Flight Training Articles By Robbie Rikard
Taking Flight: Everything You Need to Know About Your First Solo
Preparing for your first solo flight is one of the most exciting milestones in your private pilot training. But before your instructor steps out of the plane, there are specific requirements you must meet. Learn about the aeronautical knowledge, essential in-flight maneuvers, and the FAA pre-solo written exam required to earn your solo endorsement, plus find out how many hours it typically takes to prepare for a solo out of busy airspace like Van Nuys.
ForeFlight Student Pilot Guide: When to Start & How to Use
ForeFlight has become the industry standard for GA pilots—but when should student pilots start using it? As a Los Angeles CFI, I break down how we integrate this powerful app into flight training, from first lesson to checkride and beyond.
How to Earn Your Private Pilot Certificate: A Beginner’s Guide
Ever dreamed of flying? This beginner’s guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting your Private Pilot License—from FAA requirements and medical certificates to your first solo flight.
Why the Instrument Rating is the Most Important Add-On You’ll Ever Earn
We’ve all been there—the plane is ready, your bags are packed, but a thin layer of clouds at 1,000 feet keeps you grounded. If you’re flying VFR in Los Angeles, you’re only getting half the utility out of your license.
The Instrument Rating (IR) is often called the “safety rating,” but I like to call it the “get-there rating.” It’s the difference between cancelling your trip and punching through the clouds to sunshine on top.
How Long And How Much For Private Pilot License
Thinking about learning to fly? This 2026 Private Pilot Cost & Timeline Guide breaks down exactly how long it takes to earn your wings and what it really costs to become a pilot in Los Angeles — plus why training with an independent instructor can save you time and money.
Understanding Airspace: A Guide to Flying Out of Van Nuys
Flying in Los Angeles offers unique challenges. This guide breaks down the complex airspace around Van Nuys Airport, helping student pilots understand the “layer cake,” identify key visual landmarks like the Sepulveda Basin, and overcome radio anxiety.
FAA’s New MOSAIC Rule: More Opportunities in General Aviation
Big changes have arrived for General Aviation! The FAA’s new MOSAIC rule is officially here, expanding Sport Pilot privileges to larger, faster aircraft and solidifying the driver’s license medical standard. If you’ve been held back by medical certification or costs, this might be your new path to the cockpit.
Scenario-Based Training Is Better Than “Checkride Prep Only”
Flying in Los Angeles requires more than just good stick-and-rudder skills—it demands sharp decision-making. Discover why Scenario-Based Training (SBT) is the superior method for mastering SoCal’s complex airspace, preparing you for real-world challenges like marine layers and busy traffic, not just the checkride.