Aviation Training Guides
Written by airline pilots, for student pilots
Every article on this blog is written by the airline pilot instructors at Aviator.NYC, a simulator training school in Hudson Square, Manhattan. Our team includes active airline captains, charter pilots, and FAA-certified flight instructors (CFIIs) who teach instrument and private pilot students in our FAA-certified G1000 Advanced Aviation Training Device. These guides cover IFR approach procedures, G1000 avionics tutorials, career planning for aspiring pilots, and practical advice for student pilots starting their training in the New York City area. Whether you are preparing for your first discovery flight or studying for an instrument rating checkride, you will find specific, actionable information based on what we teach every day in the simulator. Browse by category below, or use the search bar to find a specific topic.
Most Popular
Our most-read articles based on real traffic
Mastering Climb Gradients on IFR Departures
How to calculate and fly required climb gradients on departure procedures.
JFK Jr Plane Crash & Spatial Disorientation
An FAA Gold Seal flight instructor analyzes the JFK Jr. crash through the PAVE checklist framework. Learn how pilot, aircraft, environment, and external pressure factors combined — and how to prevent it.
Holding Pattern Entry Guide
Master holding pattern entries with interactive calculators. Learn Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop entries, holding speeds, and timing rules.
Jeppesen Approach Brief
Step-by-step guide to setting up the avionics and briefing an instrument approach.
New Pilots
30 guides for student pilots starting their journey
GI Bill for Flight Training in NYC
A 777 captain's honest guide to using the GI Bill for flight training in New York — Part 61 vs Part 141, Montgomery vs Post-9/11, and why the benefit often goes further on a degree.
Bay Area Pilots Are Running Out of Runways
Reid-Hillview is closing, Palo Alto faces noise limits, and a Bay Area private pilot certificate now runs $15,000–$25,000+. Why Silicon Valley pilots are training elsewhere — and how NYC simulator training fits in.
What to Expect at Your First Airplane Lesson After Simulator Training
What happens at your first airplane lesson after simulator training — weather checks, SAFEST briefing, preflight inspection, takeoff, practice area flying, and landing. What transfers from the sim and what feels different.
What to Expect at Your First Flight Lesson
What happens at your first flight lesson — from weather briefing to hands-on flying. What to bring, what you will practice, and how simulator training prepares you to fly.
How Many Simulator Hours Count Toward Your Pilot License
FAA simulator hour credits for private pilot license (2.5h), instrument rating (20h), and IFR currency. What qualifies, how to log time, and why simulator training saves money.
Why You Can't Practice Every Emergency in an Airplane
Why flight schools prohibit pulling circuit breakers, restrict spin training, and limit emergency practice. Which critical scenarios can only be trained in a simulator.
IFR Training
24 guides for instrument-rated pilots
How to Set Up a Home Flight Simulator for IFR Training
A Bay Area tech pilot built a sub-$100 home flight simulator and sped through his instrument rating with a remote instructor. Full hardware, software, and display setup — plus what counts toward your certificate.
How to Log Simulator IFR Approaches (ForeFlight + Paper)
Step-by-step guide to logging simulated instrument approaches in ForeFlight and paper logbooks. What counts as an approach, how to record AATD time, and IFR currency requirements.
How to Prepare for Solo IFR Currency in the Simulator
Plan your solo IFR currency simulator session — how to chain approaches, which aircraft to choose, EFB setup tips, and pre-built LOFT scenarios.
FAA WINGS Program: Earn Safety Credits at Aviator.NYC
How the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program works — earn safety credits, insurance discounts, and satisfy your flight review through simulator-based LOFT scenarios.
Efficient Cross Country Flying for Instrument Rating
How to plan and fly IFR cross countries efficiently for training.
VOR Navigation Guide
Master VOR navigation with interactive diagrams and a practice simulator. Learn radials, the HSI, intercepting courses, and common mistakes.
General & Resources
Safety, community, and practical resources
Spirit Airlines Shut Down — Free Simulator Training for Displaced Pilots
Our airline pilot instructors are volunteering free G1000 simulator time and part-time CFI positions to Spirit Airlines pilots affected by the May 2026 shutdown.
Tri-State Flight Training Sales Tax Guide
Understand flight training sales tax rules across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Quick reference for tri-state pilots.
EAA Chapter 501
Learn about EAA Chapter 501 and youth aviation programs in NYC.
Comm Radio Setup
How to set up and manage frequencies on modern avionics.
Free Flights for Kids: EAA Young Eagles in NY/NJ
The EAA Young Eagles program offers free flights for kids ages 8-17 near NYC. Find local events at Lincoln Park Airport and Long Island, plus a free $250 flight training course.
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program in NYC
The CAP Cadet Program offers NYC kids ages 12-18 free aerospace education, leadership training, and flight scholarships. Find local squadrons in Manhattan, Long Island, and NJ.
Best Aviation Museums Near NYC for Kids
5 aviation museums within day-trip distance of NYC — from the Intrepid's Space Shuttle to WWII warbirds at Republic Airport. Hours, highlights, and tips for visiting with kids.
Best Aviation Gifts
Perfect aviation gifts for aspiring pilots of all ages.