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Aviation/Flying/Questions Answered by Expert D. Norkus
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Aircraft crash resistant fuel tanks. | 1/15/2012 |
| Q: While reading about a recent crash landing of a Piper PA-31 Navajo on approach to North Spirit Lake, ... A: Michael In certain types of accidents an 'improved' fuel tank may be less likely to contribute to a ... | |
| Brazilian PPL to U.S. PPL | 8/28/2011 |
| Q: im speaking from Sao Paulo Brazil, im about to finish my private pilot course here and would like to ... A: Camilo The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration doesn't accept foreign "courses". You must complete ... | |
| Flying airport to airport | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: I am looking at getting my private pilot license in the summer of 2012 and also a multi engine ... A: Vincent, Getting around in a light aircraft under "visual flight rules/VFR" or clear of any clouds ... | |
| private pilot/commercial scholarships | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: How do I find money/scholarships to pursue a license to pilot private/commercial etc.. A: Mike If you are looking to find a scholarship that will fund an entire certificate or rating, there ... | |
| piloting for Nepalese student in U.S. | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: how can i get admission for us? how much does it cost?may i get any scholarship? A: Omkar Getting admitted into the U.S. and paying for your flight training (private pilot, instrument ... | |
| DL hiring in 2010 | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I am looking for some comments about the announcement that Delta is getting ready to hire more ... A: Valerie, While Delta/DL hiring is a bright spot in the industry, most airlines in general are still ... | |
| grant/deaf pilot | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: my name is Gerald and I am deaf. Is there some one out there offers grant for private pilot courses ... A: Gerald, The Able Flight organization has flight training scholarships for people with disabilities. ... | |
| want to fly, not sure about career | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I want to fly I know that for sure what I don't know is if I want to make that my career choice any ... A: Ransley Flying for pleasure and flying professionally both have their rewards and challenges, but ... | |
| Aviation/Flying career | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: Like many, I had to make some difficult decisions following 9/11. One of those decisions was on ... A: 1- What are some things that I can do to get some free flight time. Free time is hard to come by as ... | |
| Flight Scholarship / Deaf pilot | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I would like to look for flight scholarship to help flight training for private pilot. Can you help ... A: Jason The Able Flight organization has flight training scholarships for people with disabilities. ... | |
| Helo Scholarships | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I am currently attending a helicopter flight school I have passed my knowledge test and need to ... A: Jenell For helo training, these organizations provide scholarships: The Whirly Girls (females ... | |
| ATC Communication | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: I am a PPC student and I am having a real hard time communicating effectively with the ATC. I ran ... A: Dan I am sorry to say, I have no personal experience with this Comm1 ATC Simulator. It may very ... | |
| Helicopter career changer | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I'm trained as a design engineer, but if I spend another day in a cubical I will EXPLODE! At this ... A: Russ It seems Charlies article has moved to a new URL- ... | |
| Flight Scholarships/Av Degree | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I am a 31 year old student at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Tech. I am enrolled in the aviation ... A: Paul I am curious as to why you are going to school for av maintenance yet desire to get a ... | |
| how to become an airline pilot | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: i was just wondering how to cheaply become an airline pilot and how i would be able to log my flying ... A: Kieran First off, I must say "cheaply" is a relative term! In the United States if you can get away ... | |
| New/low time pilot | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I graduated from Embry-riddle Aeronautical, Prescott, May 2008, with my BSAS in Aeronautical Science ... A: Lance Unfortunately, you have been put in the same position as hundreds of other aspiring career ... | |
| 37 Yr Old Mom of 4 Wants to be an Airline Pilot | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: 11, 6 and 3) and I have always wanted to be a pilot. My goal is to become an airline pilot, but I ... A: Pam Since yours is a common career change question I got so much, I decided to make a website to ... | |
| medical restrictions | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: my Step Son has been wanting to become a airline pilot for a long time. My question is...He has a ... A: Terri Since I am just a pilot and not an Aviation Medical Examiner, I can't make an authoritative ... | |
| class e airspace, flight info IMC | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I was told that in a class e airspace if you are an IFR pilot that you can go through the clouds up ... A: That is not correct, which is why you can't find it. It doesn't matter if you are instrument rated, ... | |
| Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in US Universities ? | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Hi :) I'm from Malaysia, and I have been scouting around for an answer if : There is any ... A: Vienna When you get your Commercial pilot certificate via a U.S. university or college program, you ... | |
| Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in US Universities ? | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Hi :) I'm from Malaysia, and I have been scouting around for an answer if : There is any ... A: Vienna 1) "[Are there] any universities in U.S. that offer a Commercial Pilot License?" Yes, there ... | |
| Aircraft Instrument scan | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: The arrangement of instruments in many general aviation light aircraft seems haphazard. Do you ... A: "Do you find that instrument panels and for that matter engine cowlings should be about 6 inches ... | |
| Aircraft Instrument scan | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: The arrangement of instruments in many general aviation light aircraft seems haphazard. Do you ... A: Depending on what you are flying, instrument or gauge modifications or upgrades can result in a very ... | |
| What does it take to learn to be a pilot? | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: As a woman interested in learning to fly (at 55 y.o.)- what qualities/aptitude would be beneficial ... A: Beth You need two things: a desire to learn and apply yourself to flight training and the money to ... | |
| Becoming a paid pilot: what to expect. | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: Dottie, First off, I think this is a wonderful service you provide. Thank you for that. I am a ... A: Danny There is a whole lot to know to get the 'big picture' about making this career change. Since ... | |
| Fulfilling My Dreams | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: I have always wanted to fly airplanes. I started flight school back in the 80's but ended up ... A: "What are some ways to get involved in the industry BEFORE having the ratings/hours I need?" ... | |
| How can I choose a safe airline? | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: I am making reservations for my first airplane flight in 11 years. I have been terrified to fly for ... A: Donna First off, I think you should definitely try to address why you are so "terrified" of flying ... | |
| aspiring pilot | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: My goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. I am currently about to start with Grade 12. I ... A: 1) Can you please tell me what university/academy will be the best to attend so i can become a ... | |
| Learning to fly/career | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: I have been an aviation enthusiast ever since I was a small child. Severe myopia dashed any hopes ... A: Sarah If you mean a career as a pilot in some regard, sure you can still do it at age 47 provided ... | |
| Why is airline pilot pay so low, especially starting out? | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: Is airline pay so low because there isn't a lot of demand? Why the low wages? A: James Since the 'old days' portrayed in Catch Me If You Can, the compensation for airline pilots ... | |
| Lost | 3/11/2008 |
| Q: a first semester sophomore attending a 4 year University, and I want to become an airline pilot. I ... A: Damian 1)Is my major in college a factor or important at all trying to pursue becoming an airline ... | |
| qualities in a good pilot | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: What qualities does a person need to have to become a pilot long term A: Mitch I'd say they should be: a multi-tasker, a good communicator, calm under pressure, confident ... | |
| Flight attendant training | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: Can a new airline (name unknown to me) train flight attendants and after 3 weeks of training tell ... A: Cindy If the airline is a new start up, yes it could happen. Especially if they are still in the ... | |
| aviation colleges | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: I am a senior in high school in Gig Harbor, Wash. I am interest in becoming a commercial pilot. I ... A: Matt, 1)which colleges would be the best for me to look into? As far as which one is the "best" ... | |
| Flying opportunities for women | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: I am 52 years young, a medical professional, looking to "change" or combine careers into the ... A: June, As a female airline pilot, I primarily advise about airline career opportunities for women ... | |
| safety stats of small aircraft | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: I"m a single mother of 3 young children, also an artist age 40 who just recently fell in love with ... A: Lise Check out "Is it Safe?" by GA Serving America: http://www.gaservingamerica.org/Is_it_Safe.htm ... | |
| future in airline business | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: Hey, im almost 16, soloing in 5 days on my bday, and i want more than anything to be an airline ... A: Dave, I think it would be a great thing for you to get to your solo. However, if you really are ... | |
| future in airline business | 12/11/2007 |
| Q: Hey, im almost 16, soloing in 5 days on my bday, and i want more than anything to be an airline ... A: Dave There are civilian 3 ways you can go to reach your goal: An aviation university An airline ... | |
| Training to become airline pilot | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: I would like to become an airline pilot. I am 36, have a college degree, have a Private ASEL and ... A: Jerry- 1) Yes, there are. It is now very common to hire academy graduates with 250-400 flight hours ... | |
| College, pilot career | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: My career goal is to become an airline pilot. Im a senior in High School and thinking about which ... A: Cody 1) "After getting my associates degree from community college do you know what an estimate ... | |
| Airline Pilot Employment | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: I am currently graduating from high school and I want to become a commercial airline pilot. I ... A: Richard, You won't have hundreds of thousands in debt, unless you go to a school like ERAU for ... | |
| Airline Pilot Employment | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: I am currently graduating from high school and I want to become a commercial airline pilot. I ... A: Richard San Jose State is a fine choice. If you want to major in aviation great, and if you can get ... | |
| Airline Safety | 10/10/2007 |
| Q: Ms. Norkus: My name is Tony Graham. I am terrified to fly but when I do have to fly I ONLY fly ... A: Tony Honestly, I don't believe that Air Tran has any safety issues. I'd fly on them...and probably ... | |
| College, pilot career | 10/10/2007 |
| Q: My career goal is to become an airline pilot. Im a senior in High School and thinking about which ... A: Cody, I think you have an excellent plan of attack. A community college will save you a bundle and ... | |
| I'm going to fly over the OCEAN! | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: In march I'm goin to Fly to Holland for IL... to see my Sister. I'm getting scared from thinking ... A: Brittany, A nonstop flight between Chicago and Amsterdam on KLM is listed as being 7hr 45mn. As ... | |
| I'm going to fly over the OCEAN! | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: In march I'm goin to Fly to Holland for IL... to see my Sister. I'm getting scared from thinking ... A: Brittany The flight time will depend on where you are leaving from, which you did not say. For ... | |
| what to do... | 9/18/2007 |
| Q: I am currently attending Aviation Maintenance school but would rather fly aircraft than fix them. ... A: Adam I hesitate to say earning a 4 yr degree over an ab-initio program, or vice versa, is the "best ... | |
| Widebody aircraft service life | 7/12/2007 |
| Q: Realizing that cycles and flying hours impact an aircraft service life, what is the present service ... A: The Boeing Company advertises a generalized service life of "twenty years" or 50,000 ... | |
| prof. pilot w/M.D. | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: Can you be a pilot, like for instance on a airline if you have Muscular Dystrophy? I have it and its ... A: Kyle An airline pilot must have a Class I or "First Class" medical certificate in addition to their ... | |
| Sectionals | 3/6/2007 |
| Q: When you are approaching class B,C, or D airspace and you are required to contact approach control ... A: Dan When approaching controlled airspace in which you need a clearance to enter, you should call ... | |
| women pilots | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: I was just wondering if you could tell me the different job opportunities for women who are ... A: Caroline The job opportunities in the civilian world for pilots are the same for women as men: the ... | |
| Chart Questions | 1/25/2007 |
| Q: Dottie, Thanks for the help on my last question. The AOPA website has a lot of good things to look ... A: Dan 1) What does HAT/HAA on the approach minimums stand for? "Height Above Threshold"/"Height ... | |
| Air Traffic Control Communication | 1/19/2007 |
| Q: Dottie, I have been monitoring some of those websites that give you the direct feeds into ATC ... A: Dan Sorry, I have not seen any transcript of a flights communications from beginning to end. Not to ... | |
| Landing_flare | 1/19/2007 |
| Q: What does it mean when an aircraft "flares" before it lands? How come carrier aircrafts don't flare? A: Kevin The landing "flare" is the transition from a nose low or almost level pitch attitude in the ... | |
| Hot to become an airline pilot | 1/9/2007 |
| Q: I've been interested in becoming an airline pilot for sometime now and I've finally decided that ... A: Mike Your inquiry is one that I get quite often, so to better address all the things that must be ... | |
| crash in backyard of friends | 1/4/2007 |
| Q: so i went to my friends and theres a wing and some burnt pressure lines he has acres but anyways it ... A: You can find accident reports for crashes at the NTSB website. If there was a fatality, it would ... | |
| Fog | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: Why can't planes take off and land in heavy fog? A: Damon They can, with certain criteria met. With certain minimum visual referances, planes can take ... | |
| ILS & VFR | 12/17/2006 |
| Q: Im really confused about what the acronyms ILS and VFR mean. I was wondering if you could help me ... A: The acronym "VFR" stands for Visual Flight Rules, which are the 'rules of the road' (Federal ... | |
| sending pix/internet inflight | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: A follow up: in the case of emergency, could a passenger, or pilot for that matter, send a digital ... A: A follow up: in the case of emergency, could a passenger, or pilot for that matter, send a digital ... | |
| aviation safety/L.O.C. accidents | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: As an FAASTeam Representative, I'm working on a presentation involving LOC (loss of control) during ... A: Barry Have you tried the AOPA ir Safety Foundation? Their annual Nall Report may have what you ... | |
| in flight phone calls | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: I'm trying to get a handle on what is possible in terms of inflight communication. Do cell phones ... A: Do cell phones work in flight? Usually no as there is no signal from the cell antennas at altitude. ... | |
| Moving? | 11/14/2006 |
| Q: Dot, Hello again, following up on my last question, would there be a pretty good chance of becoming ... A: Dan, Your wifes concerns are valid. There is always the possibility you will be based very far from ... | |
| Finances/2nd job | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: Dottie, As I have read, regional pilots make very little money starting out. Being a pilot, would ... A: Dan As a new regional F/O, with minimal days off and the worst schedules, you would be very hard ... | |
| Landing at night/ acceleration times? | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering why it is airlines have to turn the lights out when they land and take-off at night. ... A: Adam I. Light are absolutely NOT dimmed for "power conservation"! That would be like turning off ... | |
| shelf life of aircraft | 9/27/2006 |
| Q: Can you tell me the avereage life span of a commercial aircraft for instance a 747 and what would ... A: The "lifespan" of an airliner is not measured in time, but pressurization cycles. Each time the ... | |
| PPL cost | 9/25/2006 |
| Q: does it cost a lot of money to pay for the test and learn to become a pilot A: The cost of the Private Pilot can vary greatly depending on how you chose to go about it (schools or ... | |
| issues or problems in becoming a pilot | 9/20/2006 |
| Q: i am doing a senior project in my school and my topic is on becoming a pilot. I just wanted to know ... A: The most prevelant 'problem' or issue with becoming a pilot is quite simply the prohibitive cost of ... | |
| flying aeroplanes | 9/19/2006 |
| Q: what are the reasons for a plane on the air not to move and stand in a constant place A: The only reason for an aircraft to remain stationary over a given spot while inflight (stand in a ... | |
| Airbus A380 | 9/3/2006 |
| Q: When will the A380 be in service in the US? A: It is expected in spring 2007. Both QANTAS & Singapore will operate it on routes to the USA. However ... | |
| Cellphones | 8/28/2006 |
| Q: I know that during takeoff and landing all electronic devices must be turned off. What if everyone ... A: "What if everyone on the plane used their cellphones during a takeoff or landing? Would it disrupt ... | |
| Flying with one engine | 8/10/2006 |
| Q: I was just in a Boeing 747 a week ago and I'm very amazed by its physical characteristics. What ... A: Kevin To be certified to fly, all airliners must demonstrate a takeoff at max weight with ONE ... | |
| aviation | 5/23/2006 |
| Q: Hey dottie, i want to become a commercial pilot but also fly for the air force. Does the air force ... A: Michael, Yes, you can become an AF pilot and it will help qualify you for a job as an airline pilot ... | |
| Hi Dottie, My name is Kim... | 4/22/2006 |
| Q: My name is Kim and I am 28 I want to join Air line but I don't know where I can start? I want some ... A: Kim From the English and grammar of your post, I am not sure if you are in the United States or ... | |
| Part-Time Aviation Opportunities | 3/26/2006 |
| Q: I am 69 years old with 10,000 hours of flying time including 6500 turbine, 8500 MEL, 1000 IFR. I ... A: Dr Nyberg- I am sure there are with such qualifications. Try these employment resources: AEPS: ... | |
| Career Advice | 1/23/2006 |
| Q: you would realy be helping me out if you could answer my question. do i need any qalifications to ... A: Steven, Other than money or a loan for funding the only thing you would really need to begin flight ... | |
| Pilot Carreers and Salary | 1/17/2006 |
| Q: I am very interested in a carreer in piloting and was curious as to the different types of piloting ... A: Matt, I can only tell you about airline pilot careers. Starting out in this career flying for a ... | |
| hi im 13 and i want too know... | 1/12/2006 |
| Q: A: Jasmyn In the USA, you can be hired to fly as a First Officer (co-pilot) at age 21, which is the ... | |
| piloting | 12/18/2005 |
| Q: How possible is it to have scholarship if i can have a private pilot licence? And would you say ... A: Your question is not worded very clear, but it sounds as if you are looking for a scholarship to ... | |
| I'm not too sure how to answer... | 11/9/2005 |
| Q: I'm not too sure how to answer the following on an employment application: Are you currently ... A: Matthew Sorry it took me two days to get to my Email, but I was at a recurrent ground school for a ... | |
| How can one tell a CRJ from... | 10/20/2005 |
| Q: How can one tell a CRJ from an ERJ just by the appearance? What in your opinion makes one better ... A: The CRJ has much larger engines than the ERJ. Additionally, the ERJ has a very pointynose, almost ... | |
| What is/are the differences... | 6/30/2005 |
| Q: What is/are the differences between turbojets and turbofans? Would you happen to know the reason(in ... A: 1)What is/are the differences between turbojets and turbofans? In turbojet engines (like those on ... | |
| Greetings, - Could you... | 6/28/2005 |
| Q: Greetings, - Could you briefly explain the nature of a dispatcher's job? - Lets say, the fleet ... A: 1)Could you briefly explain the nature of a dispatcher's job? The Aircraft Dispatcher is a licensed ... | |
| training! | 5/5/2005 |
| Q: i have just finished my high school and am 19 yrs old.the question i would like to ask is which is ... A: Immanuel, I cannot address the ease or difficulties of helicopter flyng, as I have never done any. ... | |
| Airline Pilot Training | 5/3/2005 |
| Q: Ma'am, I am 36 years old and will be retiring from the U.S. Army in 2 years. I have always loved ... A: Jim "Would you recommend an aviation career considering job security and/or even finding this type ... | |
| funding | 4/15/2005 |
| Q: my name is Bonnie I am a single parent of two small children and would like to get started with a ... A: Bonnie Your best chances of getting any free money to begin flight training would be via the Ninety ... | |
| I am very interested in gaining... | 4/12/2005 |
| Q: I am very interested in gaining more knowledge on detailed desription, function and use of the ... A: Jascha You can find a vast resource of free aircraft systems knowledge (complete with photos & ... | |
| Piloting requirements | 4/4/2005 |
| Q: My boyfriend has always had kind of a childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He's fasinated with ... A: Courtney You are not clear as to whether he is interested in a Private Pilot License/PPL or ... | |
| Lighters | 3/23/2005 |
| Q: I've heard a lot about the ban on lighters on airplanes. I was just wondering if it has passed yet ... A: Josh In response to a provision in The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, ... | |
| Information | 3/23/2005 |
| Q: A little on my background. I have done my bachelor's in science. I am from India - Mumbai. I have a ... A: Kiran As my profile states, I can only address flight training and pilot careers within the United ... | |
| Pilots violating alchol consumption restrictions | 1/23/2005 |
| Q: This is kind of a touchy question. But I know a pilot who was going into the cockpit and the ... A: Suzie Whenever an susbtance abuse incident occurs, pilots are usually taken off line until the ... | |
| Air Traffic | 11/11/2004 |
| Q: My question is how safe is air traffic? The other day I was tracking a flight online, and the map ... A: Ken I can't say statistically how safe ATC is, but I can say they are very good at what they do. ... | |
| mach number | 10/13/2004 |
| Q: why above +/- 20.000 feet the speed in aircrafts is used in number MACH and not in IAS ? thanks, ... A: 'Above +/- 20.000 feet, why is the speed of an aircraft measured in MACH number and not in IAS?' ... | |
| Commercial Pilot Career | 9/17/2004 |
| Q: I am interested in becoming a commercial pilot, but I have been told most commercial pilots were ... A: Mike Would it be hard to get a job without military experience? No. Increasingly, pilots are coming ... | |
| Commercial Airline | 7/10/2004 |
| Q: i am a junior high student(9th grade) and i was wondering what should i really start studying like ... A: John There are no specific subjects that one needs to study to become an pilot. While many people ... | |
| Aviation University Or Non Aviation University? | 2/10/2004 |
| Q: ihave a major decesion to make and would really appreciate any advice you could offer. I have been ... A: Corey Sorry I couldn't get back to you last night. I had hoped to resond in the a.m. but got called ... | |
| working as a pilot in the U.K... | 1/7/2004 |
| Q: I am in my third year of college and I am pursuing a degree in Aviation Management/Flight Option. I ... A: Nina I can't advise on flying outside the USA. From what I understand, it is an even more ... | |
| Aviation | 12/6/2003 |
| Q: Can a Boeing 777 be over-rotated, thus hitting the tailplane on the runway? A: "Can a Boeing 777 be over-rotated, thus hitting the tailplane on the runway? " Yes. During test ... | |
Aviation/Flying
Answers by Expert:
D. Norkus
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can address questions about airline pilot employment & entry level airline careers in the United States, women pilots, flight training, pilot certification, U.S. flight scholarships (mostly for women), aviation & airline safety topics, aviation accident investigation and airline operations. ***Please note, I cannot address flight training & career queries from outside the United States, or aero engineering degree programs/careers, aviation management topics. ****
Experience
U.S. Regional Airline Pilot. I have also had 15 years previous experience in airline ground operations, as well as a part 91 commercial skydive pilot and ferry pilot.
Organizations
International Organization of Women Pilots, Women In Aviation International, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Organization, Air Line Pilots Association
Education/Credentials
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Aviation Safety/Accident investigation
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