Airplane AcademyMost people go straight to the prop governor when trying to learn the constant speed prop and honestly I think that can just confuse you before you understand the broader picture. In this video I explain the "why" behind constant speed props and how you practically use them. Later, if you want to deep dive the schematic of a prop governor, you'll have context and it can actually stick :)
Second video explaining how to use it in each phase of flight: youtu.be/-Ba_IpCyKIw
Constant Speed Prop Explained in Plain English (Start Here!)Airplane Academy2025-06-26 | Most people go straight to the prop governor when trying to learn the constant speed prop and honestly I think that can just confuse you before you understand the broader picture. In this video I explain the "why" behind constant speed props and how you practically use them. Later, if you want to deep dive the schematic of a prop governor, you'll have context and it can actually stick :)
Second video explaining how to use it in each phase of flight: youtu.be/-Ba_IpCyKIw
Complete Private Pilot's License Process (Full Beginner's Guide) explained in this video!
Imagine this: you pull up to the airport, open your hangar, and your very own airplane is waiting for you. You take off, meet a friend a few hundred miles away for lunch, and you’re still home before dinner. That dream is 100% possible—and in this video I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to make it happen.
I’ve been a pilot for 18 years and owned an airplane for 9, and in this video I’ll break down: ✅ How ground school and the written exam work ✅ What flight training looks like (Part 61 vs. Part 141) ✅ Medical certificate considerations ✅ How the practical/checkride works (oral + flight test) ✅ What it costs and how long it takes ✅ Next steps once you’ve got your license
Whether you’re just dreaming about becoming a pilot or ready to start training, this guide will give you a clear roadmap of what it takes to earn your Private Pilot Certificate (often called the PPL or Private Pilot License).
👨✈️ About me: I’m Charlie, a commercial pilot and airplane owner who’s been sharing aviation lessons and resources through Airplane Academy for years. My goal is to make flying more approachable for aspiring and student pilots—without all the overwhelm. More here airplaneacademy.com/charlie-gasmireLANDING THE KODIAK 900 (First-Timer)Airplane Academy2025-09-02 | Join me for my very first landing in the Kodiak 900. This plane ROCKS. 😍 #kodiak900 #turboprop #daherPrivate Pilot Studying is 10x Easier With TheseAirplane Academy2025-09-01 | It took me 15 months to make these. It was one of the hardest things I've done in my career. But I'm SO pumped with the final result and know that these can make your studying and ongoing proficiency WAY easier. I built these to solve my own problem and I'm confident it can help you, too.
#PPL #aviationflashcards #pilotstudyTake Off in a 900HP Turboprop (Kodiak 900)Airplane Academy2025-08-29 | Pure lift — 900 hp in action. The Kodiak 900 is an incredible machine!!
#Kodiak900 #DaherYou’ve never seen an airplane STALL like this… (Kodiak 900)Airplane Academy2025-08-27 | The Kodiak 900 has some of the craziest (best) stall characteristics you'll find. I was blown away here. #kodiak900 #daherDon’t Make These 9 Sneaky Pilot Mistakes (That I Did)Airplane Academy2025-08-26 | Don’t Make These 9 Sneaky Pilot Mistakes (That I Did)
I have made every single mistake covered in this video. I'm sharing it in the hopes that it can help you avoid the same mistakes and be safer as a result.
Want my help 1:1? More info at airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlieStarting a 900HP Turboprop Aircraft (Kodiak 900)Airplane Academy2025-08-26 | This thing is POWERFUL. What a sweet machine... #Kodiak900 #daherI try to do THIS before every flight… try itAirplane Academy2025-08-25 | Doing this before every flight helps me transition from daily life to flying the aircraft both physically and mentally. Try it out!Aviation Flashcards - HOW THEY’RE MADE! (Behind the Scenes)Airplane Academy2025-08-22 | This is a behind the scenes look at how my flashcards are made. I've always loved the "how it's made" type videos so I wanted to make my own! To get your own set, head over to airplaneacademy.com/flashcards !Turboprop Terms in PLAIN ENGLISH (ITT, %NG, NP, Torque)Airplane Academy2025-08-20 | Turboprop Terms in PLAIN ENGLISH (ITT, %NG, NP, Torque)
Turboprops can be confusing at first with the new terminology and equipment. But in this video I'm going to explain it to you in plain english. This is what I wish someone would have explained to me at the beginning of flying turboprops. I hope it helps you in your aviation journey!
This video is based on the Kodiak 100, so there may be differences in the plane you are flying.
Link to my video explaining constant speed propellers in plain english: youtu.be/CPrsIGI7ATQ
Want my help 1:1? More info at airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlieINSIDE THE NEW CESSNA 182 & T182!Airplane Academy2025-08-17 | An inside look at the brand new 182 & 182T! From AirVenture 2025. @textronaviationinc @CessnaAircraftCo #cessna #cessna182Cessna CJ4 Cockpit with G3000 PRIME!Airplane Academy2025-08-16 | @textronaviationinc @CessnaAircraftCo 's new CJ4 with G3000 PRIME avionics!NEW Cessna Sky Courier UP CLOSE! 😍Airplane Academy2025-08-15 | The Sky Courier was epic! AirVenture 2025. @textronaviationinc @CessnaAircraftCoNEW Pilatus PC-12 PRO is… WOWAirplane Academy2025-08-13 | An inside look at the BRAND NEW PC-12 Pro! From AirVenture 2025. #pilatus #pilatuspc12INSIDE THE NEW CESSNA TURBO 206!Airplane Academy2025-08-12 | The new Cessna Turbo 206 was awesome! At the Textron Aviation booth at AirVenture 2025.
#eaaairventure #oshkosh2025COOLEST CESSNA CARAVAN PAINT JOB EVER??Airplane Academy2025-08-11 | One of the coolest paint jobs I have seen on a Caravan. What do you guys think?? @TextronAviationIncTextron Aviation Booth at OSH was 😍Airplane Academy2025-08-09 | @textronaviationinc @CessnaAircraftCo booth this year was GREAT!The HARD parts of becoming a pilot (and how to crush it)Airplane Academy2025-07-31 | What Makes Becoming a Pilot So Hard? (And How to Make It Easier)
Becoming a pilot is one of the most rewarding things you can do—but it’s not always easy. In this video, I walk through some of the hardest parts of learning to fly and share actionable tips to make your training smoother and more effective.
From studying for the written exam to building cockpit muscle memory, dealing with radio intimidation, and staying motivated through the long haul—it’s all here. I’ll also share some personal stories from my own journey, like barely passing my private pilot written test at 15 years old, and the mindset shift that helped me finally finish my commercial rating after two failed attempts.
One of the biggest takeaways? Studying smarter matters. I’ll explain why passive methods like reading and highlighting aren’t nearly as effective as active recall, and how tools like flashcards can help you actually retain what you’re learning.
If you’re a student pilot—or thinking about becoming one—I hope this video gives you both practical help and some encouragement to stick with it.
Want my help 1:1? More info at airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlieMy Oshkosh 2025 Schedule - Would Love to Meet You!Airplane Academy2025-07-19 | Would love to meet you at Oshkosh 2025! Here are two events I'll be at and would love to see you there:
Monday: YouTuber meet & greet, 2:30-3:30pm, Forum Stage 7
Wednesday: Co-event meet & greet with Chris Palmer from Angle of Attack, 11:30am-12:15pm, Textron (Cessna) display
Hope to see you there!My Oshkosh 2025 Schedule - Would Love to Meet You!Airplane Academy2025-07-19 | Would love to meet you at Oshkosh 2025! Here are two events I'll be at and would love to see you there:
Monday: YouTuber meet & greet, 2:30-3:30pm, Forum Stage 7
Wednesday: Co-event meet & greet with Chris Palmer from Angle of Attack, 11:30am-12:15pm, Textron (Cessna) display
Hope to see you there!11 Proven Pilot Checkride Tips that Actually HelpAirplane Academy2025-07-16 | 11 Proven Pilot Checkride Tips that Actually Help
If you're preparing for your private, commercial, or multi-engine checkride, this video is for you. I've passed 5 checkrides so far—and I’m sharing every hard-earned lesson I’ve learned along the way. This isn’t theoretical advice. It’s stuff I’ve done wrong and regretted… and things I did right and was glad I did. If you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure about how to mentally and practically prepare, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
In this video, we’ll cover: ✅ How to deal with checkride nerves (and why it’s okay to feel them) ✅ A simple mindset shift that takes the pressure off ✅ The “cleaning the china” study method for the oral exam ✅ How to use active recall to study more effectively ✅ Why you should talk less during the oral—and how to mentally prep for that ✅ Practical flight test tips, including maneuver setups, documentation, mock checkrides, and emergency curveballs ✅ My biggest regret from a checkride (so you don’t make the same mistake)
I also share how I personally organized my logbooks and study materials to make a great impression on the examiner—plus a behind-the-scenes story of a surprise engine failure on a checkride.
Want my help 1:1? More info at airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlieThe Cessna 182s Superpower That Makes It GREATAirplane Academy2025-07-12 | The Cessna 182 is one of the very best all-around GA airplanes in existence in my opinion. Here's why... it's not great at anything, but it's GOOD at everything. Not very many airplanes can say the same.
Want my help 1:1? More info at airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlie9 Flight Training Tips If You’re OverwhelmedAirplane Academy2025-07-10 | If you're feeling overwhelmed in your flight training, you're definitely not alone. I've been there, and STILL feel taken back by all the stuff we have to know as a pilot. In this video I provide 9 tips that can help you along the way.
I'll be honest... talking with Air Traffic Control really freaked me out at first. But over time it got WAY easier and in this video I wanted to share some encouragement and practical tips that help make it easier.
Here's the video linked at the end where I took a flight and experienced like 90%+ of what you'll encounter as a private pilot in regards to ATC: youtu.be/i2PqLEvV-Qo
More about me: airplaneacademy.com/charlie-gasmireI’m Trying This Quick Aviation Challenge… Join Me?Airplane Academy2025-05-15 | Starting June 1st, 2025 I'm doing a 30-day mini sprint to brush up on my aviation ground school knowledge. Will you join me?
Note: Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Study about accountability: https://www.dominican.edu/sites/default/files/2020-02/gailmatthews-harvard-goals-researchsummary.pdf
Text to your friend: "Hey - I’m going to do a 30-day aviation study challenge and spend 15 minutes a day studying aviation ground school. This is important to me and I could really use some friendly accountability to make sure I stick to it… would you be willing to set a reminder to text me Monday mornings for four weeks and ask if I studied last week, and if I didn’t, ask me what is standing in the way? It would mean a lot to me. Feel free to join me in this challenge if you want and do something meaningful to you for 15 minutes a day as well and we can do it together!”This weird landing tip from a CFI is actually the bestAirplane Academy2025-05-08 | One of my favorite pieces of advice I ever got from a CFI in regards to landing was this.... go watch the birds. It sounds simple, but the more you think about it (as explained in this video), the more you'll realize we can learn SO much from them and apply so much of it into aviation. I hope this helps your landings and helps you in your aviation journey!
Check out my private pilot flashcards that can make your studying and retention 10X easier! airplaneacademy.com/flashcards
Join my free weekly Insiders Newsletter where I share an honest lesson learned, links to my latest content, and other behind the scenes content: airplaneacademy.com/insiders
Want my help 1:1? More info at airplaneacademy.com/hire-charlieIf You Think Its Too Late to Be a Pilot, Watch ThisAirplane Academy2025-04-30 | I get a LOT of emails and comments from folks (understandably) asking if it's too late for them to be a pilot. I wanted to put this video together because I know many others are wondering the same thing. I hope this encourages you in your aviation journey!
Check out my private pilot flashcards that can make your studying and retention 10X easier! airplaneacademy.com/flashcards
Join my free weekly Insiders Newsletter where I share an honest lesson learned, links to my latest content, and other behind the scenes content: airplaneacademy.com/insidersThis Might Convince You to Buy a Cessna 182Airplane Academy2025-04-22 | I've owned my Cessna 182 for 9 years now. I recently had a call with someone who was pretty sure they wanted to buy a 182 but just wanted to be talked over the fence... in this video I share what I told him. The 182 is an AWESOME airplane and fits such a wide variety of missions that it just might be the perfect plane for you! I'm not paid by Cessna to say that, either... I'm just a huge fan of the airplane and love talking about it.
Link to step-by-step process of buying your first airplane: youtu.be/oIgX89kf6r4
Check out my private pilot flashcards that can make your studying and retention 10X easier! airplaneacademy.com/flashcards
It took me well over a year to make these but they're finally HERE! These private pilot study flashcards are perfect for pilots of all levels (because everything in aviation builds upon what we learn as a private pilot) and are based on the applicable sections of the: - Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) - Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) - Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
They're reviewed, edited, and approved by flight instructors, and proudly made in the USA. There's 351 cards separated into six different color-coded sections so that it's easy to focus on particular topics.
Basically, I poured my heart and soul into these cards and I'm so proud of the final product. I hope you'll take a minute to check it out! airplaneacademy.com/flashcardsBIG Announcement! Makes Aviation Study WAY EasierAirplane Academy2025-03-24 | ‼️ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! ‼️ It’s taken me almost a year and a half but I’m nearly ready to release my robust set of study flashcards for private pilots (which applies to all pilots, really). You can check them out and learn more over at airplaneacademy.com/flashcards
This is the hardest thing I’ve done in my professional career but they’re nearly ready to ship. I spent hundreds and hundreds of hours on these, worked with a talented CFI panel to spend hundreds of more hours editing and approving everything, built custom visuals for tons of the cards, and nearly pulled my hair out on multiple occasions. But it was so worth it and I can’t wait to share them with you!!9 Mistakes New Pilots Make That Are SO AvoidableAirplane Academy2025-03-19 | I've made every mistake on this list more than once. I hope that this video can help you avoid some of the mistakes that I've made along the way in your flying journey.
Also mentioned in the video, 11 Ways to Instantly Get Better Talking to ATC: youtu.be/007NjHt7rJQ
More about me and Airplane Academy: airplaneacademy.comIf you’ve ever felt scared as a pilot, watch thisAirplane Academy2025-03-05 | I think we as an aviation community need to talk about this more. None of us are perfect, and so there are going to be mess-ups in the plane that we need to talk about together so that we learn from them. In this video I share a conversation that I recently had with a student pilot. I wanted to share what I told him in case it can help you in your aviation journey.
More about me and Airplane Academy: airplaneacademy.comBrutally Honest Advice to My Younger Pilot SelfAirplane Academy2025-02-26 | I started learning to fly in 2004. Here is some brutally honest advice to myself over the years based on what I've learned since then getting my private, instrument, commercial, multiengine commercial, seaplane rating, and tailwheel endorsement. I hope it helps you in your aviation journey!
More about me and Airplane Academy: airplaneacademy.comOne of the Most UNIQUE Private Jets (Heres Why)Airplane Academy2025-02-18 | The PC-24 is absolutely incredible. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusCustom Feature the PC-24 Has (That Other Jets Dont)Airplane Academy2025-02-17 | The PC-24 is absolutely incredible. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusOne of the BEST Features of the Pilatus PC-24 (so smart!)Airplane Academy2025-02-05 | The PC-24 is absolutely incredible. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusThe Hidden Feature Inside the PC-24s Right EngineAirplane Academy2025-02-04 | The PC-24 is absolutely incredible. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusPilatus PC-24 Jet Landing Short on a DIRT Strip!!!Airplane Academy2025-02-03 | This landing never gets old. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd for letting me spend a couple days with you guys in the PC-24 and see what it can do. Full videos on my YouTube channel covering the flight and a full tour of this amazing airplane!
#shorts #pilatusHave you ever seen a jet do THIS!? I hadnt.Airplane Academy2025-01-31 | The PC-24 is absolutely incredible. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusI wish all airplanes had THIS feature on landingsAirplane Academy2025-01-30 | The PC-24 is absolutely incredible. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusDid you know some jets had this feature? I didnt.Airplane Academy2025-01-29 | The PC-24's cockpit is phenomenal. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusThis Cockpit Will Blow You Away (Pilatus PC-24)Airplane Academy2025-01-28 | The PC-24's cockpit is phenomenal. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusIf you like the Pilatus PC-12, youll LOVE the PC-24 (heres why)Airplane Academy2025-01-24 | The PC-24 is basically a bigger, faster version of the Pilatus PC-12 and still has a ton of utility. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shorts #pilatusWhat THIS Jet Has That Others Don’t (Pilatus PC-24)Airplane Academy2025-01-23 | I LOVE the cargo door on the PC-24. It's really unique that a jet this size has this much utility. I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shortsHIDDEN Feature on the Pilatus PC-24 is Awesome!Airplane Academy2025-01-22 | There is a really cool hidden feature on the Pilatus PC-24 jet... in transformer style, the entryway converts into a bathroom so that it preserves the back of the plane for the huge cargo area! I got to spend two days with this jet and full videos are available on the Airplane Academy YouTube channel. It was an incredible experience. Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
#shortsPilatus PC-24 Taking Off on a Dirt Strip 😍Airplane Academy2025-01-21 | The Pilatus PC-24 is one of the most unique private jets in the world, in part because it can take off and land on dirt, grass, and gravel airstrips. I got to spend two days with this aircraft to see what it can do, and the experience was simply amazing. Here's the full video of the flight we took including the dirt takeoffs and landings: youtu.be/yeE_CdpHqEs
#shortsThis video wouldve helped me AVOID a LOT of pilot mistakes!Airplane Academy2025-01-07 | I've made a lot of mistakes in flying over the years... here are some of the big things I've learned. If you'll just implement the stuff in this video I promise you'll make fewer of the mistakes that I did!
More info on me here: airplaneacademy.com/charlie-gasmireThe Most Versatile Private Jet Ever: PC-24 Full TourAirplane Academy2024-12-19 | FYI this video says "paid promotion" - Pilatus contributed to the production costs of this video but we agreed upfront that I could share my unfiltered thoughts in these videos. They've been great to work with! Thanks @PilatusAircraftLtd !
I recently got to fly the Pilatus PC-24 jet and it was absolutely amazing. It flies 400+ knots, is certified for single pilot operations, cruises at 45,000 feet, and can land on dirt, gravel, and grass airstrips. This airplane is simply unreal. In this video our demo pilot, Gerard, provides a detailed walkthrough of the aircraft and points out its unique features.
Join my Insiders Newsletter where once a week I share a lesson I've learned in aviation, my latest content, and links to other interesting or helpful content I've found recently -- airplaneacademy.com/insiders
Today I'm announcing the biggest project I've ever worked on... it will be available soon and is perfect for aspiring, student, and licensed pilots alike. Watch the full video for more info!