From the Flight Deck

The GoFly Academy Blog

Training tips, career paths, and aviation insights from Miami's FAA-approved Part 141 flight school.

Adrian Perez · August 28, 2026

Why Leisure Pilots Should Get Their Instrument Rating (Even If You're Not Chasing Airline Jobs)

Most pilots assume instrument rating is for commercial careers. It's not. An instrument rating expands where you can fly, when you can fly, and how safely you can fly. For leisure pilots who want to actually use their license year-round, it's one of the smartest investments you can make.

Why DPE Shortages Exist (And How GoFly's Examining Authority Helps Solve it)

Designated Pilot Examiner shortages are a real bottleneck in aviation training. Learn why the shortage happened, how it affects your checkride timeline, and what examining authority means for schools that have it.

Commercial Pilot Certificate: What Changes From Private Pilot Training

Moving from Private to Commercial Pilot isn't just about logging more hours. This post breaks down the new maneuvers, the complex or high-performance aircraft requirement, what "flying for hire" actually means legally, and an important cross-country limitation for pilots who haven't yet earned their Instrument Rating.

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Adrian Perez · August 21, 2026

Multi-Engine Training: What to Expect Moving Up to the Aztec

Adding a multi-engine rating is one of the most common next steps after earning a Commercial Pilot certificate. This post walks through how GoFly's Multi-Engine add-on works in the Piper Aztec, what the training actually involves, and why this add-on is such a standard part of most pilots' path forward.

Why Checklists Matter More Than Memory

Checklists show up on day one of flight training and never really go away, not even at the airline level. This post covers why that is, how checklists actually improve safety and consistency in the cockpit, and why GoFly recommends the C172M Checkmate checklist for students flying our Cessna fleet.

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Adrian Perez · August 17, 2026

Instructing Before the Airlines? The CFI Path Explained

For most pilots on the path to the airlines, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor isn't a detour. It's the most common and most respected way to build flight hours. This post explains why the CFI route exists, how it shapes better pilots, and why airlines specifically look for it on a resume.

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Adrian Perez · August 14, 2026

VFR vs. IFR: What's the Real Difference for a New Pilot?

Every new pilot eventually runs into these two acronyms: VFR and IFR. This post breaks down what they actually mean in practical terms, how each type of training differs, and why even pilots who plan to fly casually in good weather should think seriously about earning an instrument rating.

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Adrian Perez · August 12, 2026

Becoming a Private Pilot: Where Do You Start?

Starting private pilot training means choosing between Part 61 and Part 141 programs, understanding what the FAA's Airman Certification Standards actually require, and knowing how solo flying builds from pattern work to a real cross-country trip. Here's what flight training in Miami looks like from day one to checkride.

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Adrian Perez · August 10, 2026

Part 141 vs. Part 61: Why More Students Are Choosing 141 Training

Choosing between a Part 61 and a Part 141 flight school is one of the first real decisions a student pilot makes, and it affects everything from your syllabus to your checkride. Here's how the two paths differ, why 141 training has some real structural advantages, and why "structured" doesn't have to mean "rigid."

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Adrian Perez · August 7, 2026

What Is a Stage Check, and Why Does It Matter in Part 141 Training

Part 141 flight training is built around stage checks — structured evaluations that confirm a student is ready to move forward. Here's how GoFly Academy's Jeppesen-based stage checks work for both the Private Pilot and Instrument Rating courses, and why they matter for training quality, safety, and staying on schedule.

Why South Florida is Home To So Many Flight Schools, Airlines, and Operators

From international gateway airports to year-round flying weather, South Florida has quietly become one of the most important regions in American aviation. Here's why so many airlines, cargo carriers, and flight schools call it home.

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Adrian Perez · August 3, 2026

What It's Like Training in Miami's Airspace

Miami's airspace is some of the busiest and most layered in the country. Here's what student pilots can expect when training around Class B airspace, Miami Approach, and the airport shelves that surround Opa-locka and North Perry.

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Adrian Perez · July 17, 2026

What to Look for in a Flight School in Miami Before You Enroll

Miami has more flight schools than almost any city in the country, but not every training environment is built the same. Here's how to think about big schools vs. small schools, fleet size, and — most importantly — why the airport you train at might matter more than anything else.

GoFly Academy's Examining Authority: How We're Improving the Training Experience

What is FAA Examining Authority, and why does it matter? Learn how Part 141 flight schools with Examining Authority can help students avoid checkride delays, reduce certification costs, and complete their training through an FAA-approved in-house examination process.

What Happens During a Discovery Flight?

Curious about learning to fly? Discover what happens during a discovery flight, from the preflight inspection and cockpit procedures to taking the controls over Miami's beautiful coastline with an instructor by your side.

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Adrian Perez · June 26, 2026

Student to Captain: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pilot

Thinking about becoming a pilot? Whether you want to fly for fun or pursue an airline career, understanding the training path is the first step. This guide explains the most common progression from Private Pilot through Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Instructor certifications, what each certificate allows you to do, and how pilots typically build the flight experience needed for airline jobs. Learn how GoFly Academy can take you from your first flight lesson through all instructor certificates and beyond.

How ADS-B & EFB Work Together for Safer Flying

ADS-B is often discussed as an FAA requirement, but its biggest impact for most pilots comes through EFBs like ForeFlight. Learn how ADS-B traffic, weather, and GPS data work together to improve situational awareness and make modern general aviation flying safer and more efficient.

Meet the Fleet: How We Chose Our Training Aircraft

The aircraft you train in shape the way you fly long after earning your certificate. At GoFly Academy, every airplane in our fleet was selected with a purpose—from building strong fundamentals in the Cessna 172 to affordable time building in the Skycatcher and advanced experience in the Cirrus SR20.

Training With or Without Autopilot: Which Makes Better Pilots?

Autopilot has become a normal part of modern aviation, but does that mean students should train with it from day one? We explore the role of automation in flight training, why strong fundamentals still matter, and how the best pilots learn to balance both.

Is the Cirrus a Good First Airplane for Flight Training?

A Cirrus can be an excellent training airplane for the right student, especially when the goal is to learn in a modern, technically advanced aircraft. However, it is not always the best first airplane for everyone, and students should understand the cost, workload, and training discipline required before starting.