Russ Still | Gold Seal Online Ground School

Articles from Russ

FAA Knowledge Tests Are Changing - Here's What You Need to Know.

Pilots have been memorizing their way through Airman Knowledge Tests for years. Like it or not, those days are almost over.

July 16, 2026 by Russ Still

Instrument Pilot

MSA vs. TAA - A Checkride Gotcha!

These may be chart symbols you've given little consideration to. But your examiner sure has.

June 23, 2026 by Russ Still

Instrument Pilot

Demise of the Knowledge Test Supplement

We knew it was coming, but the time for the test supplement's retirement is here.

May 8, 2026 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Questions About FAA Questions

Is memorization really the easiest way to pass?

April 30, 2026 by Russ Still

Commercial Pilot

Class Foxtrot Airspace - What the Heck is It?

Is Class F airspace really a thing? Or is it just an urban legend, elusive as a unicorn?

July 7, 2025 by Russ Still

Instrument Pilot

BasicMed Has Changed and Now You're Wrong.

You learned the rules of BasicMed, but on November 18, 2024, they changed just a little bit. How will the knowledge tests be affected?

November 16, 2024 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

A Troubling FAA Question, and Its Curious Journey

The FAA goes to great lengths to ensure that Knowledge Test questions are accurate. When questions are found to wrong, they promptly get rid of them. Or so you might expect.

November 13, 2024 by Russ Still

Instrument Pilot

How To Fly an IFR Holding Pattern

Pilots focus on the three types of hold entries. But there is a lot more to it when the wind is considered.

November 10, 2023 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

How to Safely Fly a Touch-and-Go

There is more to a touch-and-go than meets the eye. Here are a couple of safety tips that could save your day.

June 19, 2023 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Open-Book Checkrides – Are They Real?

You may have heard that the practical test is open-book. You better be careful.

June 8, 2023 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

The Great Debate: Digital vs Paper

It's a long-standing debate, and one that is frequently misunderstood. Some important clues are found in the Private Pilot ACS.

May 28, 2021 by Russ Still

Remote Pilot

Drone Flight Over People

The new FAA rules allow it, but it's not as simple as you might think.

April 12, 2021 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

The 8-Hour Solo Myth

Most student pilots won't solo in eight hours, and that's perfectly fine. Here's why you shouldn't let it bother you.

February 11, 2021 by Russ Still

Instrument Pilot

IFR Tips - Loading GPS Approaches

A dilemma faced by most new instrument pilots - To Load or Not To Load

January 30, 2021 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Save Your Life in 90 Seconds

Brief It Every Time - Be Spring-Loaded for Safety

November 21, 2020 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

From High to Low, Look out Below!

Does your altimeter really tell you how high you are?

May 22, 2020 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

The Surprising Rectangular Course

It's often overlooked during training. Don't be startled if the examiner asks to see one during your checkride.

May 1, 2020 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Knowledge Test Prep - Why Memorization is a Bad Idea

These days you can't get away with just memorizing FAA test questions. Here's why.

April 9, 2020 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Top 5 Myths About the Impossible Turn

The Impossible Turn is Frequently Misunderstood

March 9, 2020 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

The Improbable Turn

It may be your best choice, or your worst... but it's always a bad idea if you don't know the difference.

March 6, 2020 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Choosing Your Flight Instructor

Learning to fly should be easy and fun. Careful selection of the perfect flight instructor is a key ingredient to your success.

January 11, 2020 by Russ Still

Remote Pilot

New Rule for the FAA Written Test

Test-takers must obtain an FTN from the FAA before taking any airman Knowledge Test.

December 21, 2019 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

METARs on the Knowledge Test

See the METARs on the Knowledge Test in advance. CLICK and EXPLORE this interactive METAR tool!

December 18, 2019 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

How To Save Money On Your Flight Training

Flight training is expensive. But there is something you can do to keep your costs to a minimum.

November 28, 2019 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

VFR Radio Communications Made Simple

Talking on the radio doesn't need to be scary. In this article, we'll see how to avoid problems such as "Mic Fright."

November 19, 2019 by Russ Still

Private Pilot

Top Five Landing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

The most common problems standing between pilots and good landings. Guarantee improved landings by fixing just one of these.

November 10, 2019 by Russ Still

Remote Pilot

How to Insure Your Drone Pilot Operations

What You Need To Know About Commercial Insurance For Part 107

July 2, 2019 by Russ Still

Remote Pilot

Your 2-Year Drone License Renewal

It's called the Recurrent Test and you have to take it every other year to remain current.

May 28, 2019 by Russ Still

Remote Pilot

Preparing for the Remote Pilot Exam

Flying your drone as a professional only requires one thing: You must pass an FAA written exam...

May 26, 2019 by Russ Still