Aviation Facts & Analysis

Key Takeways AME most commonly stands for aviation medical examiner in aviation. In regions outside the United States, AME stands for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. The meaning depends on context: pilot medical certification or aircraft maintenance. In the United States, the FAA uses aviation medical examiner AME; maintenance roles are usually aircraft mechanics or AMTs. SUFFERING […]

Key Takeways In general, it is usually safe to fly after a concussion if you have a mild concussion, stable symptoms, and no brain bleed or skull fracture. Same-day or next-day air travel after a head injury should be cleared by a doctor. Cabin pressure, noise, light, and sensory overload can make common concussion symptoms

Key Takeaways Airport injuries can happen in a busy terminal, on jet bridges, at security checkpoints, in shuttle buses, or from falling luggage. If you experience a personal injury at an airport, your immediate priority must be to seek medical attention, officially document the hazard, and identify the responsible operating party. First steps: get medical

If you’re wondering about the chance of your flight crashing, here’s the direct answer: for a large commercial flight, the probability of a serious crash on any given flight is roughly 0.000001%. That translates to about 1 in 100 million flights experiencing a crash. The odds of dying in a commercial airplane crash are approximately

Key Takeaways You can usually use your mobile on a plane, but only in airplane mode. Voice calls over the cellular network are still banned on most U.S. flights as of April 2026 under Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Airplane mode is mandatory during taxi, take-off, cruise, and landing on virtually all

A pilot deviation is any action—or failure to act—by a pilot that violates Federal Aviation Regulations, air traffic control instructions, or established procedures. Whether you’re flying VFR on a clear day or navigating complex instrument approaches, understanding what constitutes a deviation and how the FAA responds can make the difference between a minor learning experience

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD at any point in your life, you’re probably wondering whether your dream of becoming a pilot is still within reach. The good news is that FAA policies have evolved significantly, and the August 2024 updates created clearer pathways for many applicants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to earn their

If you’ve ever booked a charter flight or considered chartering out your aircraft, you’ve likely encountered references to Part 135. Understanding this regulation is essential for anyone involved in commercial aviation outside the major airlines. Key Takeaways FAA Part 135 is the U.S. regulation governing commuter and on-demand operations—including charter flights, air taxis, air ambulances,

Key Takeaways Modern aviation represents one of humanity’s safest and most remarkable engineering achievements. Here’s what you need to know: Commercial planes withstand lightning strikes, extreme air pressure changes, and even single-engine failure through redundant safety systems Airplane windows are round with a tiny hole to distribute pressure evenly and prevent catastrophic metal fatigue Aircraft

Turbulence occurs when an airplane flies through unstable air caused by uneven heating of the earth’s surface, mountain ranges, jet streams, severe thunderstorms, and wake from other aircraft. Despite that unsettling bumpy ride, modern aircraft are engineered to handle even severe turbulence without structural damage. Key Takeaways Airplane turbulence is caused by irregular air movements