New This Month: Welcome to Flight Schedule Pro!
We're excited to announce that we've officially transitioned from Flight Circle to Flight SchedulePro! This new platform will streamline scheduling while giving both students and instructors access to powerful new training tools. In addition to managing flight and instructor schedules, Flight Schedule Pro features integrated digital syllabi, lesson plans, stage tracking, training records, and progress monitoring—all in one place. This makes it easier to stay organized, prepare for lessons, and track your progress from your very first flight through your checkride. As we continue getting everyone up to speed on the new system, we appreciate your patience during the transition. If you have any questions about scheduling or using the platform, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're excited about the opportunities this upgrade brings and look forward to providing an even better training experience for all of our students!
Confidence on the Mic: Aviation Radio Calls
By Len Litton
As pilots, we all know that sounding cool on the radio is an absolute must, but I often see and hear pilots struggle with what to say and how to say it. Radio communications are a critical link in the ATC system. This link can be a strong bond between pilot and controller or it can be broken with surprising speed and disastrous results. The single, most important thought in pilotcontroller communications is understanding. It is essential, therefore, that pilots acknowledge each radio communication with ATC by using the appropriate aircraft call sign. Brevity is important, and contacts should be kept as brief as possible, but controllers must know what you want to do before they can properly carry out their control duties. And you, the pilot, must know exactly what the controller wants you to do. Since concise phraseology may not always be adequate, use whatever words are necessary to get your message across.
All pilots will find the Pilot/Controller Glossary very helpful in learning what certain words or phrases mean. Good phraseology enhances safety and is the mark of a professional pilot. If you have not read the Pilot/Controller glossary, I highly recommend you read it ASAP. Jargon, chatter, and “CB” slang have no place in ATC communications and use discipline when on the CTAF at non-towered fields as well. The Pilot/Controller Glossary is the same glossary used in FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control.
I have also noticed that in general "we" have created a generation of "parrots" that considers it necessary to repeat verbatim everything that the controller says. This is not necessary nor desired, and in busy high traffic areas such as NY Center it may even be detrimental to safe operations. So, how do I know what to repeat and what not to repeat? In general, repeat anything with “numbers” such as altitudes, headings (vectors), runway numbers. Repeat clearances, runway assignment and taxi route, and hold short instructions. If it is “direction” repeat it, if it is “information” not necessarily required. Also, the terms "ROGER" and "WILCO" are excellent terms to use in the right situation to enhance brevity.
Example: "(Tower) Cessna 1234K cleared for takeoff, traffic 2 mile final."
(Response) (Cessna 1234K cleared for takeoff."
Study hard, fly safe, and sound cool on the Radios!
SUMMER FLYING & SUMMER STORMS
Federal Aviation Administration. (2026, July 16). Steering Around the Storm: A GA Guide to Thunderstorms. Cleared for Takeoff Blog.
Thunderstorms remain one of the greatest weather hazards in aviation, capable of producing severe turbulence, wind shear, microbursts, lightning, hail, heavy rain, and rapidly changing conditions. While modern weather technology provides valuable information, no amount of equipment replaces sound aeronautical decision-making.
Thunderstorms are characterized by lightning and thunder, produced by cumulonimbus clouds. They require moisture, rising unstable air, and a lifting mechanism (e.g., sun heating the ground or a cold front) to form, and are often accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail and tornadoes.
The FAA reminds pilots that the best strategy is simple: avoid thunderstorms whenever possible. A thorough preflight weather briefing, continuous in-flight weather monitoring, and maintaining at least a 20-nautical-mile buffer from storm cells can significantly reduce risk. Pilots should also remember that cockpit weather displays may be delayed by 15–20 minutes, making visual awareness and conservative decision-making even more important. A thorough preflight weather briefing starts with understanding the big picture and what is happening around your region then starting to hone in along your route checking forecasts (TAF) and even METARS to get the current report.
If conditions deteriorate, don't hesitate to delay, divert, or cancel the flight. Good judgment is a hallmark of safe piloting, and no destination is worth compromising safety. Whether you're a student pilot or a seasoned aviator, respecting thunderstorms and planning ahead are essential habits that help ensure every flight ends safely.
AUGUST PRICE CHANGE
We want to let everyone know that our updated pricing is now in effect. Due to rising operating costs, including the increased cost of avgas, aircraft rental rates have increased by $5 per hour, effective August 1. A few additional fees have also been adjusted. Please refer to the August Rates Guide for a current rates and fees.
As always, we appreciate your continued support and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality aircraft, instruction, and service.
Congratulations to Our Students!!!!
Instructor Shout Out
Congratulations to Jo Mercier on becoming a Multi-Engine Instructor!
Checkride Pass:
- Carlos Martins - PPL
- Kirill Kolesnikov - CFII
- Owen Hauser - IRA
- Kevin Smith - MEI
- Logan Patyi - CFII
- Joe Urciuoli - CFII
- Jo Mercier - MEI
1st Solo!
Way to Go!!
- Bastiaan Krattley
Student Survey:
Acts 17:30-31 "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”