Performance in the Real World – Part 2
Takeoff performance calculations start with a chart from the airplane's POH but there may be more to the story. We'll take a look at one of these charts along with the conditions and notes on the chart that many pilots overlook. We'll also address what to do when the runway just doesn't fit the mold defined by the chart.
Actual IFR
How much “actual instrument” flight time do you have? Chances are if you’re a VFR pilot, you do not have any unless it was...
7 ways to stay informed about Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Presidential TFRs will be popping up more and more throughout the year as we approach the 2012 election this fall. Find out how you can stay informed about them and not get caught off guard.
Are you grading yourself as a pilot?
One of the best ways to become a better pilot is easy, free and doesn’t require a flight instructor. Sound too good to be true? Hardly. In fact, you may already do it, at least in some form.
Performance on FAA Tests and in the Real World – Part 1
Pressure and Density Altitude on FAA Tests and in the Real World
One of the things that you must learn as a pilot is how...
3 Rules of Thumb for Flying and Some Good Advice
A rule of thumb has been attributed to many origins (including the largest stick a man could use to beat his wife) but is generally meant to mean a "reliable approximation." I fly - and live - by rules of thumb. I want to share three of these and pass on some good advice that may keep you flying and alive for a long time.
Is Corrective Vision Surgery for you?
It's estimated that some 55% of civilian pilots use some form of vision correction, most notably, glasses or contact lenses. But advances in corrective...
Top 10 apps for student pilots
The iPad is a great tool for pilots of all skill levels, from airline captains to student pilots. Student pilots can take advantage of all these benefits and use the iPad to save time and money during flight training with great apps available from the app store. Here are our top ten favorites.
The 7 deadly sins of radio communications
Nobody wants to sound bad in front of the "audience" of your fellow pilots. But there are a few things that can instantly make you sound less professional--let's call them the 7 deadly sins of radio communication. These phrases should not be in your aviation vocabulary.
Transponders and runway status lights
At first glance you're probably wondering what Runway Status Lights (RWSL) have to with aircraft transponders. The short answer is that they both help make the airport surface environment safer by helping to reduce runway incursions. Both provide additional information to pilots and air traffic controllers to allow for better decision-making and an in increase situational awareness.
