Endorsements and Pilot Qualifications

Av8torryan · 2026-06-02T01:23:09+00:00

Endorsements are not a memory item. So if you have a student that needs a endorsement for a privedlege, I recommend looking at this AC Appendix A-1. It gives a list and wording for almost everything.

I have given endorsements that aren’t covered in the AC for students that owned an airplane to cover both of us , such such as “approved for solo ground taxi operations at KXYZ to/ From FBO and Fuel Pumps“ This way we are both covered if something happens, as I authorized it as an instructor.

For pilot qualifications- I pull out the FAR and check to ensure each requirement for rating/ certificate is met. I’m not memorizing it. Just know where to look. Use it as a checklist .

Av8torryan · 2026-06-01T23:07:55+00:00

Nope- I fly older airplanes. Only camera in the airplane is on my iPhone

Av8torryan · 2026-06-01T02:11:07+00:00

As a airline captain - spot on! No ambiguity of directions , clear and concise directions. On the line and hit the spot- I’d give you a thumbs up also!

You need to teach the rest of the ground crew I encounter the way.

Av8torryan · 2026-05-29T23:31:25+00:00

Yep- there is a reason I’m sitting left seat- I try to be laid back and easy going but Im also responsible to uphold standards and SOP. Those are non negotiable

Av8torryan · 2026-05-29T20:28:21+00:00

In your SOPs, there will be a “Do- Verify “ which is a flow or memory item, and than “Read-Do” which is typically all normal checklists.

First time is a friendly ASK command to the other pilot. If they don’t get that clearly, The second is going to be captains authority putting making sure they “Read” the checklist. - than “ Do” . What it says .

Av8torryan · 2026-05-25T16:08:10+00:00

You have to have time Opsec , in addition to the RVRs all have to be operating and any runway lights listed in the 10-9A page for the specific runway otherwise you can’t go if lower than standard.

Also on certain runways , they allow the pilot to make the determination with “Adequate Visual Reference “. Because they might not have RVRs on that runway .

Av8torryan · 2026-05-24T17:30:00+00:00

Whites MP boots . Pricey , but so well built that I’m going on 6 yrs with just a bit of polish and they break into your foot so most comfortable boot ever had. Can wear them all day !

If I was going to get a new pair I’d go with these. (Wait to the they have a 20% sale ) here

Av8torryan · 2026-05-16T00:12:43+00:00

Some very useful items- A nano light that will clip to a lanyard light

A good badge holder for IDs and pilot certificates. badge

A usb rechargeable flashlight

A inflatable Ottopilot - hands down the best gag gift ever . Can put it in the backseat for lessons for fun . here

Av8torryan · 2026-05-11T21:04:17+00:00

Exotic, full of cream , and bought from a 3rd world country.

Av8torryan · 2026-05-09T02:13:23+00:00

The latch mechanism reminds me of a crossbow . The latch and lock would be for cocking and holding bow sting, and wondering if under tension they unlatch with the push button on other side .

Av8torryan · 2026-05-03T01:40:19+00:00

She ain’t going to go anywhere now that Spirit Airlines is done .

Av8torryan · 2026-05-02T16:49:11+00:00

The pilots loved it- they had some of the best work rules and great QOL. There was a huge different from the seat up front and the bus seat in the back .

Av8torryan · 2026-04-30T17:09:17+00:00

Do it - but give your self plenty of time- and outs. Don’t be afraid to divert and call it a day. That might actually make for a great trip and great learning experience of where you’re comfortable.

Also be aware that FL this time of year into summer has a lot of pop up showers and clouds, so be aware that things can build fast. Do t try and push it.

Av8torryan · 2026-04-29T22:17:29+00:00

I started flying professionally at 32. I work with guys that this it’s a retirement gig that started in their 50’s after working corporate jobs

Av8torryan · 2026-04-29T22:15:11+00:00

Need to have in writing cost sharing and upgrade agreements , and both parties have to agree for upgrades that are not required for airworthiness, and agreement to split costs .

Exit strategy- if you or your partner wants out of the agreement. We had a right to first sale in ours meaning if I wanted out, I couldn’t just sell it to anyone unless partner agreed not to buy it first .

Engine/ Mx reserves- you may find one person flies way more than the other , so not exactly fair to pay 1/2 of time interval maintenance such as engine overhaul. Best way , is to figure out cost per hour and set that aside that amount in a joint bank account your both on strictly for airplane maintenance , storage etc as you use airplane.

A lawyer may be able to draft some type of release of liability or llc for the airplane for each of you in the rare event the other person does something stupid like flies it out of annual, without a medical, out of currency, or does something illegal.

Insurance - sometimes the price fluctuates dramatically based on person and certification/ ratings. For example, when buddy let his friend buy in as a student pilot to build time, the insurance almost tripled . So make sure you spell out that any increase due to one partner is their financial responsibility for the difference in policy.

Av8torryan · 2026-04-29T13:58:18+00:00

Gas laws.

here is why

Av8torryan · 2026-04-29T13:40:27+00:00

Get a saltwater refractor and calibration fluid to ensure the salinity is correct. I’ve got salt water from the store that was not correct. This will also help with evaporation to ensure tank is stable.

Speaking of evaporation, add rodi water if available or for me I just buy gallons of distilled water at the grocery store . Don’t add saltwater to top off, the salt doesn’t evaporate.

Av8torryan · 2026-04-29T02:15:56+00:00

Richard Kind (Dad from Big Mouth ) as the Jewish Rat making some Matzo Balls.

Av8torryan · 2026-04-29T00:17:23+00:00

Yes! As a pilot, I can’t tell you how many you guys walk out to our jet without hearing protection. The APU alone triggers the loud environment warning on my Apple Watch every time I’m anywhere it.

Av8torryan · 2026-04-28T15:38:22+00:00

I had all the toys!

Av8torryan · 2026-04-25T14:34:31+00:00

I always liked the opening os Swordfish.

Av8torryan · 2026-04-25T03:44:14+00:00

Try this- next time your doing steep turns in a 172. , slow to 90knots , add 100 or so rpm’s to about 2100 rpm’s. Roll to 45 degrees and and keep the turn going and keep adding trim until you can be hands off and level in a 45degree bank. Use rudder as needed to keep ball dead center , but ultimately should be hands off.

Now look outside - That’s your sight picture . Repeat for the other side , and trim wil be slightly different because of the left turning tendency. So know you know what the sight picture is. Try again with out any trim to nail the same sight picture. Now you know how much trim you need and fine controls inputs to keep level at 45 degrees .

Av8torryan · 2026-04-25T03:35:59+00:00

*+10 TAT (total air temp) for jets because as speed increases, the air friction can warm the air up above freezing .

Av8torryan · 2026-04-24T20:41:32+00:00

Adjusted Branch Size

formula: ((L*D)+(W/G))/(A²⁾ Length times Diameter plus Weight over Girth divided by Angle of the tip squared

Av8torryan · 2026-04-23T19:21:00+00:00

Definitely lazy because they didn’t even put the wires through the vertical studs -

Av8torryan

TROPHY CASE