CRISP. SHARP. CLEAR. – CLAROXAN ADVANCED

A big part of being able to pass your medical is taking care of yourself and making sure you’re only putting the best quality nutrition into your body. That’s why we recommend Claroxan Advanced for healthy eyesight.* It’s more than just a regular eye supplement. In addition to lutein and zeaxanthin for macular pigment and blue light filtration – it also contains bilberry extract for night vision support, grape seed extract for antioxidant and circulation support, and riboflavin and other vitamins that help contribute to the maintenance of normal, healthy vision.*

Claroxan Advanced is a once daily tablet that is easy to swallow and easy on the gut and provides your eyes with the nutrition they need to help you continue doing what you love to do for as long as possible.* Claroxan Advanced is distributed by Pacific Health, Inc. All of their products are rooted in innovation and provide superior value and consistent, high-quality.

Innovating and Improving for 21+ years

The Claroxan brand was launched in 2003 and has been trusted and preferred in the aviation community since 2005 and if you’re not 100% satisfied, they have a 100% money-back guarantee on all unopened bottles. Seriously, it’s one of the best eye supplements out there. It provides a formula created to support visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare reduction and eye fatigue reduction.* Think of it as a way to give your peepers the proper nutrition they need so that they may continue to operate at a high level.*

A Concerning Statistic

By the time you reach 40 years of age, you have a 1 in 14 chance of experiencing some degree of aging in your eyes to the point that it adversely affects your vision. And your eyesight and the rest of your body will only continue to naturally decline from there. Unless you do something about it.

5 Star Reviews

You’ll find hundreds of five star reviews on the Claroxan website. Below are just a few:

“I used to have to wear glasses for long distance. Now I can see long distances much better. Man does it work.*”

– Jim McLawhorn from Tampa, FL

“Without a doubt it has improved my vision, which is why I keep ordering.* It is helping me out a lot. It does what it says it will do, day and night.*”

– Paul Anderson from Chicago, IL

“It is the only supplement that I’ve taken where I noticed a difference right away.* I think my eyes would be a lot worse if I wasn’t taking it.*”

– Clarence Mitzel from Aberdeen, SD

Claroxan products are proudly formulated and manufactured in the United States. Their distributor Pacific Health, Inc. has been in business since 2003 and is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. 

They are offering special introductory rates to FlyingMag.com readers along with a complimentary bottle of Pure-Aid eye drops – a moisturizing drop design to lubricate and soothe dry, irritated eyes instantly. To take advantage of their special offer for FlyingMag.com readers please visit www.claroxan.com

Claroxan Advanced is the leader in vision support for the aviation industry. This once-daily tablet helps to support and maintain normal, healthy vision and provides your eyes with nutrients that are associated with contrast sensitivity, glare recovery, depth clarity and visual acuity.* Take Claroxan Advanced and improve the health of your eyes.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The post Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Navigraph has been the flight simulation community’s trusted charts and navigation data provider for more than two decades. With a user base surpassing 1 million, Navigraph is highly regarded for its all-in-one subscription offering, providing a comprehensive suite of charts, navigation data, and flight planning utilities. In the user-friendly Charts app, subscribers can access worldwide IFR charts and VFR maps sourced from Jeppesen. 

In this article, we’ll embark on a flight from Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) to Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS) in Las Vegas, utilizing Navigraph’s simulation apps for flight planning, charts, and navigation data, observing how they seamlessly integrate to enhance the simulation experience.

Navigating the Struggle: Flight Planning

Virtual pilots, like their real-world counterparts, must meticulously plan flights, understand fuel consumption, monitor real-world weather injected into the simulator, and if flying a commercial airliner, take on roles such as dispatcher, baggage handler, operations agent, and sometimes even cabin crew duties, among others.For our KLAX-KLAS flight, we’ll utilize SimBrief, a free flight planning application by Navigraph. SimBrief will generate a real-world-based dispatch release, or operational flight plan (OFP), which can be up to 40 pages long. These OFPs can be input directly into the flight management computer (FMC) of many popular simulator aircraft for enhanced convenience.

Staying Current: Jeppesen Data

Navigraph ensures that subscribers have access to the latest Jeppesen data across all their services. They also offer navigation data update apps for popular simulators, as well as add-on aircraft and tools. Every 28 days, Navigraph updates the Jeppesen data, including waypoints, VORs, NDBs, intersections, and airports, aligning with the real AIRAC cycle. We use the Navigraph Hub desktop app to install current Jeppesen data into our Microsoft Flight Simulator. The navigation data installation is done with the click of a button.

With the current AIRAC cycle installed, we can enter the simulator. This flight is conducted in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) on a PC, however, integrated features are available for several MSFS aircraft on Xbox. Navigraph offers extended integrations, such as charts with moving maps, navigation data, and flight plan import capabilities for MSFS, X-Plane, and many add-on aircraft for Prepar3D and Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Seamless Integration: Navigraph Charts App

Utilizing the SimBrief import feature, we load our flight plan into Navigraph Charts. We’ll now be provided with a visual representation of our route. The charts include high and low IFR en route symbology familiar to Jeppesen users. Navigraph’s global charting capability allows access to airport charts, SIDs, STARs, and approaches in Jeppesen format without regional limitations.

Upon reaching the gate at LAX, we activate Navigraph’s weather overlays to assess current and upcoming weather conditions. Forecasts on turbulence help anticipate our experience at cruising altitude, essential for ensuring passenger comfort. A handy feature in Navigraph Charts for increased situational awareness is the overlay feature, allowing us to superimpose our SID out of LAX.

Navigraph provides several methods for pilots to incorporate their technology into simulation.

First, there’s the mobile app, accessible via the Apple Store or Google Play, effectively transforming your tablet or smartphone into an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Second, they offer their desktop application, Navigraph Charts, ensuring full functionality across various platforms.

Navigraph also offers a web-based cloud interface and its Charts In-Game Panel for MSFS that seamlessly integrates into the simulator as a compact window. In addition to the native apps, Charts can be displayed inside the virtual cockpit environment of many aircraft, enhancing the overall immersion and facilitating a better virtual-reality experience.

Flight Essentials: Key Features in Charts

The Navigraph Charts app boasts an array of valuable features essential for every flight. These include real-world ATIS for designated airports, METARs, NOTAMs, moving maps (ideal for real-time position tracking), and telemetry monitoring, providing crucial flight data.

We utilized Navigraph’s VFR charts during our flight, seamlessly incorporating FAA sectionals directly into the app. For example, when we wanted to pinpoint Soda Lake for our virtual passengers, it was conveniently located on the VFR sectional chart, just northeast of the Hector (HEC) VOR—really good for those PAs.

KLAS is a busy airport. We use Navigraph’s annotation feature to draw our taxi route to the gate. For increased resolution as we approach it, we use the map view and zoom-in to access the detailed airport diagrams in Charts powered by Jeppesen’s Airport Mapping Database (AMDB).

Navigraph: Your Key to Elevated Flight Simulation

Navigraph’s comprehensive suite of features revolutionizes the flight simulation experience. With comprehensive flight planning, worldwide Jeppesen charts, and matching data, Navigraph covers the needs of any IFR flight simulation adventures.

The integration of worldwide VFR maps and U.S. sectionals adds another layer of detail, allowing flight simmers to navigate with precision and share geographical landmarks effortlessly.

Whether accessed through the mobile app, desktop application, web interface, or in-game panel, Navigraph’s versatility and functionality make it an indispensable tool for enhancing the realism and accuracy of flight simulations. It’s a must-have if you want to take flight simulation to the next level.

The post Next-Level Flight Simulation with Navigraph appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Established in 2006 as a small flight school, US Aviation Academy has grown into one of the largest in the world with a fleet of about 130 aircraft and six flight locations. The academy’s growth is a product of professionalism,  safety commitment, and  training excellence. These core values have made US Aviation Academy the choice of flight training partners for colleges nationwide. They launched their first Part 147 airframe and powerplant aircraft mechanic program in 2021, and it is rapidly expanding with three locations: Denton, San Marcos, Texas, and Atlanta. In 2024, US Aviation Academy launched a dispatcher program and expects to add a Minneapolis aircraft technician location in the third quarter of 2024.

Flight School

Colleges across the country have chosen US Aviation Academy to provide their professional pilot training program due to their self-examining authority, financial stability, and professionalism. Self-examining allows US Aviation to issue FAA certificates and ratings without external designated pilot examiners (DPEs). This reduces delays in pilot training and keeps costs down. Those looking to earn their degree in aviation have options across the country, including Tarrant County College, Lone Star College, Southeast Missouri State University, Dutchess Community College, and a new partner that will be announced soon.

US Aviation, through its partnerships with six campuses across the U.S., found that college is the best choice for some, but not all. Students often felt they had to choose between an unstructured, low-touch vocational training or collegiate programs with in-depth, rounded academics but a much longer timeline. For those students who already have a degree or don’t wish to pursue one at this time, US Aviation continues to develop high-touch vocational flight training. This includes in-person ground schools, student affairs coordinators, and a growing alumni network. All these resources are in place to help dreams take flight.

“My dream of aviation started when I was a child. I grew up on a grass airstrip in a Third World country. I’ve always wanted to pursue flight and get into the airlines and never had the opportunity until now.”

Michael Ward (Southwest Destination 225°)

US Aviation’s students, whether in a degree program or training vocationally, go on to work for major airlines through its partnerships with United Aviate Academy, Southwest Airlines Destination 225°, Envoy Air Pipeline, SkyWest Airlines, and more. Pathways provide mentorship and clear goals for students to meet in order to succeed at becoming captains at their airline of choice.

“My ultimate goal is to end up at United [Airlines] and be flying with my Dad and be a father-daughter crew. That would just be amazing.” 

Avery Cates (United Aviate)

Aircraft Maintenance Technician School

Although the pilot shortage has received more media coverage, the shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) is just as bad if not worse. US Aviation has felt that shortage acutely, raising wages for mechanics at the flight school by over 30 percent in the past 18 months. At the beginning of that shortage, US Aviation launched its FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant (A&P) program. It grew faster than ever expected. The academy found that A&P schools had a similar gap to flight training. There are many great colleges providing two- and four-year aviation degree programs and unstructured apprenticeships but few accelerated, accessible programs. US Aviation  launched a 12-month, FAA-approved A&P mechanic program in 2021.

The 12-month FAA Part 147 aircraft technician program offered by US Aviation is a full-time commitment. Students are on campus eight hours per day, working on both academic and lab projects. Training is hands-on as much as possible. Labs include sheet metal, composite construction, piston engine teardown, jet engine install, aircraft taxi, electrical, and much more. Every campus boasts a Learjet, high-bypass jet engine, and multiple running aircraft. Becoming an A&P aircraft mechanic is a great career for students that may have considered similar occupations in automotive repair, diesel mechanics, etc. Financing is available through a variety of student loan products as well as the GI Bill. Written and practical testing costs are included in tuition so that students don’t have to come up with those funds after graduation.

“My hands-on experience working on cars has honed my mechanical aptitude, enabling me to quickly grasp and apply concepts in the A&P program…I am particularly drawn to opportunities that allow for travel, as I believe combining my skills with the excitement of working on diverse projects in different locations will provide a dynamic and fulfilling career path.”

Aidan Conklin

What was originally planned as a single location for aircraft mechanic training to support the flight school is expected to become four locations with almost 500 students by the end of 2024. Continuing to innovate, US Aviation Academy is rolling out night courses, a new campus in Minneapolis, and an even more accelerated full-time A&P program that will allow students to graduate in as little as eight months. These training options and innovative formats allow students from all backgrounds to become successful aircraft airframe and powerplant mechanics.

“I am a mom and one of the challenges I face is not being able to spend as much time with my daughter. We definitely make up for lost time on the weekends though. It’s a small sacrifice for a great outcome.”

Brittney Miller

Dispatcher School

In January, US Aviation launched their aircraft dispatcher program. Dispatchers join the airline industry in as little as five weeks. Dispatchers are the backbone of airline operations, matching aircraft, pilots, and routes to keep airplanes flying. This accessible course can be taken largely online for students worldwide. Airlines hire thousands of dispatchers at competitive pay along with flight benefits.

New Career in a Year or Less

US Aviation Academy believes in education’s ability to change lives. Anyone can become an airline captain, fix jets, or connect the nation by making flights happen. US Aviation programs provide access to a new career in a year or less as a pilot, aircraft technician, or dispatcher in an accelerated format with financing available. Boeing forecasts a need for 649,000 new pilots and 690,000 new maintenance technicians.

“This is a fantastic time to join the industry. No experience required.”

Scott Sykes, Chief Development Officer

To enroll, go to USAviationAcademy.com or call 940-297-6419.

The post US Aviation Academy Is Innovating Industry Education appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

As sobering as that might be, advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment techniques are constantly improving. Survival rates for cancers in general have been improving steadily since the 1970s², while those for certain types of leukemia have more than doubled over the same period³.

Is Flying After a Cancer Diagnosis Safe?

For many, surviving cancer massively changes their priorities. In the wake of treatment, people often find the willpower to quit smoking, and reapplying sunscreen suddenly seems much less inconvenient. So, what should pilots know about cancer risk and flying? 

Most experts seem to think that cosmic radiation at the higher reaches of the atmosphere is responsible for a large portion of the increased cancer risk in aviation. Hormonal changes associated with disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue may also contribute to breast and prostate cancer risk. Some have even suggested the possibility that certain brain tumors could occur more frequently⁴. Those factors probably do not apply to 100-hour-per-year general aviation pilots in the same way they do to airline pilots. 

There is still a lot to be answered. What we know for sure is that the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers is about two to three times higher in all pilots, and female aviators, based mostly on data collected from flight attendants, are about 50 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer⁵. Prostate cancer in men⁶ along with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and some brain cancers may also occur more frequently, but the association is less clear.   

Flying After Cancer Treatment

For pilots who want a medical certificate, beating cancer is just the beginning. Whether you are a professional who needs a medical certificate to sustain your livelihood or a recreational pilot who recognizes flying an airplane as an expression of truly living, maintaining your FAA medical certificate after any cancer diagnosis introduces a level of complexity to the medical certification process that you likely have not experienced before.

Describing all the nuances of that process in a single article would be impossible. To begin with, the term cancer itself applies to a wide variety of abnormal cell growth that can affect just about every kind of tissue and organ system in the body. 

Each one carries with it a different risk of recurrence and has different implications for how it might affect the safety of flight. Basal cell carcinoma is a superficial skin cancer that is most often cured with a single surgery. More aggressive malignancies often require complex surgeries along with radiation and chemotherapy. Lumping them together would defy even the most determined efforts.

Common FAA Procedures for Common Cancers

For some of the most common types of cancer that have well-established treatment guidelines, the FAA has streamlined the process. In fact, there are seven different forms of cancer that have been included in the list of Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI). For pilots with a history of cancer involving the bladder, breast, colon, prostate, kidney, testicles, or skin, the Aerospace Medicine Certification Division (AMCD) of the FAA has issued a detailed set of criteria that allow AMEs to issue certificates without waiting for an agency determination. 

Each condition has its own set of specific criteria, but some common considerations apply:

• You must be complete with active treatment.
• You must have no history of recurrent or metastatic disease.
• If you had surgery, you must be off all related pain medications and cleared to resume normal activity by your surgeon.
• Your doctors feel that your condition is stable and no additional treatments are planned.

You still need to make sure you meet all the criteria for your specific diagnosis and properly prepare for your appointment, but if those conditions apply to you, there is a good chance your AME can issue your certificate on the day of your exam.

General Guidelines for Less Common Conditions

For cancer that involves other organ systems, or when it has spread to more than one part of the body, the process is more involved. While the FAA has not published set guidelines, a general rule is that to be considered for a medical certificate, you must:

• Be cancer free for five years or more.
• Any radiation or chemotherapy used for treatment must have ended. 
• The doctors responsible for your cancer treatment and your primary care physician must also submit current status reports that attest to your overall health and cancer remission.

Depending on your circumstances, you will need to supply additional information unique to your own history. The five-year waiting period can also be reduced in some cases. The major point is that if you’ve had a rare malignancy, recurrence or metastatic disease, you will most likely have to wait a significant period of time before you can qualify for a medical certificate. 

What About BasicMed?

If you’re not a professional pilot, skipping your AME appointment and flying under BasicMed is another option. If you’re flying within the U.S. at less than FL 180 with fewer than six passengers aboard, BasicMed provides an alternative to traditional medical certification that may suit your mission well. You will also need to stay below 250 knots, but for recreational pilots, that’s a restriction most only fantasize about exceeding. 

Strange as it may seem, cancer does not exclude pilots from using BasicMed. FAR 61.53 still prohibits you from flying with a known “medical deficiency,” but if you feel you are safe to fly after an honest self-assessment and your doctor agrees with your position, BasicMed may provide an expedient way to continue flying. 

Getting Back in the Air When Life Is Back to Normal

The important thing to remember is that being a cancer survivor does not automatically mean the end of your flying career. For the CACI cancer conditions, it might not even delay your FAA medical certification. 

If you do not meet the criteria for a CACI, but you feel you can still fly safely after a discussion with your doctors, there is still a good chance that the FAA will grant your certificate. The agency’s medical certification policies are much more permissive than many pilots realize. The hard part is dealing with its bureaucracy. 

Once you think it is appropriate to start flying again, make sure to do your homework before scheduling an appointment with an AME. Not all AMEs will be familiar with complex certifications, and submitting the right documentation upfront can speed up the process by months or more.

References

The post Surviving Cancer as a Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Seclusion and privacy at its finest are available on this 378-acre country mountain estate equipped with everything the discerning aviation enthusiast desires. 

Properties with private plane access are rare, and Penn Haven Mountain Estates offers true fly-in, fly-out access along with endless opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature.

Penn Haven Mountain Estates has a 3,500-foot private grass airstrip, a 3,920-square-foot heated and insulated hangar, a two-story custom-built English Manor home, and so much more.

A commercial pilot designed this quintessential aviation retreat nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. Although you are in the remote mountains, you are also close to some major city centers. You’re just a quick 30 minute flight away from Philadelphia and New York City from your private runway, (8PA3) Deer Meadows Airstrip.

Water, woods, open fields, privacy, and outdoor adventures abound on the property. And the views are assured to be preserved for a lifetime, thanks to the unprecedented tranquility that comes with being surrounded by 40,000 acres of protected state lands. 

The true, rare beauty of Penn Haven Mountain Estates lies in the land, privacy, and seclusion. The privacy starts as soon as you enter the land. A secluded-quarter mile drive, with beautiful deciduous forest terrain on both sides, takes you to the main home. You’ll cross a bridge over your own beautiful, sparkling trout stream. The drive ends at a private cul de sac.

Four ponds are situated throughout the property. Three of the ponds are spring-fed trout ponds. The natural cold water is full of wild trout. The native trout stream has a 40-foot waterfall, which is only a 10-minute hike from the main home.

The land is nestled in the hills on a plateau above the Lehigh River. Three sides of the total 378 acreage’s outer perimeter are surrounded by protected State land. Seventy percent of the property is wooded, with close to $500,000 in select timber harvest, and it is within walking distance to the Lehigh River and Lehigh River Gorge State Park. 

As you work your way down to the river, there is a gorgeous bike path situated on the site of a former railroad track. This mixed-use trail is used for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing and follows the river for miles with scenic beauty around every bend.

The Lehigh River offers unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities, including whitewater rafting, fishing, tubing, and much more! On the property, there are approximately five miles of groomed trails perfect for ATVs, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

The property is turnkey for pilot owners to operate a small jet, turboprop, or taildragger. The 3,500 ft. x 100 ft. grass airstrip is registered and has an updated hangar facility. The metal hangar building has a fill pump for fuel with an underground tank, mounted heaters, workshop area, and an interior layout that allows for the storage of multiple aircraft. 

Other structures include a beautifully- refurbished, original- timber 19th-century bank barn, a 60 ft. x 100 ft. multi-use pole barn, greenhouse, and a windmill.

The main home is a beautiful two-story custom-built English manor house. The 5,570 square foot home is a breathtaking gem with a classic feel and modern amenities that features three bedrooms and two and a half baths. 

As soon as you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the stunning hardwood floors, high ceilings, gorgeous crown molding, and large windows with beautiful views around every corner. The main level includes an open kitchen with a center island and cooktop, a plethora of cabinet space, and stainless steel appliances. The perfect gathering space is the family room which features a warm fireplace, gorgeous crown and chair rail molding, and convenient access to the side patio. 

The finished lower level adds to the entertainment space, offering a spacious recreational area for game nights, and an entertainment area for watching movies or catching the big game with friends.

For sale situated on the property is Brookside Lodges. This established and successful business provides the new owner with opportunities for income- generating vacation rentals. It contains two beautiful cabins built in the early 2000s. Both cabins are nestled on a hillside overlooking your private trout stream. The cabins generate an average of $125,000 in annual income, which could be significantly increased. Currently, the owners are only passively marketing Brookside Lodges as vacation rentals. 

Rustic yet still luxurious, these two cabins offer three bedrooms, two baths, spacious openceilings, and covered private decks on both levels. They are decorated with unique and rare root furniture and include numerous fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens.

Brook Cabin has three bedrooms and can comfortably house up to seven people. It has one king-size bed, one queen bed, and a bunk bed with a full-size bottom and a twin top. Every bedroom has sliding glass doors with private access to the wraparound porches and balconies. The complete comfort of the cabin is rounded out with two bathrooms and a full kitchen.

Fern Cabin has three bedrooms and can comfortably house up to seven people: one with a king bed, one with a queen bed, and one with a bunk bed with a full-size bottom bed and a twin top. There is a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and beautiful porches situated above a babbling brook.

Located close to the cabins and fed by a natural spring, the property also contains a swimming pond. The fresh water source is always circulating, providing the owners or guests with a fantastic, cool dip after a hike. The paddle boat, canoe, kayak, and tubes are all enjoyed by guests during their stay.

One of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful small towns, Jim Thorpe, PA, is only a scenic 25-minute drive away from Penn Haven Mountain Estates. Nestled in the southern Poconos, Jim Thorpe is a destination for delicious food, shopping, outdoor adventure, live music, and much more. Great golfing, multiple ski resorts, lake fishing and boating, and other outdoor activities are all within 30 minutes of the property. 

The property is also ripe for other possible uses. The new owners could build between 3-10 additional cabins or treehouses on the property near the current cabins, further enhancing the income potential of the business by expanding the rental capacity.

The location would also be ideal for an outdoors events center, an equestrian center with riding trails, or even development for a fly-in, fly-out luxury aviation community by adding 5-10 additional custom homes with private hangar space. The options are truly unlimited at Penn Haven Mountain Estates!

Words truly cannot describe this breathtaking estate in the way it deserves. Schedule your showing now and witness this once-in-a-lifetime property with your own eyes today! Visit Lusk and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty to learn more.

The post Penn Haven Mountain Estates appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Taking place Feb. 27–March 1 at The Westin Charlotte in Charlotte, NC, this year’s event includes sessions on daily growth, body language, creating confidence, boosting overall morale, and maintaining personal excellence, providing attendees the insights to develop leadership skills.

“The NBAA Leadership Conference is an important asset for our community, as it provides emerging and veteran leaders an opportunity to benchmark their management skills and gain recurrent training that isn’t specifically tied to aviation,” said Jo Damato, CAM, NBAA senior vice president, education, training, and workforce development.

Attendees will have access to two networking receptions as well as inspiring and motivating sessions from an impressive lineup of speakers, each renowned as an expert in their field. Over two days, attendees will hear from:

Pamela Barnum, M.P.A., J.D.

A former undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney, Barnum uses field-tested, real-world examples for accurately assessing nonverbal cues and responding in a way that communicates confidence and trust in any situation.

Dave Berke

A retired U.S. Marine Corps. officer, fighter pilot and ground combat leader, Berke provides unmatched experience and a unique perspective on combat leadership, analytical decision-making, risk mitigation and creating winning teams.

Ryan Hawk

Hawk is a best-selling author and host of “The Learning Leader Show” podcast, and a recognized authority on leadership and performance excellence.

Todd Henry

Henry is a best-selling author, consultant and creative leadership and performance expert who teaches leaders how to establish practices that lead to everyday brilliance.

Brad Keselowski

A championship driver and co-owner of RFK Racing, Keselowski is a successful entrepreneur with interests in aviation and real estate. He is spearheading a modern-day industrial revolution through his Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM) business.

Anne Palmer

An internationally recognized author and speaker, Palmer is a clarity expert and leadership and communication strategist focused on using cutting-edge neuroscience principles to develop leaders and create inclusive, safe cultures.

Dr. Sian Proctor

Proctor is a geoscientist, explorer, space artist and the first Black civilian astronaut, who was a pilot for the 2021 Inspiration4 all-civilian orbital mission. She encourages individuals to use their unique strengths and passions to inspire those within their reach.

Christy Wright

Wright is a certified business coach, best-selling author, dynamic speaker and personal development coach who teaches people how to craft messages they are excited to share and confident to deliver.

In addition, NBAA is offering a Professional Development Program course prior to the opening of the event. “Practical Business and General Aviation Leadership and Influencing Skills” runs from 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Feb 27.

Learn more about the 2023 NBAA Leadership Conference and register today.

The post NBAA’s 2023 Leadership Conference Focuses on Achieving Dynamic Excellence appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Adjacent Riverfront Property Allows for the Ultimate Escape

Tucked half a mile  from the southern entrance of The Fields—where development is underway at the highly anticipated 1,500-acre, luxury fly-in community in Southeast Tennessee—sits a serene section of the Sequatchie River planned for near-term development. With nearly a mile of meandering shoreline, the property will form the epicenter of water sports and riverside amenities at The Fields, including guided and unguided fishing, paddling activities, a unique dining experience, as well as a concert and events venue for residents and guests.  

“The vision for amenities at The Fields was to incorporate the Sequatchie River from day one,” says Jon Ricketts, managing partner. “It’s a hallmark of the valley and compliments the outdoor recreation and lifestyle community that we are developing. We are excited to add this section of The Fields into the broader master plan and offer our residents and guests another space to explore and enjoy.”

In addition to amenities, this space will also host the full-service outfitter at The Fields, equipped with the latest in outdoor gear and accessories for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, cycling, climbing, and hiking. The outfitter will serve as a base camp for all the leased-equipment needs of residents and their guests who wish to pursue outdoor recreation while there. Residents and guests may also take
advantage of concierge services to schedule excursions as well as attend to any repair needs related to outdoor recreation activities. 

Unique Concert Venue

The Sequatchie River is the perfect location to enjoy outdoor activities. In addition to the recreational experiences for residents and their guests, the property will feature an intimate outdoor venue for riverfront concerts. Seasonally, The Fields plans to host a series featuring new and established artists, offering a unique setting alongside the river. With beautiful views of the sunset in the Sequatchie Valley, the location has the potential to become a bucket-list destination for music enthusiasts across the country.

Culinary Experiences

The Fields will feature multiple unique culinary experiences. In addition to the onsite farm-to-table grocery store and restaurant adjacent to the runway and FBO, the riverfront property will contain an indoor/outdoor brewery and restaurant for both convenient, and high-quality dining options in a picturesque setting.

Early Phase Master Plans Show Additional Designs

Concurrent with the river property development, architectural renderings are being finalized which tie in the private airport (Phase 1), homesites (Phase 2), and a resort hotel/spa and equestrian center (Phase 3). “The master plan has evolved over the past 12 months into a final product that reflects the natural flow of the property. We were able to expand the proposed runway by both length and width while preserving access to contiguous phases and residential acreage. Our land development and usage strategy will continue to lead us as we announce future phases and opportunities,” Ricketts says.

Residential Lots 

The residential design of Phase 1 allows for both diversity of lot size and diversity of hangar/housing style. From the plan, the viewer is drawn to estate-sized lots to the northern and southern borders of the fly-in community. Interior to those are a variety of single-family hangar home lots, ranging from one-half acre to greater than an acre, with the ability for buyers to acquire multiple lots if desired. The Fields will also offer hangar townhomes and hangar condos—all accessible to the planned taxiways and runway.  With over half of the available acreage under reservation, The Fields will move into individual lot selection in December.

Equestrian Center With Resort and Wellness Center

Situated to the southwest of Phase 1 and Phase 2 is the planned home of the The Fields equestrian center and resort and spa. The development strategy behind this acreage is to give a dedicated space for residents and guests to spread out while enjoying amenities, such as the stables, trailheads, and the general serenity of the Sequatchie Valley. “Apart from the runway, the resort hotel and wellness center has generated the most enthusiasm among future residents at The Fields,” Ricketts says. “The ability to walk, bike, or take a golf cart a few minutes down the path to experience the wellness center offerings, as well as enjoy the restaurant and lounge area at the hotel is both convenient and exciting, it’s what new urbanism design planning is all about.”

Fly Here, Live Here, Stay Here

The Fields will be built around a 4,300-foot paved runway with taxiways to every lot developed in Phase 1. Lot reservations are underway. Contact us at flythefields.com as soon as possible to learn more about becoming a resident in this unprecedented, exclusive airpark.

The post Luxury Fly-In Community Offers Retreat appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Overall, the process can seem fairly simple: fill out the online application (MedXPress), schedule your exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), and get your certificate. But like in so many other areas, simple does not mean easy. Rather than thinking of the FAA medical as “going to the doctor,” realize it is a physical examination. There isn’t much you can do about your past medical history. There may not be much you can do about what the AME finds during the exam. So beyond filling out MedXPress, choosing an AME and sitting for the exam, what can one do? You can prepare and have a plan.

The very basics of a plan are:

1. Put your best foot forward. Do not show up to your exam with an acute illness or injury.
2. Be prepared for questions. For any significant medical conditions, bring up-to-date documentation from your doctor that shows they are well controlled.
3. Be honest. Addressing your problems openly with the FAA will dramatically increase the chances you will be able to keep your medical certificate in the long run and will probably reduce the amount of time it takes to get it in the first place. 

The Devil Is in the Details

If you have any significant medical issues, the FAA will want to know about them. More than that, they will want to know that your health conditions do not pose a risk to you, your passengers, or bystanders on the ground. One of the best things you can do to prepare for your FAA medical exam is simply to have a good, consistent relationship with a primary care physician.

If you and your doctor have a good grasp of what medical conditions you have now or have had in the past, what medications you take and why you take them, when and why you went to physicians or medical facilities, you probably have 90 percent of the information you need to pass your FAA medical exam. In fact, a well written note from a doctor who is familiar with your condition will avoid the majority of problems pilots encounter when it comes to getting their medical.

The challenge is packaging the information in a way that your AME and the FAA can process efficiently without resorting to supplemental information requests that could leave you grounded for months. Many times, pilots with the same medical conditions could receive their medical certificates on the day of their exam, receive their certificate after a lengthy review by the FAA, or even have their medical certificate denied or revoked. Most of that variation depends on how well they prepare the information to bring to their AME or to send to the FAA. That is where we come in.

The Best a Pilot Can Do Is Break Even

In a humorous take on the pilot profession, “Rules of an Aviator,” posted on atcmemes.com, says Rule No. 7 is: “The medical profession is the natural enemy of the aviation profession.” It is also commonly said that “the best you can do at a flight physical is break even.” While usually said in a joking manner, many a pilot would attest to the validity of these statements. We want to ensure that you at least break even—and get your medical. Who are we?

We are Wingman Med and we keep you flying! We are pilots and doctors with qualifications that allow us to address FAA medical certification challenges like no one else. Many doctors also fly, but what sets us apart is that we all started our careers as professional pilots and spent over 30 combined years with at least a mild degree of anxiety—OK, maybe fear—in the days leading up to our annual visits to the flight surgeon or AME. It doesn’t matter how healthy you are. It doesn’t matter if the doctor in question is a personal friend. Rule No. 7 is a constant and undeniable threat. You use a checklist for every takeoff and landing. Why not use one for your FAA medical exam?

As pilots, the physicians of Wingman Med are combat tested Naval Aviators who have flown aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-5 Tiger, and SH-60 Seahawk. We have landed on aircraft carriers, conducted transoceanic crossings, flown across international borders around the globe, and even graduated from TOPGUN. Our FAA flight qualifications include ATP, CFII, and MEI. As doctors, not only are we AMEs, we have all completed dedicated specialty training in aerospace medicine—something that is extremely rare even among AMEs. We spent the same amount of time learning about aerospace medicine as your family physician did in their specialty training. Along with our training in aerospace medicine, we also have other medical board certifications, including family medicine and occupational medicine.

The Ability To See Both Sides

What sets us apart is that our vantage point as doctors is informed by decades of experience as professional pilots. Most doctors are well-meaning and want to help people—even pilots! Not only that, the FAA is reasonable when it comes to medical flight standards. They will consider your case on an individual basis and for most medical conditions—even some that were disqualifying only a few years ago —it is still possible to get your certificate. Where most stumble is by misinterpreting the nuances of the FAA’s medical certification requirements or by failing to obtain or submit the right medical documents at the right time. We specialize in guiding pilots through that process. As pilots, we understand the imperative of maintaining your FAA medical certificate and the urgency of getting it back when you lose it. As doctors, we specialize in getting it done.

What Does Wingman Med Do?

Wingman Med is an aviation medical consulting service. In a sense, it is all in the name. In military aviation, pilots fly with a wingman to provide mutual support and make the mission more effective. The flight lead is generally responsible for planning the flight and directing the mission, while the wingman is there to help watch out for any inflight hazards and take care of the more mundane aspects of flying.

When it comes to obtaining your FAA medical exam, you are the flight lead and we are your wingman. When faced with a new diagnosis, or any issue affecting your FAA medical certificate, you have a lot to worry about. Your aviation career—whether as a profession or just for the joy of flying—is on the line. Navigating the FAA system can be difficult and time-consuming. Often, you need a large amount of required documentation to submit and the process can involve multiple requests for additional information from the FAA. From start to finish, it can sometimes take six months or more from your visit to the AME to finally receive your certificate.

At Wingman Med, we specialize in taking the guesswork out of the medical certification process. You are responsible for making sure you stay healthy and keep up with any treatments recommended by your physicians or medical providers. You are responsible for gathering all the information that the FAA needs to determine that you’re safe to fly. But, just like a good wingman in the air, we are here to make sure you avoid anything that could threaten your goals. We make sure that everything you submit to the FAA is done right the first time so you stay in the air or don’t stay grounded any longer than absolutely necessary.

The Services We Offer

We do this in several different ways. Our blog discusses a variety of aviation-related medical topics. We post new articles every two weeks to keep pilots informed. We also have a medication search tool where you can look and see if there are any issues flying with your current medications, or new ones your doctor may recommend. Another tool on our website is a MedXPress simulator. For those who are new to the game, or returning from a long absence, you can use the simulator to get a preview of what questions the FAA will ask, re: the medical. There is also an option to have us review your answers and provide some feedback.

We are also developing a limited network of AMEs who are familiar with complex medical certification. They may not be nearby, but they could be worth the trip. Depending on where you live, just finding an AME, much less a good one, can be difficult. We know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to call multiple AMEs, only to find out that one retired, another moved, and a third stopped doing the exams, yet they are still listed in the FAA directory. We created the Pilot Doctors directory to solve that problem. By soliciting feedback from pilots and working with AMEs to confirm their current level of service, we have created the premier directory to help you find the best AME for you.

Full Consultation

While we offer a free 15-minute consultation to any pilot, our premier service is a comprehensive consultation to guide you through the process of obtaining, or regaining, your FAA medical certification. With our service, you are not assigned to a supporting staff member. You will work directly with one of our physicians. We will have multiple discussions and review how you would answer the questions on MedXPress. We may request medical records to ensure we know exactly what you are dealing with. Then we will provide you with a personalized plan that lays out what you and your physicians need to do.

You use a checklist for every takeoff and landing. Why not use one for your FAA medical exam? We are with you to help answer any questions that you or your physicians may have to ensure you are ready for your next FAA medical exam.

Navigating the FAA medical exam process can seem daunting and unpredictable, especially when faced with a new medical diagnosis or letter from the FAA. Unlike your pilot’s certificate, your medical certificate always has an expiration date. Our experienced staff is here to help you get your FAA medical certificate with efficiency and peace of mind. At Wingman Med, we are pilots helping pilots achieve FAA medical certification with confidence! Don’t stay grounded for longer than you have to. We keep you flying!

The post Preparing for Your FAA Medical Exam appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

When someone asks about The Fields, managing partner Jon Ricketts explains that the luxury fly-in community is designed “by pilots, for pilots.” He says, “It’s the concept behind everything we’ll do at The Fields.” Centered around a private 4,300-foot asphalt runway that can accommodate single- engine and twin piston and turboprop airplanes—up to light jets—the 1,500-acre planned residential development and resort will include luxury amenities with homes that are connected to the runway, located in Sequatchie Valley, Tennessee. All homes in phase one will have attached hangars and be a part of the luxury aviation community. The resort will also include a spa, a winery, and outdoor adventure center; and will be home to the new FLYING Media Group headquarters and studio, with a media center adjacent to the runway.

Lot reservations opened to the public in January 2022, and since that time, Ricketts and his team have talked to hundreds of interested residents, most of whom are pilots, family members of pilots, and FLYING Magazine readers. As a developer for The Fields, he says these conversations have been invaluable in validating and refining the plans for the fly-in community and its array of resort-style amenities.

The focus of the development is to blend adventure outdoor sports and activities with aviation. The property will include some of the largest mountain biking trails in the South, along with rock climbing walls, hiking trails, and other outdoor adventure activities that take advantage of the property’s natural landscape.

Fish Camp and Outfitter

The Fields is creating an outdoor dreamland for families that want to take advantage of the great natural features of Tennessee. In May, The Fields closed on a 50-acre adjacent property that sits along the Sequatchie River, offering nearly a mile of shoreline. The river is perfect for catching smallmouth bass, including rock or redeye bass. The river is also flooded with pan fish, largemouth bass, and a variety of catfish. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)—the state-run agency that oversees wildlife resources —stocks with trout the creeks that flow into the river during the spring.

Plans along the river call for constructing an outfitter that will offer an array of guided activities and outdoor equipment that can be rented or purchased. The river runs at a slow pace of just 1.5 mph, offering a day of kayaking up and down the area. The outfitter will also host a chef-driven restaurant and lounge that will feature farm-to-table food and gourmet products.

Residents and guests who want a little more active adventure, can head to nearby Dayton, Tennessee, and spend a day boating on Lake Chickamauga, a 36,000- acre lake that is a part of the Tennessee River system. The town is known as “Bass Town U.S.A.” for its ability to attract fishermen from all over the country for leisure or tournaments.

If fishing isn’t your game, Chickamauga Lake and Nickajack (another lake just south of The Fields) offer some of the best boating, jet skiing, and waterskiing in the South. There are dozens of marinas in the area that offer boat slips, but also plenty of ramps that can be used if someone wanted to keep their boat at The Fields and drive it to the lake.

The area is also the perfect spot to fly an amphib, as ICON Aircraft representatives discovered during a photo shoot of the recent FLYING Adventure issue. The hundreds of lakes and rivers that meander around the mountains make for some incredible flying experiences, and since the Tennessee River and connected lakes are incredibly wide, it’s the perfect spot to land on water.

Plenty of Biking, in the Mountains or on the Roads

The topography of The Fields is one of the most compelling features of the development. The Sequatchie Valley—a nearly perfect straight valley—sits nestled between the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge and can be seen from space. This breathtaking ridgeline offers some of the most unique flying in the U.S., but it also offers truly interesting outdoor adventures that are best discovered on two wheels.

The west side of the development backs up to the Cumberland Plateau and rises more than a thousand feet above the valley. The brow and mountain top offer some of the best views in the entire region, but also mountain biking trails that lead to four year-round springs on the property. There are even two major waterfalls on property, which can only be reached by hiking or mountain biking.

In addition to mountain biking, the valley is also the perfect place for road biking. The 70-mile valley is nearly flat at its base and since it is nearly perfectly straight and lies between two mountain ranges, it offers a unique experience that street bikers can only dream of.

Fly the Fields, Even if You Aren’t a Pilot

The Fields, located just 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is inspired to be a “luxury rural resort with an aviation theme,” but the goal of The Fields is to make it desirable for all members of the family, including those who aren’t pilots.

Development planning is underway and construction is set to begin in the next few months. For ongoing updates, visit FlytheFields.com.

The post Where Luxury Amenities Meet Aviation and Outdoor Adventure appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“It’s not an airpark, it’s a way of life” is how Craig Fuller, the CEO of FLYING and visionary behind The Fields, opened the presentation to a group of pilots who had come to hear about the large aviation-themed community and resort in East Tennessee. While all of the people in the room were pilots and nearly all owned air-planes, they came to hear about the broader amenities and what life would be like as a member of The Fields. 

Many of the pilots and their families were attracted to the unique luxury fly-in community because of its promised resort amenities such as a spa, vineyard, hiking trails, rock climbing, equestrian, and fishing, with an active aviation community.

Located in scenic Sequatchie Valley, in the heart of Southeast Tennessee, The Fields is an aviator’s dream, ideal for backcountry, sport, and seaplane pilots who want to explore with their airplanes. Just outside of Chattanooga, the development spans 1,500 acres and offers valley and mountain bluff residential properties with a private asphalt runway planned. The Fields’ runway will accommodate pistons, twin turbo airplanes, and more powerful aircraft. Hangars will connect directly to taxiways and allow for residents to park their airplanes at their homes.

Luxury Amenities

An inviting community center will welcome residents, aviators, and outdoor enthusiasts living and/or visiting The Fields to gather together after a day of hiking, fishing, or flying. Luxury rental villas will be developed to accommodate overnight and short-term visitors looking for a weekend getaway. A swimming pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playground, bowling alley, and nearby light retail and commercial properties are planned, as well as a high-end, craft farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store. Over time, the community is expected to host a number of renowned restaurants, a vineyard and winery, and a resort and spa. 

In its former life, the property was a working family farm, and the original barn—that dates back to when FLYING Magazine first launched in the 1920s—is still on site. There are plans to turn the barn into a wedding pavilion that can host hundreds of guests under its 50-foot-high rafters.

“We plan to create a one-of-a-kind, rural adventure resort that can host almost any kind of event, but is still centered around the lifestyle of an active aviator,” Fuller says.

Outdoor Adventure Park

The Fields takes advantage of the natural features that make southeastern Tennessee a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. As part of the development plan, several hundreds of acres at The Fields will be reserved for outdoor activities. The rear section of the property has topographic features that are ideal for developing a 4×4 adventure park for residents. The Fields also has multiple year-round waterfalls that make for some unbelievable hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the valley, and a mile of riverfront shoreline that offers some of the best fishing in the area.

Bring your mountain bike, shotgun, fishing poles, and your sense of adventure. Mountain bike trails, skeet shooting, ropes courses, kayaking, and boating will be available at The Fields. Long-term plans include developing an equestrian center with boarding and trails. And the area has world-class rock climbing. In fact, the region has more miles of climbing walls than the Boulder, Colorado, area. For the hunter or fisherman, it’s a sportsman’s dream. The valley also offers hang gliding opportunities for pilots who want to get back to the basics.

Sales Have Exceeded Expectations

While the development has not yet broken ground, the response from the aviation community has been tremendous. With more than 600 inbound inquiries and more than 40 lots already contracted, Fuller says he’s overwhelmed by the reception the development has received. 

“We have exceeded the proforma plans we set for 2026. Based on initial demand, we have decided to accelerate our timeline for development,” he says. 

Feedback from the initial cohort of future residents demonstrates the uniqueness of the development, especially among aviation enthusiasts.

“Most airparks are old and aging. The Fields brings a new flavor to the concept of an airpark,” says CP Jois. He and his wife, Simi, a professional photographer, have committed to building a home and hangar at The Fields. “The valley presents a meditative surrounding,” CP adds. “[And] the people involved in the project—their passion is contagious. The recent makeover of FLYING magazine is a prelude to what The Fields will be.”

Another future resident, Ben Dorman, said the close proximity to Chattanooga (30 miles), a metro population with half a million residents, the variety of outdoor entertainment options, and the planned luxury amenities at the fly-in community persuaded him to put a deposit on a hangar home at The Fields. Dorman is also looking forward to living with his three aircraft: a Vans RV-14, Cirrus SR22T, and a Citation Mustang. “It is such a great experience to be around like-minded fellow aviators,” he says.

If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home

Once complete, The Fields will comprise 800 residential homes, many with hangars; 180 vacation villa rentals; 35 hangars; and an outdoor adventure center. The development will also be home to the FLYING Media Group headquarters and studio.

Fuller, who plans to hangar his ICON A5 and Tecnam Astore at The Fields, says the luxury fly-in residential development is perfect for the business professional or entrepreneur who can live anywhere in the world. “If you’re seeking a low-tax, business-friendly location, and you want to take advantage of an on-site runway and enjoy an adventure-resort lifestyle, join me and the FLYING community at The Fields.”

Interested in Learning More About The Fields?

Construction began this spring and home sites are available for presale. The first residents are expected in early 2023.

Visit FlyTheFields.com.

The post Excitement Builds For a New Luxury Fly-In Community appeared first on FLYING Magazine.