Category: News

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ULA Welcomes International Pilots and Student Pilots from India

If you’re interested in an aviation career, and have a dedication for learning and a passion for flying, this is the perfect time for you to pursue that passion. Right now, in 2023, India has the third largest domestic aviation sector, and is set to have one of the fastest growing aviation markets around the world.

The Airports Authority of India says that the passenger volume is set to increase to 412 million in just two years. And according to this analysis of the Indian Aviation market, during the next five years, the market size is expected to increase from $10.98 billion USD to $12.55 Billion USD, at a CAGR of 2.87%

Because of this incredible growth, the Indian government is heavily investing in aviation, including building new airports; expanding and updating existing airports; and overhauling and improving the country’s air traffic management systems. In fact, over the past 8 years, they’ve built 67 new airports, and are planning to open an additional 80 airports over the next 3 years.

This presents an amazing opportunity for anyone working toward an aviation career, and Upper Limit Aviation is partnering with Indian companies to provide professional and thorough pilot training. If you are interested in more details, and signing up for our program, please visit this page for international students or contact: [email protected]

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Airline Pilots: Studies Shows $7 Million in Career Earnings

Right now is the perfect time to build towards a career in aviation, especially with the airlines.

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ULA Providing Flight Training at South Valley Regional Airport

Upper Limit Aviation is now providing flight training at the South Valley Regional Airport, in the heart of Salt Lake Valley in Utah.

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United Airlines Makes Hiring Push, Working to Address Pilot Shortage

Right now is the ideal time to start your pilot training, and create the foundation for your career in aviation.

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FAA Debating Whether Pilots Will Be Able to Take COVID Vaccines

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still debating whether or not pilots who take a COVID vaccine will be able to keep their medical certificates.

In an email to aviation news outlet AvWeb, the FAA said they are “…closely monitoring the active vaccine trials and awaiting the outcome of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee’s scheduled meeting next week.” They added that “While the agency has made no final decisions, we are prepared to evaluate the use of each vaccine by medical certificate holders as soon as an emergency-use authorization is issued.

The meeting the FAA refers to in the email to AvWeb was set to conclude yesterday, so a decision or further clarification may be available soon.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), according to a recent post on their website, is also working with the FAA on getting clarification. However, until more is known, they are recommending members not receive a vaccine shot, as it would disqualify pilots medicals for an indefinite period:

Although clinical trials are under way for a COVID-19 vaccine, there are currently no known effective vaccines or therapeutics. And since no trial COVID-19 vaccine has full FDA approval, the FAA considers participation in COVID-19 vaccine trials medically disqualifying for pilots for an indefinite period. ALPA representatives are working with the FAA to better define a policy as the science evolves. In Canada, the director of Civil Aviation Medicine stated that participation in medical trials isn’t considered compatible with aviation medical certification.

ALPA instead recommends focusing on personal health, and getting a regular flu shot, saying that “While a healthy lifestyle—including eating right, exercising, maintaining a reasonable weight, and getting enough sleep—may not prevent infection by either virus, establishing these routines can contribute to a stronger immune system, which can help fight these diseases and potentially limit the risk of experiencing more serious symptoms. Combining these healthy habits with getting a flu shot and continuing to practice social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing remain the best protection.

According to FlightGlobal, “The agency “historically” does not approve vaccines or medications for pilots for at least one year after approval by the FDA.” ALPA and other groups are urging the FAA to approve a vaccine for use by airline pilots and flight crews as soon as possible.

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Upper Limit is Helping You Earn Your Remote Pilot Certificate

Upper Limit Aviation is hosting a two day training course to help you get your remote pilot certificate! The training course will be ran by one of Upper Limit’s professional and experienced flight instructors, and will cover such topics as:

  • FAA regulations
  • Aeromedical factors
  • Aeronautical decision making
  • Airport operations
  • Aviation weather
  • Aviation hazards
  • Airworthiness

Please keep in mind that this course DOES NOT include testing. You will need to schedule the proctored exam at a FAA approved facility for an additional cost. You can go to this link for testing center locations:

https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login

This course is broadcast via Vimeo for two (2) 8 hour days, on December 8th and 9th. Students will be able to ask questions via chat.

REGISTER FOR THE UPPER LIMIT PART 107 TRAINING COURSE HERE

Get started with your flight training today!

If you would like more information, you can:

  • Call us at 801-596-7722
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AOPA Flight Training Scholarships are Now Available for 2020

Upper Limit is excited to spread the word that AOPA has over 100 scholarships available for student pilots and pilots to start or enhance their flying career!

Finding ways to finance flight training can be challenging, and one great resource is scholarships. In 2019, AOPA awarded more than 123 scholarships worth more than $1 million dollars.

And now, AOPA Flight Training Scholarship applications are being accepted for 2020.

For details, and to apply, <CLICK HERE>

Application Deadline for Priority Consideration: March 1, 2020

Final Application Deadline: March 15, 2020

The flight training scholarships offered by AOPA fall into one of four categories:

AOPA High School Flight Training Scholarship

For: Eighty high school students, ages 15 – 18

Scholarship Value: $10,000

Recipients of this scholarship can use it, as part of the AOPA You Can Fly program, to cover direct flight training expenses in the pursuit of a sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate. Recipients will be required to complete a flight training milestone, by either soloing or earning their certificate within one year for receiving the scholarship.

AOPA Teacher Flight Training Scholarship

For: Up to twenty school high school teachers

Scholarship Value: $10,000

Recipients of this scholarship must be AOPA members, be a full-time employee of a high school or school system, and use the AOPA High School Aviation Stem Curriculum to help teach science, technology, engineering or math. Recipients can use the scholarship, as part of the AOPA You Can Fly program, to cover direct flight training expenses in the pursuit of a sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate.

AOPA Primary Flight Training Scholarship

For: Current AOPA Members over 16 by the application deadline

Scholarship Value: $2,500 – $7,500

Recipients can use the scholarship to cover training expenses in the pursuit of a sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate.

AOPA Advanced Rating Scholarship

For: Oustanding pilots with career aspirations

Scholarship Value: $3,000 – $10,000

Recipients must be AOPA members, and seeking one of the following ratings or certificates:

  • Instrument
  • Commercial
  • Certificated Flight Instructor
  • Certificated Flight Instructor-Instruments
  • Multiengine Instructor

Recipients can use the scholarship to cover training expenses in the pursuit of these ratings or certificates.

Again, for full details, and to apply, <CLICK HERE>.

Upper Limit Aviation strongly believes in building an inclusive and thriving aviation community and is proud to work with incredible organizations like AOPA to provide flight training. And though we are dedicated to helping our student pilots and pilots succeed, our dedication to pilots isn’t limited strictly to flight training; if you need any help finding, applying for or deciding which scholarships to apply for, or would like more information on how you can use your scholarship to get your certificate with Upper Limit Aviation, please call us at 801-596-7722, or email us [email protected] and we’d be thrilled to help you.

Get started with your flight training today!

If you would like more information, you can:

  • Call us at 801-596-7722

Upper Limit is Giving You a Clear Path to Becoming a Pilot with SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest Cadets receive a number of great benefits as they work to become a SkyWest Pilot.

Upper Limit Aviation is excited to partner with SkyWest Airlines as part of the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program. SkyWest’s program provides a direct path for exceptional pilots who want to take control of their aviation careers. Upper Limit Aviation’s current chief pilot, Belinda Villa, is a captain at SkyWest and is a strong believer in the program, having already served as a mentor and coach for bright, talented, Upper Limit pilots who plan to fly with SkyWest’s amazing team. In addition to the in-depth, professional flight training you’ll receive from Upper Limit, as a SkyWest Cadet you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits as you work towards earning your place as one of SkyWest’s 4,000+ professional pilots.

Benefits include:

  • Company seniority for benefits eligibility, which activates as soon as you’re a SkyWest Cadet.
  • An enhanced introduction to SkyWest, which includes a tour of SkyWest’s SLC facilities and more.
  • Mentorship from SkyWest pilots, including regular visits, mock interviews and ongoing association with crewmembers.
  • A guaranteed final interview with SkyWest.
  • Increased seniority within your ground school class.

A SkyWest Cadet, taking part in the SkyWest Pilot Pathway program

Image courtesy of SkyWest

The Pilot Pathway Program, unlike an internship, allows pilots to stay on the campus and complete the flight training necessary to meet ATP requirements. And with Upper Limit Aviation’s campus being located in Salt Lake City, which is one of SkyWest’s largest operational hubs, our pilots are right in the heart of the action. The individual mentoring each SkyWest cadet receives is a key benefit, as SkyWest pilots provide invaluable tips to aid pilots on their journey to becoming professional commercial pilots.

If you are ready to take control of your career, professional flight training using Upper Limit Aviation’s tried-and-true teaching methods coupled with SkyWest’s Pilot Pathway Program provides the ideal path to becoming a professional commercial pilot. Our wonderful flight training program at Upper Limit Aviation prepares you to embody SkyWest’s values of professionalism, teamwork, and success; making us a perfect flight!

To become a SkyWest Cadet and take part in this program, you must hold:

Additionally, you must not have more than three failed check rides, though stage checks do not apply.

No matter where you are in your flight training, we can help you earn your ratings, guide you through the requirements and help you make it as a professional commercial pilot. So if you have the Upper Limit Motivation to succeed, this program with SkyWest can be your entrance into an amazing lifelong career in aviation. Get started now with Upper Limit Aviation and become the best pilot you can be!

Get started with your flight training today:

If you would like more information, you can:

  • Call us at 801-596-7722

Featured Image: courtesy of Alan Wilson, CC BY-SA 2.0

FAPA Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Forums on the Horizon

FAPA members enjoy both registration fee discounts and FAPA Premier members may receive priority at FAPA Pilot Job Fairs.

Upper Limit Aviation is proud to promote FAPA (Future and Active Pilot Advisers) and their three upcoming Pilot Job Fairs, and three Future Pilot Forums, scheduled to coincide with each other. According to the company, the FAPA Pilot Job Fairs bring in pilots from around the nation and provide those looking to start their career in the airline industry a chance to meet those qualified pilots, and to conduct pre-screenings and on-site interviews. Just like FAPA, Upper Limit Aviation flight training will push pilots and student pilots in the right direction to create legendary skills and safety-minded Pilot Advisers.

FAPA says they average about 220 pilots at each event, with those pilots averaging around “5,900 hours of total flight time with 4 type ratings.” However, they do note that each event is different, and to be sure to inquire about the demographics for each event. For example, their Regional Airline only Pilot Job Fairs will have entry level pilots attending. The events also provide pilot candidates a chance to educate themselves with “up-to-date industry news from the experts at FAPA and network with your colleagues and peers.

Regional Pilot Job Fairs are free, but if pilot candidates or Upper Limit Aviation pilots are interested in attending a job fair with major airlines represented, there is a registration fee. In addition, FAPA members enjoy both registration fee discounts and FAPA Premier members may receive priority at job fairs, and so Upper Limit Aviation strongly recommends our pilots join and participate.  For more information on becoming a FAPA members and the variety of additional benefits FAPA members receive, click here.

Upcoming FAPA Pilot Job Fairs

FAPA Houston Regional Pilot Job Fair

No major airlines will be taking part in this job fair.

  • Date: Saturday, March 25, 2017
    • Registration – starting at 8:00 AM
    • FAPA welcome – 8:15 AM
    • Job Fair – 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Location: Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental
    • 18700 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Houston, TX, 77032
    • Direct: (281) 443-2310
  • Cost: $0.00

FAPA Las Vegas Pilot Job Fair

Both UPS and Atlas Airlines will be at this job fair, in addition to Regional Airlines. However, FAPA says that they UPS slots are currently sold out, and that FAPA members will be notified if more UPS slots become available. Atlas Airlines currently still has slots available.

  • Date: Friday, April 21, 2017
    • Registration – starting at 8:30 AM
    • Presentations – 9:00 AM
    • Job Fair – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Tuscany Suites and Casino
    • 255 E. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169
    • Direct: (702) 947-5925
  • Cost:
    • FAPA Premiere Members: $49.00 for Major Airlines, $0.00 for Regional Airlines
    • FAPA Members: $99.00 for Major Airlines, $0.00 for Regional Airlines
    • Non-FAPA Members: $139.00 for Major Airlines, $0.00 for Regional Airlines

FAPA Seattle Pilot Job Fair

Alaska Airlines will be at this job fair, in addition to Regional Airlines. Exact details are still being worked out regarding the date, time and location.

  • Date: August 2017
  • Location: According to FAPA, this fair will be at “a Sea-Tac (KSEA) area airport hotel.”
  • Cost:
    • FAPA Premiere Members: $49.00 for Major Airlines, $0.00 for Regional Airlines
    • FAPA Members: $99.00 for Major Airlines, $0.00 for Regional Airlines
    • Non-FAPA Members: $139.00 for Major Airlines, $0.00 for Regional Airlines

FAPA says after registering, you’ll only need to bring a photo ID with you to the event to pick up your name badge. They add that the attire is business casual, and to remember to bring plenty of resumes, as all the recruiting companies are accepting resumes unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming FAPA Future Pilots Forums

FAPA’s Future Pilot Forums are informative presentations and networking opportunities meant for aspiring pilots of all ages, including middle school and high school students, and are not job fairs for qualified pilot candidates. Topics that will be discussed are:

  • Projected Pilot Demand and Career Earnings Potential
  • Financing Your Aviation Training and FAPA Flight Training Scholarships
  • Choosing How To Complete Your Flight Education and the Paths To Be A Professional Pilot

Admission to these forums is free, and FAPA encourages parents and/or school counselors to attend as well, as the forums are a great opportunity for future pilots and their parents to learn about the available options and how to accomplish career goals.

FAPA Houston Future Pilot Forum

FAPA Las Vegas Future Pilot Forum

FAPA Seattle Future Pilot Forum

Featured Image: Boeing 777 cockpit, Jim Sher, CC BY-ND 2.0

Becoming a successful commercial pilot starts with excellent and thorough flight training, which we are happy to provide at Upper Limit Aviation. Once you take the first step with us towards flying with the airlines, FAPA could be your second.

Get started with your flight training today!

If you would like more information, you can:

  • Call us at 801-596-7722

Regional Airline Association’s 2017 Scholarships Now Available

The submission deadline for 2017 RAA Scholarships is May 1, 2017.

If you’re studying for a career in aviation with Upper Limit Aviation and eyeing the Captain’s chair, you may be interested to know that the RAA’s (Regional Airline Association) 2017 scholarship window is open, and the RAA says that they will be awarding four $4,000 aviation scholarships this summer. The money you can earn with this scholarship can fuel your flight training with ULA and put you miles closer to your end goal of the Captain’s chair.

Qualification Details for the 2017 RAA Scholarships

In order to qualify for the scholarship, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident and submit a completed electronic application no later than May 1, 2017. The RAA says they will not be accepting mailed applications, and will only consider digital applications submitted through their website. Applicants will also need to meet the following requirements:

  • At the time of application and award, applicants must be officially enrolled in an accredited college, in a program that is leading them toward a career in the airline industry.
  • Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, and provide a transcript reflecting those grades through the previous academic year at either high school or a college.
  • A resume that details the applicant’s working experience, extracurricular, and/or community activities will need to be provided.
  • Applicants will need to submit a 350-word career essay describing their interest in the airline industry.
  • Applicants will need to provide a faculty recommendation.

Student pilots in flight sim cockpit - 2017 RAA Scholarships Now Available

The RAA says that the scholarships will be awarded “without regard to sex, race, religion or national origin.” Instead, they say the following criteria will be used for ranking the scholarship applicants:

  1. Demonstrated scholastic achievement.
  2. Demonstrated work experience, extracurricular and/or community activities.
  3. The strength of the applicant’s faculty recommendation.
  4. The strength of the applicant’s 350-word career essay.

Recipients of the scholarships will be announced on July 14, 2017, and all recipients will be asked for a headshot and short bio so they can be featured in Regional Horizons, the group’s quarterly publication.

For more information, and to apply for the 2017 RAA scholarships, click here to visit their website.

Upper Limit Aviation is proud to offer any and all assistance possible to our student pilots to help them earn these scholarships and achieve their goals of flight and commercial flight.

Featured Image: Kent Wien, CC2

Get started with your flight training today!

If you would like more information, you can:

  • Call us at 801-596-7722

UAS Taking Off With Sheriff Departments Around the Country

Law enforcement officials are using UAS for a variety of purposes, from search and rescue to crime scene documentation.

With the FAA putting new rules and requirements for sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operators into place on August 29, 2016, use of UAS is set for massive growth in a number of organizations and industries. And one of the most important areas rapidly adopting use of UAS is law enforcement. Around the country, Sheriff Departments are starting to use or are set to start using UAS to aid them in fighting crime, gathering evidence and helping out investigative efforts.

Upper Limit Aviation offers a course to help pilots and non-pilots earn their UAS certificate. Through Upper Limit Aviation you can also earn your private pilot certificate and commercial pilot license which makes it significantly easier and faster to then earn your UAS certificate. Call now to inquire about flight training for UAS, fixed-wing aircraft, or rotorcraft: 801-596-7722.

In a recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune discussing drone use by Sheriff Departments in San Diego and Imperial counties, drones came into play during a recent homicide investigation when “two deputies flew the drone over the outdoor homicide scene, taking aerial photos and videos that would become evidence.

The article goes on to say that the UAS is one of four in use by the Sheriff’s Department. In addition to documenting crime scenes, the department uses the UAS to aid in missing person searches, to aid SWAT teams, and for certain situations in dangerous or unfavorable scenarios. Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Vickery described the UAS as “an extremely valuable tool, and potentially life-saving,” adding that the department had deployed them nine times since acquiring them last October. Upper Limit Aviation is proud to support such a cause.

In Ouachita County, AK, the Sheriff’s Department purchased a drone a UAS after seeing one in action. According to Sheriff David Norwood, the first real test for the UAS happened recently when the department used it in the execution of a search warrant for a known drug dealer. Norwood, who was controlling the UAS, was able to identify a pair of suspects with the video from the UAS before the drone was shot by the suspects. Norwood said that “Without the drone, we may not have known there was a man there with a gun.”

And in Stafford County, VA, the Sheriff’s Department hopes to start using UAS this coming spring for a variety of purposes, “including search and rescue; Amber, Senior and Blue Alerts; training programs; damage assessment; traffic assessment; crime scene documentation; and execution of search warrants.

Vickery said that four deputies are currently trained and certified with a remote pilot certificate from the FAA to fly the UAS and that five more are undergoing training. According to Vickery, “This is going to be something that is going to be mainstream in a relatively short amount of time among law enforcement.

Earning a Remote Pilot Certificate With Upper Limit

Law enforcement is just one of many rapidly growing areas for UAS use, and Upper Limit is excited to offer a course helping people advance in their career or start exciting new careers by earning a remote pilot certificate. Email us with any questions about getting your remote pilot certificate and how it can work for you now: [email protected].

Click here to register for the program, and get started on earning your remote pilot certificate today!

Get started with your flight training today!

If you would like more information, you can:

  • Call us at 801-596-7722

Upper Limit Aviation Open House Featured on KUTV

Anders Clark

Upper Limit Aviation’s recent open house was featured on KUTV News, as one of their featured STEM stories.1 Upper Limit staff headed into the 2News studio to show off some aviation related tools and discuss what would be covered at the aviation open house.

ULA started by showing sectional charts, flight plans, and an iPad, and discussing the recent advances in aviation technology aimed at making navigation more streamlined for pilots.

We’ve really progressed a lot from the paper and pencil charts, and technology has come forward leaps and bounds, and now we’re using iPads, we’re using computers … before you’d have to carry five or six paper charts just to make a flight, now you can just move around the country simply by the scroll of a finger.

Also discussed in the video were the importance of the weight and balance and center of gravity calculations for an airplane and how they affect flying, and some more details on the upcoming aviation open house.

We’ll have pathways to careers, from piloting to air traffic control, and all aspects of aviation.

The open house, which took place on Saturday, April 30th, at Upper Limit’s Salt Lake campus, featured access to aviation professionals such as pilots (including commercial airline pilots), mechanics, air traffic controllers, airport operations personnel, flight attendants, military veterans, FAA representatives, and aerospace engineers. A large number of aviation-related businesses and organizations had representatives in attendance as well, including Boeing, Delta Airlines, and the US Air Force.

The aviation open house was a success, with crowds of people in attendance, and Upper Limit hopes to host another one soon.

Get Started With Your Flight Training Today

You can get started today by filling out our online application. If you would like more information, you can call us at (844) 435-9338, or click here to start a live chat with us.

Footnotes:

1 – The STEM stories are done in partnership with the Utah State Office of Education, which works to develop Utah’s future workforce in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

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