Adverse yaw is a reality of flying that each pilot must learn to combat in order to successfully fly safely and effectively. [lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h3″] Adverse yaw is the tendency of an airplane, when turning and banked, to go the opposite direction. The way an airplane banks is by deflecting its ailerons. The ailerons are the hinged part …
Flying above the world when surrounded by blue skies is one thing. Trying to find your way when you cannot see anything is quite another. Low visibility can require a pilot to rely solely on instruments to handle the aircraft safely. Known as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), these regulations provide pilots with the proper procedures …
While in the process of accomplishing a private certificate, pilots delve into the intricacies of aeronautics throughout ground school. It is crucial to learn about and understand aircraft axes, specifically pitch, yaw, roll, and the basic forces imposing themselves on an aircraft, along with how to work with them, rather than against them. Pilots who do so …
Beyond the amazing aeronautical and thrust design developments we have pursued since the Wright brothers, arguably the next greatest development in aviation has been in electronic communications, including nonverbal communication such as the transponder. The privilege of talking over a radio or transponder keys and speaking directly and instantaneously with air traffic control (ATC) or …
The cockpit of even the smallest and simplest airplane can be an overwhelming place. Fortunately, the most “hands-on” elements of the cockpit—those which enable the pilot to direct the airplane’s actual movement from taxiing to landing—are usually similar from one cockpit design to another. Even if a new single-engine student pilot had never seen the …
Altitude is a critical aspect of aviation, as it refers to the height of an aircraft above sea level. Pilots must understand and use different types of altitude to navigate the skies safely and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of altitude in aviation and their importance for pilots. By …
When flying, it’s important to know the difference between AIRMET vs SIGMET, and what to do when alerted of one. Here’s what each pilot should know. [lwptoc title=”CONTENTS:” labelHide=”hide” float=”none” titleFontSize=”30px” itemsFontSize=”18px” skipHeadingLevel=”h3,h4″] One of the first aspects about aviation that student pilots usually learn is that weather awareness is a massive aspect of flight. …
The transponders that you find on aircraft can have a few variances based on who manufactured them and how they are installed. However, they should all have a few basic settings that are standard – and necessary. One such setting is a special mode that will let air traffic control and other aircraft in the …
The first step to growing as a safe and competent pilot is to fully understand how an aircraft works. This includes understanding every part of an airplane, especially its control surfaces and how they affect performance. Fully comprehending the ways in which various sections of the airplane affect aerodynamics, as well as how the laws …
A well-informed pilot must understand how Newton’s Third Law applies to thrust and how an aircraft flies. It is essential for any student pilot to have a strong grasp of this basic understanding of physics. Doing so will strongly contribute to safe and efficient flying. The first two laws are also important to know and …
Many English-speaking people think that “V” stands for Velocity, which is generally correct. But another French aviation phrase, “Vitesse” – which means “speed” – is represented by the letter “V” in V-Speed. The FAA requires that aircraft manufacturers provide certain V-speeds to ensure the safest and most efficient flow of air traffic. They are standard …
Understanding pressure altitude vs. density altitude is an important factor in becoming a safe, well-rounded pilot. [lwptoc skipHeadingLevel=”h4″] Many student pilots are confused by the difference between pressure altitude and density altitude. Understanding which is which will help you better understand the forces acting upon your aircraft; a well-educated pilot can then adjust accordingly, especially …
Every single piece of an aircraft has an intended purpose. These incredible machines are put together with such detail and precision in order to make air travel as safe and effective as it is. The purpose of aircraft spoilers on a plane is no exception. They may not be attached to keep the plane in …
There is a lot of power behind a jet engine – enough to get it into the sky and stay there. Though when it is in the midst of takeoff, the aircraft can benefit from a little extra boost. That is where high-lift devices, such as Fowler flaps, come in. Located on the wing, flaps …
As an aviation student, you will learn a lot about the significant role that altitude plays in flying an aircraft. There are, after all, different altitudes and different reasons why you would choose to fly within each one. The FAA and ATC officials plan carefully to make sure that every aircraft takes off, lands, and …
There are many different things that pilots learn when they undergo their flight training. Due to its significance, the different illusions that they may encounter while in the sky is something that is sure to be mentioned. For the most part, the bird’s eye view allows you to see far and wide. However, every now …
As you train to become a pilot, there will come a time when you will realize that things aren’t actually as they appear. Not knowing what to do in these situations can be dangerous for everyone involved. Runway illusions can interfere with your ability to fly safely and fully see what lies ahead. With the …
Pilots have a lot of different types of equipment they have to learn about – especially when it comes to the instruments on their dash. Knowing what everything is and how to utilize it properly allows them to safely handle their aircraft. To prepare you for a future in aviation, there are many things you are …
Living on Earth, we experience the force of gravity every day. It is just one of those things that is always there no matter what. As humans, we understand that it is just a part of life. From the time we are small, we understand that we cannot dive off of the playground monkey bars …
Turboprops play a significant role in aviation, often used for regional or short-haul flights. The power behind these small to mid-sized aircraft may seem a bit basic, but it is actually quite complex and note-worthy. Here we will take a closer look at turboprops, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and why they continuously …