How to Choose a Good CFI
You will spend a lot of one-on-one time with your flight instructor during the training process. Your CFI should be knowledgeable, trustworthy...
Read articleNorthstar aviation articles
Aviation study articles for focused pilots.
Read practical articles on FAR/AIM study, checkride preparation, oral exam topics, pilot training resources, and the aviation knowledge student pilots are expected to understand.
Latest article
Radiation Fog vs. Advection Fog: A Weather Guide for Student Pilots
A clear, calm evening can be the setup for a fogged-in morning. Here's how radiation fog and advection fog form, how to spot them in METARs and TAFs, and how to make a smart go/no-go call before fog grounds your flight.
Read article
Article library
Browse recent Northstar articles.
Use the article library to review practical aviation study topics and connect them to the resources that support your training.
4 Must-Have Pilot Skills For Success
Being a pilot is one of the most exciting and invigorating careers! You get to have many amazing experiences while flying an aircraft through ...
Read article
Density Altitude Formula: How to Calculate it Correctly
When you’re already climbing up to 12,000 feet to get over a mountain ridge, the last thing you want is for the plane to be performing as if i...
Read article
The Private Pilot Student’s Guide to Chair Flying
Chair flying is a great, low-cost way to increase the effectiveness of your flight training. But what is chair flying exactly? Chair flying is...
Read article
ASA 2025 FAR/AIM: Release Date, Pre-Tabbed Pre-Order News!
The 2025 FAR/AIM is expected to begin shipping Mid-July 2024. Pre-order your 2025 PRETABBED FAR/AIM now so you can be the first in line.
Read article
When is the Right Time to Take the FAA PPL Knowledge Test?
The best strategy for taking the knowledge test ultimately depends on your learning style, schedule, life circumstances, and flight training s...
Read article
How to Obtain the Perfect Aviation Weather Briefing for Your Flight
When you’re performing the required planning before a flight, how do you know where to look for approved weather information then make a compr...
Read article
Is Being A Pilot A Good Career? 3 Major Benefits to Becoming A Professional Pilot
Flying is an immense privilege. Personally, I was on the fast track to a law degree when I felt the need to get in the air. I’m not cut out to...
Read article
How To Talk To ATC: A Pilot's Guide to Effective Communication
Communicating with air traffic controllers doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Knowing what to say, when to say it and how to say it co...
Read article
Checkride Prep 101: The Ultimate Guide for Pilots
The checkride is a momentous event for every pilot. For student pilots, the Private Pilot checkride can be very stressful. No one should arriv...
Read article
Types of Weather Briefings Every Pilot Should Know
Preparing for a flight as Pilot in Command comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing and understanding the weather for each intended flight ...
Read article
The Life Of A Pilot: What it Looks Like at Every Stage
Although the days can be tiring, I am grateful everyday sitting in the right seat of that jet. As an airline pilot I have traveled to places I...
Read articleContinue studying
Find organized study resources for your next stage of training.
Browse Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIMs, DIY tab sets, digital study guides, training bundles, books, and pilot supplies built for focused aviation study.