Author
Elise Cotton
Articles by Elise Cotton for the Bravo 6 Flight Academy blog.
by Elise Cotton | Jun 23, 2026 | Pilot
The Most Common Questions People Ask Pilots
Pilots tend to get asked a lot of questions.…
by Elise Cotton | May 26, 2026 | Pilot
Part 61 vs Part 141 Flight Schools: What's the Difference?
If you’ve started researching flight training, you’ve probably come across the terms Part 61 and Part 141. At first, they can sound like complicated terminology from the Federal Aviation Administratio…
by Elise Cotton | May 5, 2026 | Pilot
The First 10 Hours of Flight Training: What Students Learn
Starting flight training is a big step. For most students, those first 10 hours in the cockpit are a mix of excitement, focus, and a lot of new information.…
by Elise Cotton | Apr 21, 2026 | Pilot
Why Debriefs Are One of the Most Important Parts of Flight Training
If you ask most student pilots what part of training they look forward to, you’ll usually hear answers like “getting in the air,” “first solo,” or “cross-country flights.”…
by Elise Cotton | Apr 7, 2026 | Pilot
Why Repetition Matters in Flight Training
At Bravo 6 Flight Academy, we understand that becoming a safe, confident, and capable pilot doesn’t happen overnight.…
by Elise Cotton | Mar 24, 2026 | Pilot
Bravo 6 Flight Academy vs. Independent CFIs
Learning how to fly is one of the most rewarding investments you can make, but it is also one of the most demanding.…
by Elise Cotton | Mar 10, 2026 | Pilot
How AI is Changing Modern Flight Operations
Artificial Intelligence is becoming part of many industries, and aviation is no exception.…
by Elise Cotton | Feb 24, 2026 | Pilot
How Aviation Teaches Leadership and Discipline
Bravo 6 Flight Academy trains more than pilots. We help shape leaders.…
by Elise Cotton | Feb 10, 2026 | Pilot
Understanding Icy Conditions in Flight: How to Avoid Airframe Icing
Flying is an incredible experience, but it comes with challenges, especially during winter weather.…
by Elise Cotton | Jan 27, 2026 | Pilot
How GPS and ADS-B Improve Aviation Safety
Modern aviation is safer than it has ever been, and much of that progress can be credited to advances in technology. Two of the most influential tools in today’s cockpit are Global Positioning System…
by Elise Cotton | Jan 13, 2026 | Pilot
How Air Traffic Control Works
If you’re new to flight training, you’ve probably already heard pilots speaking rapidly over the radio, rattling off instructions that sound almost like a different language.…
by Elise Cotton | Dec 30, 2025 | Pilot
How to Make the Most of Flight Simulators
Flight simulators are one of the most powerful training tools available to today’s student pilots. At Bravo 6 Flight Academy, our in-house Redbird FMX 1000 Flight Simulator allows students to build sk…
by Elise Cotton | Dec 16, 2025 | Pilot
Managing Distractions During Flight Training
Flight training is an exciting and demanding journey. As a student pilot, you’re learning to manage an aircraft, understand aviation regulations, communicate with air traffic control, and make sound d…
by Elise Cotton | Dec 2, 2025 | Pilot
Understanding Runway Incursions as a Student Pilot
For every pilot, especially student pilots, runway safety is an important rule of thumb when it comes to takeoff and landing. One key concept you’ll hear early and often in your training is runway inc…
by Elise Cotton | Nov 18, 2025 | Pilot
Mastering Slow Flight for Student Pilots
Slow flight is an important skill you’ll develop as a student pilot. It’s a skill you’ll use long after earning your certificate.…
by Elise Cotton | Nov 4, 2025 | Pilot
Aircraft Maintenance Basics for Student Pilots
When you’re learning to fly, your focus is often on maneuvers, checklists, and airspace. What’s going on underneath the cockpit may not come to your attention as a student pilot. But understanding the…
by Elise Cotton | Oct 14, 2025 | Pilot
How to Plan Fuel Stops During a Cross-Country Flight
When you’re in the cockpit on a cross-country flight, there are some things you can’t afford to overlook, such as fuel. You don’t want to be halfway or a few miles away from your destination and you’r…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 30, 2025 | Pilot
Essential Flight Bag Items Every Pilot Should Carry
Whether you’re a student or an experienced pilot, having a packed flight bag is essential. Every pilot should have a flight bag ready to go for each flight. Having a flight bag is more than just carry…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 16, 2025 | Pilot
5 Ways to Get Involved in the Aviation Community
Ever wonder how you can take your passion for aviation beyond the cockpit? Getting involved in the aviation community connects you with people who share your love for flight while opening doors to new…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 2, 2025 | Pilot
How to Stay Sharp Between Flights Pilot Training Tips
As an aircraft needs regular maintenance, so do your flying skills. Personal maintenance allows you to stay sharp between every flight, whether you’re a student pilot or you’ve had your certifications…
by Elise Cotton | Aug 19, 2025 | Pilot
Pre and Post Flight Checklists: Essential For Safe Flying
Flight checklists are an important step in a pilot’s routine. When a pilot skips, rushes, or neglects a pre and post flight checklist, they increase the risk of being unprepared in an emergency.…
by Elise Cotton | Aug 5, 2025 | Pilot
What Happens During an Emergency Landing?
Ever wonder what actually happens during an emergency landing? As a student pilot, you’ll learn various emergency landing procedures and techniques, but won’t necessarily experience one firsthand in a…
by Elise Cotton | Jul 22, 2025 | Pilot
How to Pass Your First Solo Flight: Tips for Student Pilots
A solo flight is a major step in a student pilot’s training. It’s the moment when all your hard work, instruction, and practice come together. Without your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) by your si…
by Elise Cotton | Jul 8, 2025 | Pilot
Summer Flying Tips for Student Pilots: Stay Safe in the Cockpit
When you think of perfect flying weather, sunshine and a few clouds in the sky may come to mind. But summer flying isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. You might encounter unexpected thunderstorms, ove…
by Elise Cotton | Jun 24, 2025 | Pilot
Life of an Airline Pilot: 6 Myths Vs. the Reality of Flying for a Living
Being an airline pilot is often seen as luxurious and an excuse to travel. But the truth behind the job is far more complex than people realize. Let’s break down some of the most common myths—and unco…
by Elise Cotton | Jun 10, 2025 | Pilot
The Importance of Aerodynamics in Pilot Training
When an airplane flies through the sky, it flies with the birds. It looks magical the way it soars through the clouds. The reason why the aircraft is able to fly is because of aerodynamics. From the m…
by Elise Cotton | May 20, 2025 | Pilot
What to Expect in Your First Flight Lesson
Your first flight lesson at Bravo 6 Flight Academy is an exciting, hands-on introduction to flying. And yes, you’ll actually be in the cockpit for your very first lesson! Our Certified Flight Instruct…
by Elise Cotton | May 7, 2025 | Pilot
What Makes a Great Pilot?
Many student pilots wonder: What makes a great pilot?…
by Elise Cotton | Apr 22, 2025 | Pilot
Is Now the Best Time to Train? Pilot Demand Is Soaring
Have you ever thought about becoming a commercial airline pilot but aren’t sure when to start training? Now may be the perfect time to reach your aviation dreams. The demand for airline pilots continu…
by Elise Cotton | Apr 9, 2025 | Pilot
The Future of Aviation Technology
Technology advances every single day, and with that comes innovative aviation technology. As the industry advances, pilots and engineers must embrace new tools that enhance safety, efficiency, and the…
by Elise Cotton | Mar 25, 2025 | Pilot
Stall Types to Understand
Pilots in training frequently discuss and fear stalls because they represent one of the most challenging topics to master in flight lessons. The study of stalls forms a critical part of why ground sch…
by Elise Cotton | Mar 12, 2025 | Pilot
Build Flight Hours Affordably
Building flight hours is a crucial step toward becoming a professional pilot, but the cost can add up quickly. At Bravo 6 Flight Academy, we provide structured training programs, flexible scheduling,…
by Elise Cotton | Feb 25, 2025 | Pilot
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Commercial Pilot
Becoming a commercial pilot is a rewarding career path that requires dedication, training, and a passion for aviation. Whether you dream of flying passengers across the country or transporting cargo w…
by Elise Cotton | Feb 11, 2025 | Pilot
The Anatomy of an Airplane
An airplane is an intricate machine, meticulously engineered for safety, efficiency, and performance. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and controlled flight.…
by Elise Cotton | Jan 28, 2025 | Pilot
The 5 Types of Altitude in Aviation Every Pilot Should Know
Understanding the different types of altitude is essential for every pilot. While most people might think of altitude as simply how high an aircraft is above the ground, aviation professionals know it…
by Elise Cotton | Jan 8, 2025 | Pilot
Winter Flight Training: Tips for Success
Living farther from the equator often means experiencing seasonal weather, but winter doesn’t have to ground your flight training. With adequate preparation, some instructor creativity, and a solid un…
by Elise Cotton | Dec 17, 2024 | Pilot
I'M SAFE Checklist: Stress Management Tips for Student Pilots
The I’M SAFE checklist is a fundamental tool student pilots use to evaluate their fitness for flight. It addresses physical, mental, and emotional factors that may impair performance. While many eleme…
by Elise Cotton | Nov 25, 2024 | Pilot
7 Essential Tips for Flight Students | What to Expect
Starting flight school is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with unexpected questions and challenges. Many pilots look back wishing they had known a few key things before taking their first fl…
by Elise Cotton | Nov 7, 2024 | Pilot
Now Is The Time To Become A Pilot
United Airlines is making a major move to support its pilots and attract new talent with a freshly signed agreement designed to benefit their 16,000-strong pilot team and bring future pilots into the…
by Elise Cotton | Oct 9, 2024 | Pilot
Top CFI Tip for a smooth start
Congratulations on earning your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating! It’s an exciting milestone, but stepping into the role of an instructor comes with its challenges. While you’ve mastered flyin…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 24, 2024 | Pilot
Pilot Certificates: How of Learning to Fly
Aspiring pilots today have multiple options when it comes to learning how to fly. Whether you’re interested in the Light Sport Certificate, the Recreational Certificate, or the comprehensive Private P…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 4, 2024 | Pilot
Can a plane be struck by lightning
It might seem unlikely, but an aircraft can be struck by lightning even when there are no thunderstorms in the vicinity. This happens more often than most realize, and about 90% of lightning strikes o…
by Elise Cotton | Aug 22, 2024 | Pilot
Which Pilot License Should I Get: A Beginners Guide to Aviation
When it comes to learning to fly, today’s aspiring pilots have various routes to explore. Whether you’re looking into recreational flying or aiming for a private pilot license, each option offers dist…
by Elise Cotton | Aug 5, 2024 | Pilot
Pursuing an Airline Pilot Career
In today’s world, the need for pilots is at an all-time high, but this demand should not overshadow the importance of genuine passion in pursuing an airline pilot career. Maintaining a passion for fly…
by Elise Cotton | Jul 23, 2024 | Pilot
How to Become a Professional Pilot
The question of when to start training to become a professional pilot is common among aviation enthusiasts. The best time to start is now. This urgency underscores the time required to earn the necess…
by Elise Cotton | Jul 2, 2024 | Pilot
What to Know When Sharing the Sky With Fireworks
As the Fourth of July approaches, many pilots dream of watching fireworks from the sky. It’s a unique experience that offers a breathtaking view of the celebrations below. However, ensuring safety and…
by Elise Cotton | Jun 19, 2024 | Pilot
Funding Your Pilots Journey
Embarking on a journey to become a pilot requires careful planning and strategic financial management. Whether you’re dreaming of flying for pleasure or pursuing a professional career in aviation, sec…
by Elise Cotton | May 15, 2024 | Pilot
Flight Training Through Simulation
Traditional cockpit-based learning environments pose challenges such as high costs, noise, sensory overload, and safety concerns. For those seeking a more cost-effective and productive approach to avi…
by Elise Cotton | Apr 23, 2024 | Pilot
Pre-Flight Checklist for Pilots: Takeoff with Confidence
Aviation, as a mode of travel, is an industry where safety is paramount. Pre-flight checks are the foundation of safety in aviation, and the best practices associated with them are indispensable. They…
by Elise Cotton | Apr 2, 2024 | Pilot
The Role of Weather in Pilot Training and Safety
At Bravo 6 Flight Academy, we recognize that aviation is intricately tied to the ever-changing weather. As pilots, we walk a delicate line between man-made machines and the unpredictable forces of nat…
by Elise Cotton | Feb 2, 2024 | Pilot
Finding the Right Flight School for You
Selecting the right flight school is an exciting decision for aspiring pilots. The significance of this choice cannot be overstated, as it sets the trajectory for your aviation career. The flight scho…
by Elise Cotton | Nov 20, 2023 | Pilot
How to Prepare for Winter Flight Training
Winter flight training is a unique and challenging experience that offers rewards for those who dare to embrace the cold, crisp air of the season. As snow blankets the landscape and icicles glisten in…
by Elise Cotton | Oct 6, 2023 | Pilot
Aircraft Maintenance and Pilot Training
Safety is a top priority in the world of aviation, with aircraft maintenance being a key focus. In this article, we’ll explore the critical role that aircraft maintenance plays in guaranteeing your sa…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 22, 2023 | Pilot
The Benefits of Getting Your Pilot's License Now
As an aspiring pilot, this is an opportune moment to consider obtaining your pilot’s license. In today’s ever-changing world, the aviation industry stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability…
by Elise Cotton | Sep 1, 2023 | Pilot
Private Pilot License Requirements
Becoming a private pilot is a dream for many aviation enthusiasts. However, this requires a thorough understanding of the requirements. If you’re new to aviation or want to become a private pilot, her…
