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 …