A pilot’s shortlist of global and regional aviation events in 2026
Short guide to the major aviation and flight sim events in 2026, grouped by region, with dates and links for pilots planning their year.
Guides.
Structured, in‑depth walkthroughs for recreational pilots and aspiring pilots in Asia‑Pacific.
Guides and Briefs
Six things you need to know before starting flight training in 2026
Six hard truths that will save you money, time, and a lot of frustration before your first lesson.
How to convert an RAAus RPC to a CASA RPL in Australia
Converting your RAAus RPC to a CASA RPL opens up controlled airspace, heavier aircraft, and one-time endorsement transfers. Here's the paperwork, flight review requirements, and what you need to know.
How to get a pilot licence in Thailand: Ultralight training, clubs and schools (2026)
Thailand offers structured ultralight training through CAAT-certified schools in Phuket and Pattaya. Here's what the Private Pilot Licence-Ultralight Aircraft pathway looks like, which schools offer training, and what to expect.
Ground school is hard. Here's how to study for it
Struggling with ground school? You're not alone. Most students feel overwhelmed when they realize how much they don't know. This guide breaks down learning stages (rote to correlation), and gives you the practical techniques pilots use to retain information and pass their exams.
FLAPS or not? The grim hidden costs of pilot training in the Philippines
Informal fees to CAAP checkride examiners are common in the Philippines — an off-the-books cost that's culturally normalized, undermines training rigor, and erodes license credibility.
RPL cost: Singapore vs Australia comparison (2026)
This guide compares actual all-in costs for Singapore PPL vs Australia RPC and RPL pathways, and explains why intensive training delivers better value per dollar than extended weekend training.
The hidden costs of flight training in Australia
Flight schools advertise AU$15,000 for an RPC, AU$18,000 for an RPL. Students who finish pay 30–50% more. This guide breaks down the hidden costs — exams, landing fees, gear, travel, and skill decay — and what you can do about them.
The Singapore PPL Paradox: Is training in Australia better? Read our 2026 guide
Training locally at Seletar offers convenience and prestige. But for recreational pilots, the "Australian Detour" often delivers better proficiency at a fraction of the cost.
CASA medical certificates for Australia RPL: which one do you need? (2026)
Complete guide to CASA medical requirements for Australian Recreational Pilot Licence. Compare Class 5 (self-declared), Basic Class 2 (GP exam), and Class 2 (DAME). Passenger limits, costs, validity, and how to choose.