Insider’s Guide to the Practical Test Added to Store
If you really want to understand the nature of the Practical Test and if you wish to be better prepared, check out the new “Insider’s Guide to the Practical Test” available now in the Store. This comprehensive guide will help anyone preparing for an FAA Practical Test. Inside you will find information about the philosophy of the Practical Test, Key Questions you must be able to...
Read MoreTexas STOL Demonstration Team at the Alliance Airshow
What is a Super Cub doing flying with the Blue Angels? Well, a couple of weeks ago I joined a few other pilots at the Bell Helicopter Alliance Airshow in Fort Worth to do a Short Takeoff and Landing demonstration. Along with a DeHavilland Beaver, three Carbon Cubs and a STOL Cessna 182, we practiced on Friday and performed for the crowd on Saturday and Sunday. Each airplane’s takeoff...
Read MoreTerlingua Ranch, Big Bend Texas
The wind funnels off Taurus Mesa and sweeps through the canyons of Terlingua Creek, stirring up some low level turbulence as we make the descent into the gravel strip at Terlingua Ranch. For the last hour we have flown over the convoluted landscape west of the Pecos, viewing the terrain carved by wind and water over eons of time. This is a harsh country with almost no surface water, little...
Read MoreEveryday Heroes
I just finished reading Joaquin Jackson’s book, “One Ranger” about his life in West Texas as a member of the legendary law enforcement unit during a period of dramatic cultural change. His story is full of wonderful characters, some of whom have gone on while others remain in the Texas I know. Most of all, I was struck by the character of his mentors, friends and fellow...
Read MoreTucson Flight Training
I flew out via American Airlines on Thursday to teach for the Bonanza Pilot Training group. I sometimes forget how privileged we are as GA pilots so an occasional airline flight serves up a rude reminder. Our flight from Killeen to DFW was delayed by low ceilings which is fine with me except if I had chosen to fly the Bonanza, I would have not had any weather issues as the low IMC was local to...
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Ken Wittekiend is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, professional flight instructor, aircraft owner and founder of ProMark Aviation Services, a flight training company based in Burnet, Texas.
Ken is a commercial pilot with over 11,000 hours of experience in a wide variety of general aviation aircraft. He began flying in 1970 while attending the University of Texas at Austin.