Having observed flight school leaseback operations for years, I can assure you that you will not make money or even break even doing it. In the 1980’s with favorable tax provisions, it was possible to make money, but no more. At best, a leaseback allows you to own an airplane that you could not othe...

For the Diamond 40, 1.414 x 53 (Vs1) = 75 knots.

DMMS (Defined Minimum Maneuvering Speed) comes from Dan Gryder of YouTube fame. Some people like him, some people hate him. I actually think the factor should be 1.414. He uses 1.404 x Vs1, as the minimum speed to use in the pattern until on final. A 2g level turn at 60 deg bank would create a load ...

As a general rule, an aft cg (within the envelope, of course) will provide a smaller tail down force, less drag, and higher cruise speed. However the airplane will be less stable in pitch. So let’s say you are planning to fly solo with a 40 lb suitcase. Do you put the suitcase in the right front sea...

“I have noticed that. But I think there is an obvious error in the RPM setting for T/O climb. In reality, you have RPM at max (2700) at takeoff, not 2400. I certainly do until well after leaving the runway.” Rich, that can be the only explanation. The takeoff climb chart with flaps takeoff could onl...

Has anyone noticed that the climb rate with takeoff flaps is greater than the climb rate with cruise flaps? Just looking at the climb performance charts, with the examples shown, you can see a 110 ft/min better climb rate with takeoff flaps over climb with cruise flaps. Can anyone offer a technical ...

The DA40 in my flight school has a 1000 hour inspection coming due soon. The school has just one DA40 so it will be unavailable during the inspection. How many days can I expect the airplane to be out of service? How many person-hours of labor required? I understand that ordering any replacement par...

If you do find yourself in a DA62, it would be an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the Garmin G1000 navigation system as well as the associated glass screens, PFD (Primary Flight Display) and MFD (Multifunction Display). Learning these systems with all the knobs and buttons will make yo...

I also meant to add that after flying with your CFI for some period of time, do not hesitate to change CFI's if that CFI is not the match that you sought. There are many personalities, styles, and methods among CFI's.

I agree with Dave. Contact the two flight schools and request a demo flight. Specify that you want to identify the best flight instructor for your needs and fly with that CFI on the demo flight. You can also at this time, start your knowledge test preparations. Sportys.com has a very good Private Pi...