Jared Ailstock

When you work in aviation—whether you're managing a fleet, operating a charter business, or piloting privately—you know insurance isn’t just a box to check. It’s a contract between you and the unknown, and if you don’t get it right, one mishap can disrupt everything from aircraft availability to business continuity. With so many moving parts—coverage types, regulations, liability limits, exclusions, premiums—you need to make decisions that balance protection with cost and compliance. In this guide, you’ll walk through the core elements of aviation insurance, current market conditions, the claims process, and smart practices that help you stay covered without unnecessary risk or wasted money.  Know What You’re Buying: The Key Policies You’ll Need If you're operating in this space, you already understand that not all policies are created equal. The first decision you'll make is around hull insurance, which covers physical damage to your aircraft. This can apply while it’s in ...

If you're involved in flight operations, route planning, or aviation meteorology, understanding the Coriolis Effect isn’t just a theoretical concept—it’s a practical factor that shapes the wind patterns you rely on every day. Caused by the rotation of the Earth, the Coriolis Effect deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This phenomenon is one of the main reasons global wind systems—including jet streams and trade winds—form the way they do. As a result, it influences how you plan flight paths, calculate fuel loads, and optimize time en route. In this article, you’ll see how the Coriolis Effect directly impacts your operational decisions and why it matters more than most pilots or dispatchers realize. The Earth Spins—So Does Your Air The Coriolis Effect is a direct result of Earth's rotation. Because the planet spins faster at the equator than near the poles, anything moving freely over the surface gets deflected....

When you're working toward your commercial pilot license or building time for your ATP, every flight hour you log brings you one step closer to the cockpit job you've been dreaming about. But hitting the FAA’s 250-hour requirement —or even the 1,500-hour mark for an airline—takes more than just renting aircraft and flying aimlessly. It takes strategy, commitment, and smart decisions that give you both quantity and quality. You want hours that count—not just toward your logbook total, but toward the experience employers actually value. If you're serious about turning your private pilot certificate into a full-time flying career, here's how to build flight hours with purpose. Start Instructing and Log While You Teach If you’ve earned your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, you're sitting on the best opportunity to build time while getting paid to do it. Teaching others to fly forces you to know your systems, procedures, and maneuvers inside out. You’ll sp...

The idea of air taxis flying above congested city streets is no longer science fiction—it’s a concept being actively developed and tested. Having followed the aviation industry closely, I’ve seen companies like Joby Aviation , Archer Aviation, and Lilium make significant strides in creating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. With major airlines investing in these technologies and regulators working on certification processes, it’s clear that urban air mobility (UAM) is more than just a futuristic concept—it’s an imminent reality. That said, widespread adoption depends on infrastructure development, regulatory approvals, air traffic management, and, most importantly, public trust. While the technology is advancing rapidly, the question remains: Are we ready for air taxis to become part of our daily transportation network? Air Taxis: The Next Evolution in Urban Transport There was a time when helicopters were considered the only viable option for vertical urban trans...

Turbulence is one of the most common experiences in air travel, yet it remains one of the biggest sources of passenger anxiety. As someone who has spent years in the aviation industry, I’ve seen firsthand how turbulence is often misunderstood. While it may feel unsettling, it is a routine part of flying—something pilots anticipate, prepare for, and handle with precision. Modern aircraft are built to withstand turbulence, and pilots are trained extensively to navigate through rough air safely. Let’s take a closer look at what causes turbulence , the different types, and how pilots ensure a smooth and safe flight despite the bumps. What Causes Turbulence? Turbulence happens when an aircraft encounters irregular air currents, causing sudden shifts in altitude or movement. These shifts are typically caused by natural atmospheric conditions. Jet streams, for example, are fast-moving air currents at high altitudes that can create unpredictable air patterns. When an aircraft enters an area wh...

Flying an aircraft is more than just a thrilling experience—it’s a skill that opens doors to endless opportunities, whether you’re flying for leisure or pursuing a career in aviation. Each type of pilot license grants unique privileges and requires a specific set of qualifications. Having spent years in aviation, I’ve seen how the right license can shape a pilot’s path. This guide will break down the various types of pilot licenses, their requirements, and what each one allows you to do. Student Pilot Certificate The Student Pilot Certificate is where most aspiring pilots begin their journey. It allows you to start your training and take supervised lessons with a certified flight instructor (CFI). At this stage, the goal is to build basic skills and understand the fundamentals of flying. To obtain a Student Pilot Certificate, you must be at least 16 years old (14 for gliders or balloons) and proficient in English. While the certificate itself doesn’t require prior flight experience, y...