In aviation, Dutch roll refers to a potentially dangerous flight instability where an aircraft experiences a combination of yaw and roll oscillations. It can either be a specific maneuver or a naturally occurring aircraft phenomenon. Quick Navigation to Dutch Rolls The Basics Safety and Training Definition and Dynamics of the Dutch Roll Dutch roll is an aircraft motion where the tail is wagged side to side (yaw) while the wings rock from side to side (roll), with both movements occurring out of phase. It is caused by aerodynamic coupling between the yaw (side-to-side motion) and roll (banking motion) axes of an aircraft. This is sometimes called yaw and roll coupling. When a jet or commercial airliner, like a Boeing 737 ... Read more

The post What is a Dutch Roll? The Aircraft Maneuver Every Pilot Should Know appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

The visual guide above shows how a windsock’s angle and extension help pilots estimate wind speed and direction during flight operations, enhancing safety on the runway. In this article, I’ll define them, explain their meaning, and explore their installation, calibration. They plan an essential role in preflight checks and runway wind condition assessments. Quick Navigation to Windsocks The Basics Safety for Pilots General Information What is a windsock? Every airport, whether a small rural airstrip like Massey Ranch Airpark or a busy international hub like Orlando International Airport, features one key visual tool for pilots: the windsock. These simple-looking devices play a critical role in flight safety by serving as aerodrome wind indicators. A windsock, also called a wind direction ... Read more

The post Windsocks in Aviation: Speed & Direction appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Epic Buzz July 2025 Quick Navigation to Epic Buzz July 2025 Breaking News Keeping Up at Epic Epic Launches Part 141 Schools in Colorado and Utah On June 21, 2025, Epic Flight Academy cut the ribbon at its Englewood, Colorado flight school near Denver, and one week later cut the ribbon during the grand opening at St. George, Utah. Danny Perna, founder and CEO, said, “We’ve never opened two flight schools within a week of each other, but everything lined up perfectly. The folks at the Centennial Airport and the St. George Regional Airport really stepped up to welcome us. Also, Brock Rees, Epic’s director of satellite operation put together a great team at both sites, and we are already training pilots. ... Read more

The post Epic Buzz Vol. 8 Issue 7 | July 2025 appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Aviation fuel powers the world’s aircraft, supporting countless commercial, general, and military flights each year. From jet fuel to avgas, this vital resource comes in various grades and compositions, each with specific performance characteristics. In this article, I’ll explore what aviation fuel is, how it’s used, safety issues, and the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Quick Navigation to Aviation Fuel The Basics Supply Safety General Information What is Aviation Fuel? What Aviation fuel refers to any fuel used to power airplanes or aeroplanes, primarily Jet A/Jet A-1, Jet B, and aviation gasoline (avgas). The chemical formula, composition, autoignition temperature, and flash point vary depending on the type. These properties are key to ensuring safe engine performance under extreme conditions. ... Read more

The post Understanding Aviation Fuel: Types, Uses, and Safety appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Ailerons are essential flight control surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of an airplane’s wings. Their primary function is to control the aircraft’s movement along the roll axis, which allows the aircraft to bank left or right. Whether flying a Cessna Skyhawk here at Epic or a Boeing 737 for the airlines, understanding how they work is fundamental to aircraft operation and maintenance. Quick Navigation to Ailerons Basic Functions Types and Designs Training Issues General Information What do ailerons do? The function of ailerons is to manage roll control by creating differential lift on each wing. When the right aileron deflects downward and the left aileron upward, the airplane rolls to the left, and vice versa. This movement is coordinated ... Read more

The post Understanding Ailerons: What are they and how do they work? appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Aviation has inspired some of the most powerful words in history with reflections on freedom, courage, and the wonder of flight. From the Wright Brothers to Charles Lindbergh to everyday pilots like you and me, flying brings out the poet in all of us. Among them are quotes by Anne Morrow Lindbergh about aviation, capturing both the beauty and solitude of the skies. In this article, I highlight more than 50 of the best aviation quotes ever shared by pilots, writers, and dreamers alike. Here’s hoping you spot your favorite among them! Quick Navigation to Aviation Quotes Inspiration & Wonder From da Vinci’s earliest musings on the possibilities of flight in the Codex on the Flight of Birds to Royal ... Read more

The post Wings of Wisdom: The 50+ Best Aviation Quotes of All Time appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Epic Buzz June 2025 Quick Navigation to Epic Buzz June 2025 Breaking News Keeping Up at Epic Epic Partners with MSU Denver Epic Flight Academy announced its 5th college partnership, this one with Metropolitan State University – Denver. Epic is an FAA Part 141 pilot training provider to MSU Denver. This means Epic flight training can lead to a BS degree in Aviation & Aerospace Science with a Professional Flight Officer Concentration. It’s exciting to offer these opportunities to our students! First FAA Pass at CVG Campus Big news from Erlanger, Kentucky! Congratulations to Zander Benz on passing his exam to become an FAA-certified Airframe Mechanic! Zander is a member of the inaugural class at Epic’s Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport ... Read more

The post Epic Buzz Vol. 8 Issue 6 | June 2025 appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Learning to fly a plane, whether a light aircraft like a Cessna 172 here at Epic or a Boeing 747 jet, involves mastering many cockpit instruments. However, none is more essential than the Airspeed Indicator (ASI). Indicated Airspeed (IAS) is a fundamental concept in pilot training because it helps pilots measure and manage flight performance, lift-to-drag ratio, and safety-critical V-speeds. Here, I’ll get into IAS, explain how it works, define related airspeed types, and show you how to read and correct airspeed for better accuracy. Let’s get started! Quick Navigation to Indicated Airspeed The Basics IAS, TAS, and CAS Pilot Training and IAS What is indicated airspeed (IAS)? A good definition for indicated airspeed is the speed shown directly on ... Read more

The post Understanding Indicated Airspeed: A Pilot’s Guide appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Epic Flight Academy Becomes Largest Part 141 Flight School in the United States On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the FAA completed inspections on three of Epic’s newest flight training campuses and certified them for Part 141 training. This brings the total of Epic’s Part 141 schools to 9, the most in the country.  Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “It’s quite a milestone, especially considering the fact that we are actively developing additional flight training sites that will also be Part 141 schools.” Director of satellite operations Brock Rees added, “FAA Part 141 training is a structured, FAA-approved program that offers a faster, more efficient path to earning pilot certificates with fewer required flight hours.” Flying Magazine shared the full story.  Aircraft Mechanic Students ... Read more

The post Epic Buzz Vol. 8 Issue 5 | May 2025 appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.

Commercial pilot rank is rooted in military history. In the world of aviation, whether in today’s military or civilian sector, rank and uniform have always played a crucial role in defining roles, responsibilities, and status. From the cockpit of an Air Force or Navy fighter jet to the flight deck of major airlines, a clear hierarchy ensures safety, leadership, and coordination. Quick Navigation to Pilot Ranks Identifying Rank for Commercial Pilots Background and Usage Stripes, Insignia, and Symbolism Airline pilot uniforms are more than just attire. They symbolize authority and professionalism. Pilot epaulettes (or epaulets), worn on the shoulder, feature stripes (bars) that indicate rank: Second Officer – Relief or cruise pilot Assists with monitoring systems and flying duties, often ... Read more

The post How do commercial pilot ranks work? appeared first on Epic Flight Academy.