When a person first learns to fly airplanes, this pilot-to-be is trained to fly under what is called VFR. This is an acronym for Visual Flight Rules. Although there are multiple competencies a Visual Flight Rules pilot must master, the area of expertise the general public associates most with piloting aircraft is the actual act …
Soaring high above, you may feel as though you are out of touch with the world you left behind on the ground. Thanks to the development of various communication devices, including the transponder, you are not alone. Within moments, you can be in direct communication with air traffic control (ATC) or other pilots that are …
If you have ever flown on a plane after the sun has set, then you know the view from the sky is quite dark. Sure, you can see some lights here and there if altitude allows – and it is pretty simple to know whether you are flying over a populated area. If that is …
Few professions require flight logbooks, especially ones that are still mainly book-style, made of paper, and need handwritten signatures (not done electronically). But as a pilot, keeping logbooks is critical to tracking your flight training and aviation growth, including hours flown in specific aircraft and the number of landings. It may be challenging at first …
Learning about and understanding traffic pattern is an important aspect of a student’s flight training; here’s what you should know. [lwptoc numeration=”none” title=”CONTENTS:”] The rectangle of the traffic pattern (it is inaccurate to refer to the holding pattern as “circling”) is much more than a mindless rotating around an airport or landing field. This maneuver, …
If you are curious about the aviation industry, a discovery flight is a valuable option to help you determine if this is the right field for you. [lwptoc numerationSuffix=”dot” title=”In This Article:”] When student pilots are eager to begin their training and would like a preview of life in the air, a discovery flight can …
Communicating with air traffic control is an essential aspect of acting as pilot in command. These 3 tips can help you communicate more effectively and safely with traffic controllers. [lwptoc numeration=”none”] Most ground school courses in flight school do not spend a lot of time discussing how to speak with air traffic controllers while acting …
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) is well aware of the many challenges it presents. That …
[lwptoc] What is a sterile cockpit/sterile flight deck? 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 more effective crew member, flight …
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 …
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 …
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) requires this as part of a student’s …
Truly understanding how to execute a short field takeoff is one of the markers that separates a beginner pilot from an experienced one. The ability to safely demonstrate a short field takeoff is expected of pilots holding a Commercial certificate, as this indicates that he or she can demonstrate precise control of the aircraft even …
There’s nothing like taking off into a clear blue sky on a 75 degree day, soaring over mountains with the sea just below. For pilots who learn to fly in Southern California, this is a daily reality. However, it’s not just the weather that makes this part of the Golden State a great place to …
Is IFR training really necessary? Technically not—plenty of private pilots fly quite happily without it— but working on an instrument rating is always a good idea, whether or not you plan on flying for pay on the side or as a lifelong career. IFR flight training requires a great deal of hard work and a …
When pilots use the term “your IFR” or “the IFR,” they are referring to “instrument rating requirements.” In aviation, “IFR” stands for “Instrument Flight Rules.” Having an IFR rating means that a pilot is authorized to fly in conditions of low visibility—specifically, with a ceiling below 1,000 feet above ground level, and/or visibility of one …
Do you struggle sometimes to communicate your passion for flying? It can be difficult to convince people of its merits who only view flying as a source of mass transportation, or who feel frightened to experience aviation in “one of those little airplanes.” Veteran pilots who have logged thousands of hours and overwhelmed student pilots …
Safety culture in aviation isn’t just adhering to new FAA guidelines in the wake of a deadly accident or frightening near-miss. It’s a daily, minute-by-minute commitment to ensuring that you, your passengers, and workers or civilians on the ground stay as safe as possible. You’ve probably heard and said over and over that flying is …
A smart pilot’s departure begins long before he or she climbs into the cockpit. One of the most important aspects of becoming airborne takes place before the airplane is anywhere near the runway. Pilots must be sure to follow each step of preparing for departure carefully and with attention to detail. Doing so not only …
One look at a cockpit, especially one belonging to a new airliner or a fighter jet, might seem like an impossible mess to a non-pilot and an overwhelming task to a new one. How can anyone master all those screens, knobs, and pedals? And what about everything else a pilot is expected to manage—information about …