Matthew Johnston 
When pilots reveal to a new acquaintance what they do for a living, the next question is usually: “Which airline?” While major and regional airlines, as well as the military, employ the majority of pilots, a significant portion of the pilot population works in general aviation or for a charter flight company. It is a …
“For your comfort, the cabin will be pressurized.” Passengers hear this as part of in-flight announcements as they settle into their seats, but most might not know how this takes place, much less why. Airplane pressurization seems like a mystery; it’s important for those with this knowledge to have a good understanding of how it …
Maintaining the correct course in the air is as easy as following the line on the GPS, isn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. What happens when your cockpit GPS isn’t operational, or is loaded with outdated maps? What if strong crosswinds blow you off track? It’s important to know how to navigate without relying …
Nearly every entry on this blog has mentioned, or at least linked to, the Federal Aviation Administration. There’s a reason for that: It’s the governing body of American aviation. Every aspect of every US flight, from who may climb into the cockpit to pre-flighting to tower communication to cruising, landing, and putting the airplane to …
The aviation industry is undergoing many changes at a rapid rate, and it’s an exciting time to transfer a passion or hobby regarding aviation into a career. It’s easy to assume that the only place this can happen is in the cockpit, but occupations abound for those who love the world of airplanes and aeronautics. …