Amanda Skovgaard

Aviation Health & Mobility Writer

Amanda writes about physical wellness for pilots, focusing on mobility, posture, and fatigue prevention. Her work explores practical stretching routines and recovery strategies designed for long flights and irregular schedules.

ATP Certifications and the Pilot Pipeline Shift
ATP certifications are rising as FAA rules, regional airline demand, and training capacity shape the path from student pilot to Part 121 cockpit….
September 22, 2026
Student pilot reviewing modern pilot competencies with an instructor before a training flight

Modern Pilot Competencies For Safer Training

Modern pilot competencies are not limited to stick-and-rudder control. A safe pilot has to connect aeronautical knowledge, regulatory discipline, communication, medical readiness, aircraft systems awareness, and sound decision-making under pressure. That mix matters from the first student pilot application through … Read more

Airbus Pilot Training session in a simulator classroom with instructor and cadets

Airbus Pilot Training After CBTA Overhaul

Confirmed: Airbus Pilot Training has moved further toward competency-based instruction, with Airbus completing a full revision of its pilot training curriculum in February 2026 and aligning all Type Rating courses with the latest ICAO Competency-Based Training and Assessment standards, according … Read more

Student pilot using pilot training technology in a simulator briefing room

Pilot Training Technology Best Practices

Pilot training technology can strengthen learning outcomes only when schools treat it as a training method, not a novelty purchase. The research supports a disciplined approach: define measurable objectives, introduce tools in stages, prepare instructors, validate outputs against real performance, … Read more

Student and instructor review pilot training models in a simulator briefing

Pilot Training Models for Real Scenarios

Confirmed: pilot training models are shifting toward real-world scenarios because technical control of the aircraft is only one part of safe flying. A pilot also needs to recognize risk, manage workload, communicate clearly, and make sound decisions while conditions change. … Read more

FAA special issuance

Aviation Medicals: Surviving The FAA Special Issuance Process

Losing your medical certification instantly grounds your aviation career. A routine checkup that reveals an irregular heartbeat, a new mental health diagnosis, or a required surgery strips away your legal authority to act as pilot-in-command. The Federal Aviation Administration explicitly … Read more

Student Pilot, first flight lesson

What To Expect During Your First Flight Lesson

Stepping onto the tarmac for your first flight lesson is a profound moment for any aspiring aviator. Most flight schools structure this initial experience—often called a discovery flight—to demonstrate the basic principles of aerodynamics without overwhelming a new student. Anticipation … Read more

Private Pilot License Cost and What you can do

Private Pilot License Cost: A Realistic Breakdown

One of the first questions aspiring pilots ask is simple: how much does a private pilot license actually cost? The frustrating answer is that there is no single number. The FAA’s minimum flight-time requirement for a private pilot certificate in … Read more

airline pilot requirements

Essential Prerequisites to Start Your Pilot Journey

Embarking on a career as a pilot is a significant undertaking that demands careful planning, unwavering dedication, and a robust foundation in several critical areas. To become a proficient pilot, one must comprehend the intricate systems, regulations, and skills … Read more

crisis response for pilots

Early Signs of Crisis

When a pilot’s sharp focus starts to fade, it’s not just a bad day. It’s a sign of something deeper. We’re seeing the early signs of trouble in the human mind.

I’ve seen professionals change right before my eyes. They … Read more

FAA mental health guidelines

Overview of FAA Standards

Remember when talking about mental health in aviation felt like a secret? Those days are over.

The rules have changed from keeping quiet to openly supporting pilots. The FAA has added Cymbalta, Effexor, and Pristiq to their list of approved … Read more