Matthew Johnston 
Having a deep understanding of flight controls and instruments are crucial for a safe flight. Here is what you should know. [lwptoc] Flight controls are the actual instrumentation and items which pilots use to control an aircraft. They are the primary tools of the pilot. All aircraft, even gliders (opens in a new window), have …
For pilots, it is important to stay up to date on IFR training. These 3 tips can help every pilot keep their instrument rating skills sharp. [lwptoc numeration=”none”] Flying by instruments alone in adverse weather conditions is not easy, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA (opens in a new window)) is well aware of the …
READ MORE Tips and Tricks to Stay Up to Date on IFR Training
Airplane speed is much more complicated than many think. This guide discusses the types of speed, and how it affects takeoffs and landings. [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” toggle=”1″ itemsFontSize=”16pt”] Airplane speed is simply how fast an airplane goes, right? Not necessarily. Student pilots spend some time learning about the different aspects of speed in aviation. It is …
Pilots must have a strong understanding of every aspect of an airplane to ensure a safe and efficient flight. This guide explores the question: how do jet engines work? [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” skipHeadingText=”Share This:”] For those born into the jet age (opens in a new window), it is easy to take this technology for granted. Even …
When working towards your IFR rating, there are a few instrument rating requirements to consider. [lwptoc] Achieving your instrument pilot rating is a terrific accomplishment. Not only does it permit you to fly as a private pilot under challenging weather conditions, it is another step forward to becoming eligible to fly for pay (opens in …
[lwptoc] What is a sterile cockpit/sterile flight deck (opens in a new window)? It’s a daily part of life for many pilots on every flight. If you have ever been on an airline flight, it has affected you, too. Understanding the sterile cockpit rule not only helps you to become a better pilot, but a …
The cockpit of an airplane contains instruments such as the vertical speed indicator that are essential for pilots to fly. [lwptoc title=”CONTENTS:”] Have you ever heard of an airplane’s “six pack (opens in a new window)?” These are the six essential instruments in the cockpit. They help the pilot know where the airplane is in …
READ MORE What Is a Vertical Speed Indicator and How Does It Work?
Earning one’s private pilot certificate is an accomplishment to be proud of. Dedicated instructors and strong flight schools make it possible, but progressing as a pilot is a team effort. Also required are the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the student pilot. The first aspect to doing well in one’s training is to form realistic …
READ MORE Beginning Flight Training? Here are 4 Tips for Success
[lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” title=”CONTENTS:” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”19px”] There is a lot to think about regarding flight training. Those who take on the challenge of becoming a student pilot are beginning an exciting and exhilarating new period in their lives, whether they have the ambition of being lifelong private pilots or spending an entire career in the cockpit. …
Night flying poses different risks and considerations than flying during the day – here are 4 surprising facts about flying at night. For the general public, “flying at night” means trying (and usually failing) to get some sleep in an uncomfortable, tiny seat while not bothering one’s row neighbors on either side. It usually makes …
[lwptoc numeration=”none” title=”CONTENTS:” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”19px”] When a professional pilot is asked who helped him or her the most along the way, the answer is most often a certified flight instructor (CFI.) Great flight instructors have many qualities, but the most important one is that he or she is invested in his or her students. Commitment …
Aeronautical decision making is essential to safe aviation and pilots. Here are 3 aspects of ADM that every student pilot should understand. [lwptoc numeration=”none” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”19px”] A good pilot is a decisive one. This does not mean that snap judgements are made based on first impressions. Instead, aeronautical decision making (ADM) is a matter of …
[lwptoc numeration=”decimalnested” numerationSuffix=”dot” title=”CONTENTS:” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”19px”] Once a flight instructor is confident that a student pilot is ready to take flight entirely on his or her own, he or she will endorse the student for their private pilot checkride. Your CAU instructor will have completely prepared you for this moment, but a pilot’s private certificate …
Taking flight lessons is an exciting next step, but for some student pilots, it can be frustrating to learn how to fly in cold weather. Student pilots who begin training in such places as Buffalo, North Dakota, or Alaska, may suddenly find themselves frustrated by the weather in areas where they might have grown up. …
READ MORE 4 Disadvantages of Learning to Fly In Cold Weather
Weather briefings are of vital importance in aviation. No matter where you are starting or where you are headed, taking off without proper meteorological information is a gamble. These four steps will help you to understand aviation weather and PIREPS. [lwptoc numeration=”none” title=”CONTENTS:” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”18px”] Inclement weather (opens in a new window) can strand pilots …
READ MORE 4 Steps to Understanding Aviation Weather and PIREPS
A crosswind landing can be stressful and difficult, here are four considerations that every great pilot should know. [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” title=”CONTENTS” titleFontSize=”34px” itemsFontSize=”18px”] Inexperienced pilots sometimes fly in dread of a crosswind landing. Sometimes experienced aviators prefer to avoid them. Such extreme conditions are usually rare, however, and safe pilots tend to avoid such landing …
READ MORE 4 Considerations of a Crosswind Landing Every Great Pilot Should Know
Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a little-known aspect of aviation within the general public. However, it is as vital as checking the weather and conducting a pre-flight walkaround. [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” title=”CONTENTS:” titleFontSize=”34px” itemsFontSize=”18px” skipHeadingText=”Share This:”] Crew resource management focuses on strong decision-making skills, problem solving techniques, and effective teamwork to improve the safety culture within …
READ MORE Sky Safety: Understanding Crew Resource Management (CRM) In Aviation
Many careers in aviation are possible without ever climbing into a cockpit. If you’re looking to begin an aviation career, follow these steps to become a flight dispatcher. The most well-known job associated with aviation include people passengers see the most, such as pilots, flight attendants, and gate agents. Most people are also aware of …
Learning correct emergency descent procedures is vital for student pilots looking to master the art and science of flying. [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” title=”Contents” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”18pt”] Student pilots must learn the basics of the emergency descent procedures of the airplane they are learning to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA (opens in a new window)) requires this …
READ MORE What You Should to Know About an Emergency Descent Procedure
Instrument flying is a critical step for pilots looking to fly for hire, but what is the instrument rating and why is it important? Pilots who want to spend their career in the cockpit usually begin training for their instrument rating immediately upon earning their private certificate. Many also train for it concurrently to speed …