What Are The Top Planes for Private Pilots Available on the Market?

More and more people are buying private aircraft. Despite the huge costs and long waiting lists, the freedom, benefits and privacy these planes can offer is well worth the cost for many pilots. If you want to consider the best private airplanes, the following are some of your best options:

• The Cessna Skycatcher has been a popular training and private airplane since 2009. This beginner-friendly plane is just the thing you need to learn to fly and complete some of your first solo flights with relative ease. Also, at just $150k, it’s the most affordable airplane on our list.
• The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza has a range of more than 640 nautical miles, and it’s one of the roomier, longer and older airplanes for private pilots that you’ll find on the market. This single engine plane has been around since 1947, and continues to impress with each new upgrade.
• The Eclipse 550 offers the best balance between price, luxury and dependability when it comes to personal jetting. With a 375-knot cruising speed and a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet, it will get you where you want to go with ease. Also, at only 59 gallons/hour, it’s the most fuel-efficient personal jet out there.
• If you want the best, and you have the money to get it, the $65 million Gulfstream G650 is the plane for you. This jet is currently the ultimate in personal flight technology, with a range of 7,000 nautical miles and .9 Mach maximum cruising speed. You can use it to fly from LA to Tokyo with fuel to spare.

Unfortunately, for most people, the cost of purchasing a plane is more than they can afford. However, you can get the feel of how it would be to own your own plane by leasing an aircraft. Another idea would be to charter a plane in Denver for a short weekend trip. Find additional details on these options at Independence Aviation.

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What Do Test Pilots Do and What Does It Take to Be One?

Being a test pilot used to be a risky business. In the 1950s, test pilots were killed every week in new flight tests, and there was no guarantee that your next flight won’t be your last. However, significant improvements in flight test protocols and the simulation of aircraft performance over the years have significantly minimized these risks.

A test pilot essentially has the role of testing modified or newly designed aircraft. New types of helicopters and jets, modified private planes, military aircraft and more, are all in need of testing prior to being released for common use. Test pilots often have to perform specific flight test techniques (FTT) and maneuvers designed to offer particular insight into certain aspects of the aircraft’s design and performance.

Based on flight data gathered from the tests, engineers and aircraft designers can adjust parameters and make optimal modifications to ensure improved safety and performance. Test pilots, therefore, need to have a considerable knowledge of aeronautical engineering, aside from the many physical qualities that define a good pilot.

In many ways, test pilots have much greater responsibilities, and they take higher risks than regular military and commercial airplane pilots. A test pilot has to understand test plans and stick to them, keep track of any malfunctions and compensate for them, keep track of vital data to help engineers improve their results, and communicate relevant flight test observations as clearly as possible.

Obviously, this career requires years of training and flight experience. For those wanting to experience the rewards of flying, but scale down the risk factor a notch, learning to fly at a reputable Colorado flight school may be just what you are looking for to add adventure into your life. Check out Independence Aviation today for a flight training program to fit your time and budget.

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The Most Famous Women in Aviation History and Their Brilliant Contributions

Although the Wright brothers are widely known for their contributions to the development of the first working aircraft designs, and other famous aviators like Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes have made their mark on the world of early flight, there are also many daring women who were equally important and skilled.

One of the most famous female aviators in history is Bessica Faith Raiche – known primarily as Bessie Raiche. She is credited for being the first American woman to ever embark on a successful solo flight aboard an airplane. Bessie Coleman is another notable name, having been the first woman of Native American descent to obtain her international pilot’s license as early as 1921.

There are many other famous women who have had significant achievements in aviation history. Internationally, Raymonde de Laroche was the first woman in the world to obtain a valid pilot’s license.  Influenced and assisted by airplane engineer and aviator, Charles Voisin, de Laroche had her first documented solo flight in 1909.

Amelia Earhart is probably the most famous woman in aviation history, being known for her outstanding flying skills, her daring solo flight across the Atlantic and her mysterious disappearance in 1937.

Despite their contributions at the dawn of the history of flight and their continuing record breaking achievements in the 1950s, women were largely kept away from the main arenas in aviation – especially when it came to commercial flying – until the 1970s, when women were again allowed into the US Airforce as pilots, and pilots like Louise Sacchi and Turi Widerøe became well-known on the international scene.

Do these famous explorers and innovators inspire you to add some adventure to your life? If so, consider pursuing a private pilot license in Colorado. Who knows where your next adventure will be?

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What Are the Best Travel Destinations in and Near the Colorado Area?

If you’re searching for the best places to visit in or around the state of Colorado, there are numerous areas perfect for outdoor activities that you’ll likely enjoy. Untouched locations, where nature still reigns supreme, and humankind has yet to even explore most areas, can be among the most notable attractions you can find here. Also, Colorado is a place where you can visit numerous natural parks, and see rare plants and endangered animal species that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Steamboat Springs is one of the hidden gems that Coloradoans are truly proud of. This small town features outstanding ski resorts, and is also a genuine ranching center. Here you can embark on daring challenges skiing downhill in the winter, but you can also enjoy other recreational activities that are designed for all seasons – including hiking or relaxing at some of the soothing natural hot springs in the area.

The mountain town of Breckenridge used to be a mining colony. After facing near complete destruction, it was rebuilt and repurposed, now housing some of Colorado’s most well-known genuine alpine getaways. Aside from skiing and hiking, you can also enjoy the newly restored river area, and explore the greenery during the summer.

Finally, the Garden of the Gods is probably one of the most exciting places you can visit. This park, located in Colorado Springs, is an area of strange and beautiful natural rock formations that were visited and inhabited by prehistoric people as early as 1300 BC.

These are but a few of the beautiful places to visit in Colorado. Drive time can vary to each location, and traffic delays in Colorado seem to increase every year. Have you ever considered adventures you could have by independently flying to these, and more, places in Colorado and the United States? If you have, consider checking out excellent pilot schools in Colorado to see what it would take to gain the freedom and adventure of flying to these and many other gorgeous places.

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A Look at the Most Popular Private Jets to Rent

Even though most private jets cost millions to buy, you can usually get away with paying a lot less by simply renting them. Compared to the hefty purchase cost, a charter will usually cost “only” a few thousand dollars, and it can give you the experience of a lifetime.

The Cessna Citation variants are some of the top picks when it comes to renting a jet that is secure, reliable and surprisingly roomy. With enough space to house up to 8 people and costing only $6,000 for a standard flight from LA to Las Vegas, the Citation XLS and XLS+ are two of the top planes you can think of renting.

The 4-seat Phenom 100 may not be as spacious as some other planes, but it definitely makes up for it in terms of comfort and luxury. This aircraft has a stunning, BMW-inspired interior, and it also features a private bathroom and sizable luggage space.

Finally, you’ll find the Bombardier Challenger 850 is one of the most popular airplanes for larger groups. Although it can support long flights of more than 6 hours, it is most popular for shorter trips supporting groups of up to 14 passengers. Its impressively comfortable interior and lower cost is one of its strongest advantages over other large private planes.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in the independence and freedom flying allows, consider learning to fly at an elite Denver flight school. Once you have mastered the program, imagine the fun and adventure you will have flying family and friends to incredible memory making destinations.

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The Most Interesting Places You Can Visit With Your Own Plane

So you just got your new private jet, and after mastering your flying basics and going on a few solo flights, you want to see the world. Granted, a few flights might be less than what would prepare you for a long journey across oceans and mountains, but with a seasoned pilot at your side to guide you through the challenging parts, you should be good to go.

Why not start your journeys with a genuine African safari. One of the most stunning places you can go to is Victoria Falls in Africa, at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This is the largest waterfall in the world, and an amazing sight to behold from above.

The desert landscapes of Jordan hide one of the most majestic religious sites in the world – the large and imposing temple of Al-Khazneh in the city of Petra. This is a huge structure carved out of a sandstone rock face, and it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

Finally, you can visit the delectable land of Tasmania located just south of Australia and featuring a large and beautiful coastline that is best viewed from the comfort of your private plane. After landing in Tasmania, you can visit the famous tessellated pavement, see the Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat, and take the well-known bike tour at Coles Bay.

All of the above ideas sound amazing! However, if you are looking to stay closer to Colorado, with travel within the United States, consider checking out a private jet charter in Denver at Independence Aviation. Start planning your adventure today!

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The Great American Eclipse

Astronomers are calling it The Great American Eclipse. On August 21, 2017, an eclipse will start and end in Denver at 10:23:17am and 1:14:40pm respectively, with the mid-point being at 11:47:03am and covering 92% of the sun. This will be the first eclipse to span the entire continental United States in 99 years, starting on the Oregon coast, sweeping through the nation at a rapid 3000 miles per hour, and leaving the South Carolina coast an hour and a half later.

Hotels along the path of totality began receiving requests for reservations as long as 15 years ago from people anticipating this event. Roads are forecasted to be jam packed and slow on the day of the eclipse, so if you’re a pilot, you’ll probably be flying there instead. Aviation enthusiasts will be flocking to airports across the path of totality to watch from the wide open views they will most likely offer, with many of the airports hosting fly-ins, camping and/or even festivals.

Things you may need to know:

1. Never look directly at the sun without special glasses. If you are in the path of totality, it’s ok to look at it without them when the moon has completely covered the sun.
2. If you have plans to travel for the viewing, try not to do it the day of since many roads may be immobile.
3. This event may break the internet. Billions of people will be flocking to the internet to view it on social media and other online sources.
4. If you’re taking pictures, unless you have a special lens, your pictures of the sun may not turn out as well as you hope.

This eclipse even has its own website at greatamericaneclipse.com where you can find facts on the phenomena, a history of eclipses, where the best viewing spots are, and a store for memorabilia.

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