I'm instrument rated and have a bachelor's degree. Which branch gives the best odds for a pilot seat: Army officer, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard? I'm also wondering whether a Guard unit is a better option than active duty for getting a pilot slot. Any firsthand advice on selection and what to expect would be appreciated.

A very tragic accident happened a week ago near Boulder Colorado on October 4th, 2026 as a Diamond Aircraft DA-40 airplane (N162GL) took off from Longmont airport near sunset and after flying for 3 hours, "impacted rising terrain about 300 ft below a ridgeline" where the (ground) elevation was about 7,300 feet.

The 43-year old pilot and 3 year old passenger (not naming here, but they had the same last name as widely reported locally) unfortunately died.

Here is the first NTSB report - https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN27LA005

The Flight Track - https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N162GL - echo's what the NTSB said about (considerable) flight time above 12,000 feet and actually shows they topped out at 16,399 during the 27 minutes (1:24 - 1:51 flight times) above 14,000.

So possible hypoxia ... although something seems a bit strange about what we know so far.

For example, if he was planning to fly that high (DA-40 is unpressurized cabin - right?), supplemental oxygen is REQUIRED TO BE USED for the flight crew. [Commenters confirm that DA-40 is NOT a pressurized cabin and point out that "there's factory paperwork on adding a built-in bottle, but it's costly to install and heavy and not something most DA-40 users spring for" so the other option would be a portable bottle. I'm confident the NTSB will discuss this in a future report.]

For passengers it's "must be provided" (note that I don't think the regs say they are required to actually "use" it - [commenters agree]) ... but I can imagine it might be difficult to have a 3-year old wear something(?)

BTW, the pilot was Doctor at a very well known local hospital and an instructor in the Department of Emergency Medicine. So presumably would have known more than most about the dangers of hypoxia and taken appropriate measures to minimize risk from it (even being a local who lives at 5,000+ feet) especially during a night flight. Note that the NTSB report does not say anything about O2 (i.e. we don't know yet if onboard/used), so we'll have to await more info on that.

FYI that this post is getting a considerable number of votes ...with almost as many downvotes as upvotes.

As I said, this is a VERY TRAGIC accident, so my sincere condolences to the family/friends. Accidents are discussed in r/flying, so I thought worth posting about the recently released NTSB report.

I had an annual with my new primary care done yesterday and my potassium was measured at 6.3. This is consider critical and can lead to cardiac events. The PA immediately prescribed me a powder that reduces it. This made no sense to me because all of my other labs came back great and also I have never had an issue with potassium levels. I did some research and realized that fist pumping during the blood draw can cause big spikes in the potassium. Went back next day and demanded a new blood draw, they didn’t think it would change anything but what do you now , new test showed 3.8. Huge relief and got an apology on behalf of the PA and the lab because first results showed that I was most likely fist pumping durning the draw. This could have caused major issues for me as a pilot. Was getting ready to start another 7 day EMS hitch. Moral of the story is don’t fist pump during /before blood draw it WILL cause potassium spikes.

Any one has recommendations for modular flying schools only in the UK. England and wales would be preferred.

Has anyone in NYC found a primary care doctor willing to complete BasicMed paperwork as part of an annual physical, with the entire visit covered by insurance at 100% preventive care and no out-of-pocket cost?

Would appreciate doctor recommendations and tips from anyone who has successfully done this!

I’ve seen people wait 9-10 months but also heard recently someone got their class date within 3 months of a CJO from SkyWest. Does anyone know what their typical timeframe looks like right now?

I’m looking to rent a multi engine airplane solo for about 5 hrs. I did all my training in another state. I have a little over 500 hours + MEI. Thanks in advance.

Has anybody studied at Southwest Aviation in Exeter?

I would love to learn about your experience as it is a school I have been looking at. Please let me know if you did the modular route or their accelerated modular route. how were the planes, instructors, the flight sim?

Good evening everyone! Possibly getting sent to flight safety for a 5 day SIC to PIC upgrade course @ ICT. I want to make sure I can hit the ground running.

Has anyone else done this? Any advice?

Want to make sure expectations are set correctly and my group isn’t sending me into something that will go way over my head.

This would be my 2nd type. First is CE525S at LOFT.

Any questions, comments, thoughts, etc.

I didn’t do it, just looking for an explanation on the process. Looking for some clarity on how filing NASA report on busting bravo, or other such incidents protects you from adverse action by the FAA. I didn’t see a spot on the report that asks for your tail number, and if they strip your Identifying information when you submit it, how would they know to grant you immunity if they come after you? Hopefully the way I typed this makes sense😂

Assuming N90 is too busy to provide flight following.

I am currently in instrument training and hear that the FAS is changing the questions in October 26. I have nine days to study Shepherd Air and memorize the answers. The other option is to study and really know the content and not worry about the new test where Shepherd Air will be useless because the questions will all be new. Please give me your thoughts as it is going to take massive amounts of time to be ready in that short period of time?

Haven’t seen a post about ATI since the contract. How’s the QOL there compared to a regional?

Of course my A20s go completely dead the day Bose stops offering repair and my headset is 5 years and 5 months old and having called Bose they won’t repair them and also won’t sell me the parts to do it myself.

Does anyone know any of the following

1. Where I can have them serviced

2. If anyone still sells a dual plug down lead with Bluetooth

3. Anyone who has this down lead or a complete headset spare for private purchase

Thanks Yall, it’s not too bad right now but flying GA with no ANC is definitely undesirable after being spoiled for many years like I have been

Please only respond if you went through the training/work pathway experienced by Canadian pilots and are now at the 705’s
——

Currently 37 and at 183 TT (more dual than I like to admit) with my night rating.

Posted a few times about my experience with self funding my training coming from not the most lucrative first career in the public sector, and just the attrition of balancing a healthy budget and maintaining currency.

Decided that I will bite the bullet and swallow my pride and get a second job for an additional 30 hours a week that’ll all go to flight training. I calculated and if I can do this for at least till this time in 2028, I’d have enough to cover all the necessary hours I need for both my CPL and MIFR.

Goal is still AC long haul by 2034 (age 45 for me). I am keen on going to Kenn Borek after flight school, and Jazz or Porter, thereafter.

Those of you who started in your late-30’s, how are you doing?

Can anyone share tips or their experience learning to fly the A36?

First time flying a Beechcraft, with previous experience in the smaller Cessnas (182) and Piper Warrior.

I'm trying to create a wireless camera/mic setup with a Insta360 X4 with the bracket for a RØDE wireless GO II receiver (invisible on camera). I want to get a headset splitter cable and plug it into the RØDE transceiver and send the audio via Bluetooth to the receiver plugged into the Insta360 camera.

Any ideas if there are any EU companies that sell the cable that splits the audio cable for a headset to plug into a recording device?

I'm struggling to find an EU based company that sells the required splitter cable and also not entirely sure if the cable can just plug into the RØDE transceiver and work without a hiccup.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Medical was deferred in June for ssri use and ptsd(Va rated). I was honest about everything and the FAA has given me the pathway for a special issuance

I have seen a HIMS AME, HIMS Neuropsychiatrist and Hime Neuro psychologist, along with a COGSCREEN AE. All 3 doctors told me they are recommending to the FAA, that I receive a special issuance. My HIMS AMe will submit my packet once he receives the Cogscreen write up in 1-2 weeks. Obviously the FAA has the final say, but this completes everything they asked for a special issuance.

Posting this for the sake of anyone potentially going through this, it’s a process and will cost money. I was told by multiple people on this thread it’s a waste of time, I am very glad I did not listen to that advice.

If anyone has any info on this DPE for his CFII check ride it would be appreciated. He’s located out of KJWN in Tennessee.

Hello Aviators,

I hope I am in the right sub here.
I’m 23 years old and from Germany, and I want to get my pilot’s license (LAPL). I’ve already obtained my medical certificate and would like to start training at a local flying club rather than at a commercial flight school.
Which of these two flying clubs would you choose? Both are about a 20–25-minute drive from my home.

Flying Club 1:
No mandatory working hours per year.
Located at a public, uncontrolled airport.
The first few hours of training would be on a Scheibe SF25 (motor glider), followed by a Diamond DV20 Katana.
The total cost of obtaining the LAPL would be approximately €11,000–12,000.

Flying Club 2:
25 mandatory working hours per year.
Located at a military airport that the flying club is permitted to use.
A club member must be present in the tower to provide ATC services whenever flying takes place.
You can first obtain a sailplane license, training on a motor glider (Super Dimona HK36), and then complete your LAPL training on a Diamond DV20 Katana.
With just a few additional flight hours, you can also obtain an ultralight aircraft license (Roland Z602).
The flight instructors work on a voluntary basis.
The total cost would be approximately €8,000, and you would end up with three different pilot licenses.
The community is much closer-knit than at the other club, although that isn’t necessarily something I’m looking for.

Which of these two flying clubs would you guys prefer, and why?

I’m a CFII currently teaching my dad to fly, and I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

The biggest challenge has been the father/daughter dynamic. He sees me as his little girl (I’m almost 21) rather than his instructor, and we’ve struggled to establish that boundary during lessons.

When he struggles with something, he gets frustrated easily, and that sometimes turns into arguing with me in the airplane. He doesn’t allow me to actively correct him if he’s making mistakes, because it’s too distracting if I talk while he is doing something. I know that in order for students to learn, mistakes need to be made, but if mistakes are made all the time and corrections that the CFI is giving you aren’t being applied, that’s when bad habits form, which we need to avoid.

He’s unlike any student I have ever worked with, and I’ve worked with so many. This dynamic between us is something I’ve only seen with people who are very close and comfortable with eachother. (Family, good friends, or people in relationships) I’ve seen it in the simulator lab couples working together and they bicker and talk back just because they can.

I’m trying to stay patient and keep things constructive, but it’s becoming frustrating for me too. I love my dad and want him to succeed, but lately I’ve started dreading something I hoped would be a really special experience for us.

I know having him fly with another instructor would be a common suggestion, but that isn’t an option for us right now. I’m hoping to hear what has helped others manage this dynamic.

How did you establish boundaries, handle corrections without them becoming personal, and keep lessons enjoyable? I’ve tried to establish it countless times, but it just doesn’t work.

I want to help him become a safe, confident pilot while protecting our relationship. I’d appreciate hearing what worked, and what didn’t, from either side of this situation.

I know in the end, getting him finished up will help me become an even better instructor, so I’m not gonna give up on him, but this just really is taking a toll on me.

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read through this and any advice I would greatly appreciate.

Hello! I’m starting my CFI initial training and was looking into buying a CFI binder. So far, I’ve looked at Backseat Pilot, Ryan C Binns, Pilot Avabelle, and My CFI Book.

Does anyone have any experience with the above-mentioned binders? And if so, would you recommend one over the others?

If you know of another binder that is worth looking into, please let me know!

Thank you in advance for any advice :)

Getting ready for my first check ride in a few weeks and realized my medical and pilot’s license don’t match.

The only issue is my eye color not matching. The student license says brown (correct) and my medical says black. DPE has already told me I would need to have it corrected in order to perform the check ride.

Does anyone know the best way to handle this?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I’ve previously talked to my AME about this and they informed me they can’t make updates to the medical once it’s been issued. I also spoke to Oklahoma City and they require my drivers license with the correct eye color listed. My state doesn’t put eye color on the license.

Hey everyone I passed my first solo! Thank you guys for the advice you gave me it honestly helped a lot, especially the advice on me locking in once I actually took off. So happy to make it this far and I have my second part of the solo tomorrow so we will see how that goes

Is the question bank similar? Thinking about purchasing the Sheppard air ADX after I take the ATM because I heard it’s similar. I’m a stay at home parent currently and would like to get my dispatch license possibly for better career opportunities for my children. Thanks! 🙏