth daily nonstop flight between Jacksonville, Florida and New York. Delta Air Lines will soon also offer nonstop flights to Mumbai, India, and Accra, Ghana, from New York's Kennedy Airport. Start your flight training now and capitalize on the excellent opportunities available to fly for airlines worldwide....

The Advantages of Flying Cargo

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

Some pilots are seeing advantages in flying cargo planes instead of passengers. FedEx and UPS did 28% of all pilot hiring at major US airlines last year, up from 8% in 2004, according to AIR Inc. Smaller cargo carriers are also expanding, including Kalitta Air of Ypsilanti, Michigan, which flies 14 planes, up from three in 2000. And the pay can be very good. Five-year cargo pilots now make an average of $108,330 a year, while top captains are paid $194,566 on average. This reflects the surging global freight demand that is filling cargo planes with everything from computers to toys to flowers....

U.S. Pilots Flying Worldwide

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

A new standard goes into effect in the US later this year that will allow US pilots even more job opportunities worldwide -- and for a longer career, if they so choose. This new federal standard allows American pilots who wish to continue flying past 60 in this country to do so, if they go to work for a foreign carrier. FAA regulations currently prohibit American pilots from flying for American companies past the age of 60. A good number of foreign carriers such as the fast-growing Emirates Airlines are already recruiting American pilots....

China Aviation Continues to Grow

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

China's swelling middleclass, whose pockets are padded by an economic boom, is taking to the skies at a breakneck pace. The government has also eased travel restrictions -- and has actually encouraged travel both at home and abroad. More than 110 million people flew on domestic routes in 2004, up from 60 million in 2000, according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. This year's results for Airbus and Boeing show how things have changes. Airbus so far has booked firm Chinese orders for 72 planes, up from 47 last year. Boeing has secured 70 firm orders; China ordered 15 Boeing aircraft in 2004....

How About a Career as a Corporate Pilot?

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST

There are so many opportunities for career pilots -- domestic and international passenger airlines, cargo airlines, military and agricultural flying. And don't forget another area of opportunity -- flying business jets for either a corporation or a charter company. Did you know that 18% of all flights are by business jets? Here's the breakdown of flights: 65.5% commercial passenger and freight carriers, 18.5% business aviation, 5% government/military aviation, and 8.5% private aviation and helicopters, 2.6% other, according to the Wall Street Journal. (Note: percentages don't add up to 100% due to mathematical rounding)....

Discount Airlines Continue to Hire Pilots

Tue, 30 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

Discount airlines continue to hire new pilots to satisfy their continuing strong growth. In many cases, they have reduced their flight-hour requirements for first officer hiring, allowing more pilots with lower levels of experience to be hired and jump-start their careers. JetBlue plans to increase its capacity 28% to 30% this year as it takes delivery of 35 new planes; the airline's growth will be primarily domestic, with a greater focus on short-to-medium-haul flights, the company said in a recent Wall Street Journal article. Southwest, which has remained consistently profitable as a domestic-only airline, is planning on an 8% expansion this year....

Qatar Airways Named Airline of the Year in Dubai

Mon, 29 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

Qatar Airways is celebrating being named Airline of The Year at the annual Middle East and North Africa (MENA) travel awards in Dubai held this month. The airline, one of the youngest in the region, also announces the roll out of its new Airbus A340-600, for non-stop trips from Doha to Europe and the US Qatar Airways is one of only four airlines in the world with a Five Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation monitoring agency, as a result of a survey of more than 12 million passengers worldwide. Now serving 70 destinations worldwide with 47 Airbus aircraft, Qatar Airways is expected to nearly triple in size over to the next years to 110 aircraft....

U.S. Pilots Sign On At Airlines Worldwide

Mon, 29 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

US pilots are now working in far reaches of the world to fulfill the booming worldwide need for pilots. Commercial aviation is expanding most rapidly in China, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. As these regions have grown more affluent and loosened aviation restrictions, travel demands have soared. New airlines have started up, existing carriers are adding routes, and hundreds of new jets are on order, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. So, like British and Australian pilots who long have plied their trade worldwide, more US pilots are taking their skills offshore -- often with better salaries and benefits than domestic airlines are offering....

United Announces Middle East Expansion

Sun, 28 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

United Airlines has just announced an expansion of its global networks into the fast-growing Middle East region of the world. UA has plans to offer customers three new weekly flights between Washington, D.C. and Kuwait City. This new service is planned to begin later this year. John Tague, United's Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, recently told eTurboNews, a global travel industry newsletter, "Lauching service to Kuwait further demonstrates our commitment to expanding our global network, bringing our passenger and cargo customers closer to the world's key economic centers....

Impressive U.S. Regional Carriers Stats

Sun, 28 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

The US regional airline market continues to be strong. American Eagle, SkyWest Airlines (operating as Delta Connection and United Express carrier) and ExpressJet (operating as Continental Express) were ranked as the three largest regional carriers, in terms of passenger enplanments during 2005. The top 20 regional airlines transported 97.1% of the industry's pasengers and flew 98.7% of the industry's revenue passenger miles. For the first six months of 2005, US regional airlines carried 73.1 million passengers, flew 31.53 billion revenue passenger miles, and completed 2.6 million departures....

Pilots Needed NOW and in the FUTURE

Sat, 27 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

The commercial aviation industry is in an incredible growth spurt all over the world -- and this strong growth is estimated to continue until at least 2023. What a great time to train to be a commercial pilot: Low-fare carriers are starting up all over the world, turboprops are making a comeback and ultra-light jets have not even started to make their expected big impact. India and Mexico, and of course China, are expanding at an exceptionally rapid rate. Alteon Training's vice-president of airline training, Captain Paul Hinton, in a recent issue of Regional Airline World magazine said that the total global forecast is for 17,000 NEW PILOTS needed every year between 2006 and 2023....

Continental Airlines Announces Expansion

Wed, 17 May 2006 12:00:00 EST

Continental Airlines will increase its domestic mainline capacity nearly 4% this year over last year. In domestic and international mainline operations combined (not including regional-carrier operations), Continental will increase nearly 8% this year. Like other traditional US carriers, Continental Airlines is facing high fuel prices and stiff competition from low-cost carriers such as JetBlue and Southwest. However, unlike some other traditional airlines, Continental is expanding faster this year domestically than any of its largest competitors....

Cessna Mustang Certification Expedited

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST

The FAA is expediting certification of Cessna's new Mustang mini jet. The current regulations don't address some of the unique design and performance parameters raised by the Mustang, and the normal process for adding the rules necesary to accommodate the plane's certification involves advance notice plus a 90-day comment period. However, the FAA has ruled that since the new criteria apply only to the Mustang, the notice and comment period can be waived, and the certification process can proceed....

Major Airlines Hiring Requirements

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST

So you want to be a pilot for one of the major US airlines, such as American, United, Delta, Continental or US Airways, but are unsure how to get hired? All airlines have minimum hiring requirements applicants must meet in order to be considered for an interview. However, typically the major airlines have the most rigorous requirements, and regional and some discount airlines have lower requirements, such as lower minimum required flight hours. It is important to check the specific requirements for all airlines you are interested in flying for. To get an opportunity to be hired by a major US airline, you will need at the minimum: 1....

More Job Opportunities -- Growing Aviation Sector

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST

So you want to enjoy a career as a pilot? There are a number of possible job categories. What most commonly comes to mind is airline pilot, military pilot, fractional jet company pilot, cargo pilot, corporate pilot, agricultural pilot, etc. Have you ever thought about piloting a private business jet? Probably not, because these "microjets," are just recently being introduced. The FAA expects their use to triple over the next decade. The arrival of these very light and small jets could make corporate planes affordable to more companies and air-taxi services at smaller airports. The jets cost as little as $1.5 million USD, compared to $2.4 million USD for the cheapest corporate jets....

Good News for Flight Training Students -- Pilots Needed in Europe

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST

If you've been thinking about starting your flight training, with the career goal to be a commercial pilot, now is an exceptionally good time to start. The UK is experiencing the same shortages of pilots as Europe is. The demand for commercial airline pilots is strong and continuing to grow. With training in Europe so costly, many students are looking to the US as a more economical place for flight training. It has been estimated that the cost of getting licenses in Europe is in excess of 105,000 USD (86,765 EUR or 60,000 GBP). Compare that to approximately 45,000 USD (37,187 EUR or 25,715 GBP) at Phoenix East Aviation, Daytona Beach, Florida, for example....

US Airways Places Embraer Aircraft Order

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST

To all flight training students interested in what you may be flying in the future -- here's what's US Airways is now purchasing. It was recently announced that under a new agreement with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, US Airways will convert their order for 57 undelivered Embraer 170s into 25 firm Embraer 190 aircraft and 32 additional firm Embraer 190 aircraft, that are subject to reconfirmation by US Airways. The amendment to their order also includes up to 50 options to other aircraft in the Embraer 170/190 family. Deliveries under this new agreement will start in November of this year; These new aircraft will be powered by GE CF34-10E aircraft engines....

A Poem to Motivate Pilot Training Students

Sat, 08 Apr 2006 12:00:00 EST

Maybe as flight training students, you've already seen this poem and enjoyed it or if you are considering flight school it can inspire you. If you have read it, you might enjoy reading it again, since it just might express how you feel when you think about being a pilot. In case you don't know "High Flight," it was written by a Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot Officer, John Gillespie Magee, Jr., an American who flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Some sources say he died in aerial combat during WWII, in a Spitfire, on December 11,1941. Others say he died later on a training mission....

United Works to Increase Efficiency

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

As United Airlines exits Chapter 11 bankrupcy protection, it has announced plans to implement an efficiency program. "By using our assets more efficiently, we can increase our departures without adding more aircraft to the fleet," says United chief operating officer Peter McDonald. United plans to reduce its 61 minute average turnaround time by 8 minutes. That will free up at least 10 aircraft this year, according to the carrier, and also allow United gates to handle more aircraft. Quick turnaround has over the years been one of the keys to Southwest Airlines' efficiency and cost-effective operation....

Saudi Arabia's First Low-Cost Airline

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

The commercial aviation industry continues to grow throughout the world; now is a great time to start flight training and begin an exciting life-long career. Opportunities abound right now. Another example of this growth is Saudi Arabia's first low-cost airline, Sama, plans to start flights within months and expects to carry at least half a million passengers by the end of the year, a company spokesman said. Sama, which means "elevation" in Arabic, will lease up to seven Boeing 737 aircraft to tap the lucrative domestic market, later expanding within the region. The market in Saudi Arabia is important, according to chief executive Andre Cowen: "......

Is Flight Training Right for You?

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

You think you have a passion for flying, but have never flown an aircraft. How do you know if a career as a pilot is right for you? It sounds glamorous, but keep in mind it's a demanding job, not just during training, but when you're employed as a pilot. Besides having an immense amount of technical aviation knowledge, you have to be able to solve large and small crises efficiently and by the rules. You have to work nights, weekends and holidays sometimes. However, the benefits are great, and you don't have to work 8 to 5 everyday. The pay is decent, and the free travel is fantastic. If you'd like more detailed information on training: what it entails, what it costs, how long it takes etc....

JetBlue Expands Markets

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

JetBlue will add four daily flights between Pittsburgh and New York Kennedy starting June 30, the same day the airline's two daily flights from Boston to Pittsburgh and from Boston to Buffalo also commence. JetBlue competes directly with US Airways in the Pittsburgh and Boston markets....

Performance Upgrades for Royal Air Maroc

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

Of special interest to flight students from African countries: Casablanca based Royal Air Maroc has ordered 29 shipsets of Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglets for both retrofit and new aircraft deliveries. The carrier will upgrade 16 737-700's and 737-800's with Blended Winglet Technology. The decision was motivated by a combination of reasons including block fuel savings of 5%, which will save the carrier over 100,000 gallons of fuel per year per aircraft. Royal Air Maroc serves 40 countries with over 1,200 flights per week....

PEA Grads Pilot Historic United Express Flight

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

United Express re-initiated service to Daytona Beach International Airport this week for the first time in 25 years. It was an exciting time for United Express, complete with a speech by airline senior management when the flight arrived at the gate. But the really exciting part was who was in the cockpit on this historical flight. Two Phoenix East Aviation flight training graduates! The United Express/Mesa Airlines pilots were Meredith and Thanos, both graduates and former instructors at PEA....

Another New Airline to Feed Industry's Growth

Thu, 09 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

Viva Macau, another new Chinese discount carrier, has plans to commence flights to Hawaii and Russia, becoming the first Asian budget carrier to fly to these two destinations. The carrier is also planning flights to Northeast Asia, including Japan and South Korea, aswell as Australia, the Middle East and Europe. The airline's CEO Andrew Pyne said "we are are supremely bullish about Macau's potential as the low-cost carrier hub in the region." He also noted they were "focusing very seriously on Honolulu as a destination," since there are currently no direct flights from South China to Hawaii. Viva Macau seeks to fly routes not now served by AirAsia Bhd....

Hong Kong to Handle 50 Million Passengers

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

The commercial airline industry continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and airports are hustling to keep pace. Hong Kong's Airport Authority is making a US$.6 billion investment to upgrade the airport to handle more than 50 million passengers and more than 4.3 million tons of cargo by the year 2010, when work is expected to be completed. The airport handled 40 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo last year, up 10% from 2004. Runways and taxiways will be modified to handle the new jumbo Airbus A380. There are aslo plans for a two-story satellite concourse, as well as enhancements to the existing passenger terminal....

China Southern Flies Record Number of Passengers

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

China Southern Airlines flew a record 44 million passengers in 2005, marking the largest single year passenger total in the airline's 27 year history. In December 2005, they carried 63% more passengers than during the prior year's same month. Unofficially, 44 million passengers would rank China Southern as within the Top 10 of the world's leading airlines, according to Air Transport World magazine. The airline also moved more freight than any other airline in China in 2005; it boasts the largest and most technically advanced aircraft fleet in the People Republic of China....

Macau Gets New Discount Airline

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

Flight training students now have even more opportunities to fly for international airlines. Hong Kong-listed Sun Tak Holdling Ltd. has formed a new budget airline with Air Macau and China National Aviation Co (CNAC). The initial funding for the new company, Macau Asia Express, is US$30 million. Macau will begin flying late this year to Asian and Chinese cities. Air Macau owns 51%. CNAC, an investment company controlled by state-owned Chinese flag carrier, Air China Ltd., owns a controlling interest in Air Macau. Macau Asia Express will be only the second airline to be based in Macau. However, there is another waiting for approval now: Viva Macau, also a budget carrier....

What Aircraft Will You Be Flying? Here's the Latest from Boeing and Airbus.

Sat, 04 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

So you want to fly the best and latest model aircraft? Then you might be interested in a brief analysis of two of the latest and greatest now on the drawing board -- Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380. The designers of these aircraft are now able to exploit a raft of new technologies. These are also now promising to be a tipping point in the sophistication of airline cabins, as well as design and power systems. Besides being more fuel efficient -- and in some cases larger -- this crop of new technologies will yield new levels of comfort, especially in Boeing's 787....

Boeing and Airbus Book Record Orders

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:00:00 EST

Boeing announced that it had booked orders for a record 1,002 jetliners in 2005, finally beating Airbus in a race the European company owned since 2000. Airbus Chief Executive Gustav Humbert is expected to report later this week that the company also had a record year for orders, even if its total didn't quite match Boeing -- and that it delivered more jetliners than Boeing for the third year in a row. Boeing delivered 290 planes in 2005. Officials at Airbus said they expected 2005 deliveries to total 370....

New Aircraft Orders Worldwide

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:00:00 EST

The commercial airline industry continues to be strong, with new orders for aircraft increasing. Rayanair adds nine B-737s to orderbook. The deal is valued at $500 million USD. Ryanair operates 92 Boeing 737s and with this new order now has 239 737s on firm order, with an additional 179 options. Caribbean Aircraft Leasing (Caribbean Star or Caribbean Sun Airlines) have ordered three Bombardier Q300 aircraft. Austrian regional Styrian Spirit has signed a deal with Bombarider for a CRJ900, making the airline the first in Europe to operate the largest CRJ family member. The aircraft will have 88 and be equipeed with the Enhanced Performance Package (EPP)....

Carpatair Buys F100s

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 12:00:00 EST

Romania-based Carpatair has added Fokker 100s to its fleet. The aircraft will be Carpatair's first jet aircraft, and they will complement its Saab 340 and Saab 2000 turboprops. Initially the F100s will fly from the airline's hub in Timisoara to Germany and Italy, but starting this summer, they will be used to launch new routes to London, France, Spain and Dublin, Ireland....

Another 22 CRJ 700s for SkyWest

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 12:00:00 EST

SkyWest has announced plans to purchase 22 Bombardier CRJ700s. The contract converts 18 existing SkyWest CRJ200 aircraft on backlog, which was assumed by SkyWest as part of the Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) takeover, plus the addition of four new orders. SkyWest also retains a firm order for 15 CRJ700 on Bombardier's backlog from a previous transaction. In addition, the 80 options for CRJ700s already announced were reaffirmed as part of this agreement. The current combined fleets of SkyWest-owned airlines include 229 CRJ200 and 72 CRJ700 aircraft....

New Hong Kong Carrier to Fly Long-Haul Routes

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 12:00:00 EST

The airline industry is still going strong, both US and international. A new start-up budget airline is beginning operations out of Hong Kong. Oasis Hong Kong Airlines will keep expenses low by flying long-distance only and maximizing flying hours of wide-body aircraft with low per-passenger costs. Tickets are priced 40-50% lower on average than full-service airlines, according to CEO Stephen Miller. The airline seeks to attract a new market of long-distance passengers flying from Hong Kong to London Gatwick Airport. The airline plans its fleet of leased B-747-400 aircraft to expand to 25....

Anybody Hiring Pilots?

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 12:00:00 EST

There were 5,000 new pilot jobs last year. This is the time to train, stay current and build quality time, so as hiring heats up more, you're qualified to apply for the airline job you want, according to Kit Darby, president of airline career specialist, AIR, Inc. In the past 18 months, American Eagle has hired approx. 400 pilots; JetBlue an estimated 200, and SkyWest, approximately another 400 pilots. Mesa Airlines went from about 1,200 pilots to about 1,700 pilots in the past year -- and expects to continue hiring. The normal pilot-hiring requirements for many airlines are back to pre-September 11 levels. Mesa requires 1,000 total hours with a minimum of 100 multi-engine....

India's Aviation Market Surges

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 12:00:00 EST

With domestic air travel forecast to grow by 25% a year for the next five years, the Indian aviation market is booming. Aircraft manufacturers, as well as India's carriers and the government, are hustling to keep up with it. The demand for pilots is great -- and India is unable to train a sufficient number of pilots to meet demand. This is an excellent opportunity for expatriate pilots to be hired. In April, the US and India signed an Open Skies agreement; starting this month US carriers are expected to raise the number of of flights between the two countries by 84%. Including flights operated by Indian carriers, the number of lifhgts between the two countries is expected to rise 70%....

What Salary Can I Expect as a Commercial Pilot?

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 12:00:00 EST

Airline 1st Year F/O (annual)* 10th Year Captain (annual)* Airborne Express $28,536 $146,184 Alaska $49,968 $186,684 America West $36,552 $125,832 American $31,080 $123,420 American Trans Air $36,000 $136,632 Astar Air Cargo $29,376 $141,732 Continental $30,000 $152,988 Delta $50,400 $204,636 FedEx $52,056 $175,716 Northwest $33,468 $158,532 Southwest $42,960 $159,000 United $33,924 $137,400 UPS $26,004 $200,508 US Airways $29,520 $119,448 AVERAGE $36,420 $154,908 Maximum Captain salaries are greater; Examples are Delta at $287,652 and Continental at 200,532. The total average maximum annual Captain salary is $191,220. * This is salary alone. Benefits are additional and vary by airline....

JetBlue Orders 99 Embraers

Sun, 27 Nov 2005 12:00:00 EST

JetBlue, which has 99 of the new Embraer 190 twin jets on firm order, will have eight of the Brazilian planes in its fleet by year end -- and 26 more by the end of 2006. By the end of this year, JetBlue will also operate 85 Airbuses. JetBlue is the nation's 10th-largest by passenger traffic. It's adding new flights from JFK International to Austin, TX, Richond, VA, Burlinton, VT and Buffalo, NY. All these new flights will be operated with 100-seat Embraer 190....

Embraer Delivers New Jets to India

Fri, 28 Oct 2005 12:00:00 EST

Embraer announced the delivery of three specially configured Legacy Executive aircraft to the government of India, which has ordered a total of five of this same model aircraft. The ERJ 135 jet, a member of the ERJ 145 family, has more than 900 aircraft in operation with over seven million hours flown. The Legacy is in service in 15 countries throughout the world. The aircraft is perceived to be changing the expectations of what a business jet should be, with affordability, size, speed and economy advantages. It flies up to 16 passengers in three distinct seating areas....

AirTran Expands Network in Key Markets

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 12:00:00 EST

AirTran Airways has announced it will expand its network in key markets with seven new daily nonstop flights from Chicago to Boston and Minneapolis-St Paul. AirTran, one of the US's largest low-fare airlines, employees 6,700 crew members and operates over 500 daily flights to 49 destinations. The airline's hub is at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where it is the second largest carrier. AirTran recently added the fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft to create America's youngest all-Boeing fleet....

Opportunities for Pilots in China

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 12:00:00 EST

A new bilateral aviation safety agreement with the US will help China confront a range of growing pains caused by its rapidly growing airline industry. To support China's development of aviation expertise, the FAA will soon open an office in China. China's airline industry has 840 commercial transport category aircraft and is expected to add another 680 by 2010. Top Chinese aviation officials said through September of this year, flights are up 11%, passenger traffic 12% and cargo 8%, compared to 2004....

Expansion of Frankfurt Airport

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 12:00:00 EST

For you pilots who are also aviation history buffs, a page in history has now been closed with the closure of Rhein-Main airbase in Germany. However, this will make way for an ambitious expansion plan at Frankfurt Airport. The base was American's main military gateway to Europe for 60 years. Rhein-Main was the home base of the Graf Zeppelin airship in 1909 and the ill-fated Hindenburg. Rhein-Main was used by the Luftwaffe during WWII for testing its Messerschmitt jet aircraft; The airfield was bombed repeatedly by Allied forces in 1945 and then occupied by the US Air Force....

Sun, 17 Jul 2005 12:00:00 EST

There were over 6,000 new pilot hirings last year. Now is THE time to train, as hiring is really heating up. AIR, Inc. has reported they estimate 8,000 new hirings this year, which is TWICE the 2003 level. If you're interested in excellent flight training and value-pricing, call Phoenix East Aviation, Daytona Beach, FL. First rate training, fabulous beaches and lifestyle! In the US call 1-800-868-4359. Worldwide call 386-258-0703. Check out their web site: www.pea.com....