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Why Your Instructor Sometimes Goes Quiet
At some point in your training, you’ll notice it. Your instructor stops talking. No reminders. No corrections. No “watch your airspeed.” And for a moment, it can feel unsettling. Did I miss something? Am I doing it wrong? Are they testing me? Here’s the truth: That silence is intentional. Silence Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone When your instructor goes quiet, they’re not disengaged. They’re watching more closely than before. They’re checking: What you notice How you prioritize Whe
Rick Thompson
Dec 28, 20252 min read


Skye: The Flight School Dog Who Steals Hearts and Inspires Pilots
Skye in the Hangar At 4 One Air, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch flight training with an emphasis on safety, competence, and...
Rick Thompson
Feb 8, 20252 min read


Uncovering the Impact: How Good Flight Schools Drive Economic Growth within Airports
The Heart of Aviation's Economic Engine The aviation industry is a powerhouse of economic activity in today's fast-paced world. Airports...
Rick Thompson
Oct 12, 20244 min read
Funny Story about Active Noise Cancelling (ANR) Causing an Emergency Landing.
When I was training to be a pilot I purchased a nice pair of Lightspeed Zulu headsets. I spent a lot of money for these and I was excited...
Rick Thompson
Feb 29, 20242 min read


When Can You Get Paid?
when can you get paid to be a pilot? That is the question we are going to help commercial students answer in this blog so please keep...
Rick Thompson
Feb 27, 20243 min read


Above the Pause
As aviators one of the huge topics you learn about is weather. It is important for pilots to understand weather because we are subject to...
Rick Thompson
Feb 8, 20242 min read


A Week In the Life of a Charter Pilot!!
"So where have you been this week?" That question comes up so often. The truth is that I probably know the airport codes better than I...
Rick Thompson
Feb 1, 20242 min read


What to do when finances get in the way of training?
Hey Friends, I started learning how to fly in 2008. I was not married at the time and I had a nice job with some discretionary income to...
Rick Thompson
Jan 29, 20244 min read


Into the Shadow
So you want to get your instrument rating as a pilot. You can now fly in less than VFR weather and shoot approaches down to minimums. I...
Rick Thompson
Jan 17, 20242 min read


What is a Checkride Like?
It is the day before your big checkride and you are studying like crazy to fit as much information in your head as possible. Tomorrow...
Rick Thompson
Nov 16, 20234 min read


Finding Your Way Through The Clouds
You may have been on an Airline in the clouds and somehow managed to land on the runway. You probably thought to yourself that you...
Rick Thompson
Apr 17, 20231 min read


It's A Great Time to be a Pilot!
Let me paint a picture for you. You have scheduled a big flight to Florida for a family vacation. A few days before departure, you get...
Rick Thompson
Dec 26, 20222 min read


The Mountain Waves of Flight Training
Hey Friends, I was in the middle of my instrument training. I was getting overwhelmed. I had days where I felt like the best pilot in the...
Rick Thompson
Dec 18, 20222 min read


Tis The Season For Instrument Approaches
Whether you are a new pilot or an experienced pilot you won't want to miss this. Michigan is known for its brutal lake effect weather...
Rick Thompson
Dec 10, 20221 min read
Where Do I Start With Flight Training???
This is a common question we get. I have received thousands of phone calls over the past few years from customers not sure how to get...
Rick Thompson
Dec 9, 20222 min read


Make Your Daydream a Reality
The Dream Many of you can relate to my story. As a child, I was intrigued and fascinated with airplanes. First, it started with the...
Rick Thompson
Nov 30, 20223 min read


How do I become a professional pilot?
Everybody asks what it takes to become a professional pilot. Here are the common steps that most pilots make in a career as a pilot....
Rick Thompson
Nov 25, 20222 min read
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