Several months ago, the FAA amended CFI certification rules that affect CFI certificate expiration dates.

It’s after dusk on November 1, 2020. As night falls, the weather turns windy with heavy, wet snow falling. A deer hunter is perched in his tree stand, which is located about two miles from the approach end of Runway 25 at the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (JHW) in Jamestown, New York.

Whether we fly, drive, or walk, we need situational awareness to assess potential hazards and decide our next steps.

It’s 3:58 p.m. local time, Monday, October 26, 2020, near Lubbock, Texas. A small airplane emerges below the clouds traveling low to the ground through the freezing mist

If you are looking for something different to do, think backcountry flying. When you approach it with the right training, equipment, and mindset, you’ll encounter breathtaking views while exploring the pristine countryside. Here are some key considerations to get you started.

Clouds on fire with lightning, thunder rolling through the sky—an impressive display Mother Nature puts on that’s enjoyable to watch from a distance, on the ground.

Visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) is the worst weather-related cause of general aviation accidents each year—with an 86-percent fatality rate—involving both VFR and instrument-rated pilots.

If you are ready to embark on a new flying adventure, think backcountry. Not only is the experience thrilling in every way, but when you approach it with the right training, equipment, and mindset, you’ll encounter breathtaking views while exploring the pristine countryside. Here are some key considerations to get you started.

Visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) is the worst weather-related cause of general aviation accidents each year—with an 86-percent fatality rate—involving VFR and instrument-rated pilots.