Skyfarer’s Podcast

Aging Out at 65: The Battle Over Mandatory Pilot Retirement Has Never Been This Close

The debate over raising the mandatory airline pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 has returned to Congress with more political momentum than any previous attempt. As of May 2026, the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act has the backing of both House and Senate Republican leadership, and its chief advocate — Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee — has signaled that legislation could advance this session. But political momentum isn’t consensus. The proposal faces fierce opposition from ALPA, more than 30 labor unions, and many line pilots who argue the change would create more problems than it solves. Here’s where the debate stands — and why it’s more complicated than either side admits.   https://blog.skyfareracademy.com/2026/06/02/aging-out-at-65-the-battle-over-mandatory-pilot-retirement-has-never-been-this-close/

The Reality of Buying a Used Aircraft for Personal Use

Buying a pre-owned private airplane can be rewarding but also complex. Prospective owners must budget for significant initial costs, plan for substantial ongoing operating expenses, follow legal and regulatory requirements, and be alert to critical mechanical considerations. This comprehensive guide (focused on U.S. FAA regulations) breaks down the major aspects to consider when purchasing a used personal aircraft, from cost breakdowns to ownership structures. https://skyfareracademy.com/p/the-reality-of-buying-a-used-aircraft

Hiring a Ferry Pilot: Job Types, Requirements, Costs, and What Aircraft Owners Should Ask

https://skyfareracademy.com/p/hiring-a-ferry-pilot-jobs-requirements-aircraft [https://skyfareracademy.com/p/hiring-a-ferry-pilot-jobs-requirements-aircraft] Hiring a ferry pilot involves finding a qualified pilot to relocate an aircraft and arranging the logistics, cost, and legal details. In the U.S., there are both companies that specialize in ferry flights and independent pilots offering these services.

Winter Flight Training: Challenges, Advantages, and Best Practices

Winter weather can impact the pace and consistency of flight training [https://skyfareracademy.com/p/pilot-training]. In many northern regions, a significant portion of scheduled lessons may be canceled or delayed due to weather. For example, in a place like Michigan, nearly one-third of potential training days could be lost to weather in winter (and almost half for practicing maneuvers). Shorter daylight hours also limit after-work training opportunities, meaning student pilots often have to finish flying by late afternoon unless they incorporate night training. On the plus side, winter introduces conditions that build valuable experience.   https://blog.skyfareracademy.com/2026/01/08/winter-flight-training-challenges-advantages-and-best-practices/ [https://blog.skyfareracademy.com/2026/01/08/winter-flight-training-challenges-advantages-and-best-practices/] https://skyfareracademy.com/ [https://skyfareracademy.com/]

Pilot Training Insights Webinar - Skyfarer (Greg Brown, John Niehaus)

Join Greg Brown (National Flight Instructor of the Year, Flight Instructor Hall of Fame, author of The Savvy Flight Instructor) and John Niehaus (Founder of The Calm Cockpit Podcast, Corporate Pilot, and NAFI Eggspuhler Service Award recipient) for a conversation packed with real-world wisdom and practical guidance. https://skyfareracademy.com/