iPad Pilot News

MARCH 11, 2025

Heads-up, hands-free: How to use iPad audio alerts for safer flights iPad Pilot News The iPad is an engaging visual tool, but many pilots forget about its many audio uses. Many pilots may not realize that ForeFlight also provides audio alerts with these notifications. AGL after having been above 1,000 ft. per minute AGL.

AGL 52

AGL Runway Groundspeed Descent 52

Ask a Flight Instructor

JANUARY 26, 2025

I typically arrive over the airfield/intended landing point 3,000 AGL then fly a 360 degree steep descent to a short final. I believe the civilian equivalent is the 360 degree power-off landing once required of commercial pilot candidates, and described in previous editions of the Airplane Flying Handbook.

AGL 52

AGL Descent Runway Pilot 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 6, 2024

Maybe it’s the Georgia flying weather, or maybe it’s the ever-increasing emphasis on “old” pilot instead of “bold” pilot, but it seems that flight planning these days is a lot more about if and when than about route and altitude. But if I was going VFR over strange territory, I would want lots more than 1,000 feet agl.

Airplanes 90

Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 90

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sportys Learn to Fly Course , but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. Here are the five most often missed questions from January 2025 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test. 3,823 feet MSL the surface 700 feet AGL Correct!

Altimeter 82

Altimeter Pilot True Altitude AGL 82

Plane and Pilot

MARCH 15, 2025

Theres no doubt its been a useful technology for pilots, though recent events have caused those who early on questioned privacy matters to speak up once again. Go read Jeremy Kings Words Aloft column from last month if you havent alreadyhe dissects some of the pilot communitys reaction to new ADS-B-prompted landing fees.

AGL 57

AGL Pilot General Aviation Cockpit 57

iPad Pilot News

DECEMBER 17, 2024

ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: 3 key differences to help you decide iPad Pilot News There are a handful of full-featured aviation Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) apps available today for pilots, both free and paid, which provide just about every preflight and in-flight resource you’ll need for both VFR and IFR operations.

Pilot 105

Pilot Weather Flight Plan Approach 105

Pilot Institute

APRIL 22, 2025

Ground reference maneuvers aim to train you to accurately control your airplane under various wind conditions. Think of them as the lessons where you learn to master wind correction, aircraft control, and situational awareness all critical skills for a safe and proficient pilot. Remember to be mindful of anyone on the ground.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Airplanes Aileron Rudder 52

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 7, 2024

ForeFlight adds wake turbulence alerts iPad Pilot News Datalink weather stole the show when portable ADS-B technology debuted over a decade ago, providing pilots with free in-flight weather imagery in mobile apps like ForeFlight. The post ForeFlight adds wake turbulence alerts first appeared on iPad Pilot News.

Turbulence 98

Turbulence Runway AGL Airplanes 98

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

In reality it’s neither, but the bigger problem is that most pilots don’t even know what it means. And since 95% of airports in the US are nontowered, most pilots will use some type of pattern entry every time they fly. What is the teardrop? Is the boom in teardrop entries all ForeFlight’s fault?

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 98

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

We practice power-off stalls to help us identify the signs of a stall and the characteristics of your airplane when it stalls. How to Perform a Power-off Stall The FAA’s Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS) outline the procedure for performing a power-off stall.

Descent 52

Descent Approach AGL Lift 52

Air Facts

MARCH 28, 2025

Buffalo Hunting With Airplanes Air Facts Journal This is not a Wild West story involving Buffalo Bill. Those puffs were airbursts containing shell fragments that could cripple an airplane, or worse, wound or kill the crew. Seeing the airbursts around my Bronco, one of the F-4 pilots hollered, FAC, youre getting hosed!

Airplanes 52

Airplanes AGL NOTAMs Approach 52

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Like most pilots, I am alert to aircraft accidents that make the news. And Im particularly ears up when an accident involves an airplane or an airport that Im familiar with. Once the airplane had departed the runway environment, and was about 100 feet agl, he realized its left door was open and up.

Runway 78

Runway Airplanes AGL Pilot 78

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

It can also be dangerous when the learner drops the airplane to fly the checklist or radio, so practice in the ATD is often a good way to learn procedures, as the ATD is a CFI-controlled environment. To get the most out of the scenario, the learner should use the same procedures in the airplane. It’s an ATD.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

A circling approach is one that, by dwindling numbers and its inherent design, forces the pilot(s) into a seldom used and high-risk evolution–often migrating us to an unexpected and seldom visited zip code of the threat/error management neighborhood. A perfectly good airplane with everything operating as expected. No later than).

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Flying Magazine

MAY 10, 2024

With a better understanding of the structure of the test, the material the exam covers, and some sample questions, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a commercial drone pilot. Courses like those offered by Altitude University , The Pilot Institute and ASA , for instance, include several graded practice exams and quizzes.

Weight-Shift-Control 114

Weight-Shift-Control Air Traffic Control Aeronautical Decision-Making Density Altitude 114

Flying Magazine

APRIL 30, 2024

The complexity of the instrument panel has served either to intrigue or intimidate potential pilots. Subscribe Now Featured And for new pilots—and this pilot who flies Cirrus aircraft sporadically—as opposed to a seasoned owner or dedicated Cirrus instructor, the barrier to entry and re-entry has fallen significantly.

Pilot 111

Pilot Airplanes Approach Jet 111

Flight Training Central

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course , but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. Here are the five most often missed questions from September 2024 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test. 3,823 feet MSL the surface 700 feet AGL Correct!

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Ceiling Lift 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

As a relatively new pilot , I had failed to see the bigger picture. FAA weather charts can help for higher altitudes but when just a few thousand feet agl, they may be less useful. As a mountain-bred pilot, I’ve always enjoyed observing the ridges and valleys from on high and low. That day was different. We didn’t test it.

Turbulence 95

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 95

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Pilots and ATCs daily use transponder codes, also known as squawk codes. Above 10,000 feet MSL , excluding areas at and below 2,500 feet AGL. You and other pilots can share real-time position data even when ATC isnt involved. The post Transponder Codes Made Easy: A Pilots Survival List appeared first on Pilot Institute.

Transponder 52

Transponder Air Traffic Control Visual Flight Rules True Airspeed 52

Flight Training Central

MARCH 18, 2024

For example, a pilot flying IFR in controlled airspace will have to file an IFR flight plan and receive an ATC clearance. For the VFR pilot flying in B, C, and D airspace, there are communication and/or clearance requirements. Pilots must obtain an ATC clearance before entering Class A, and maintain two-way radio contact with ATC.

AGL 52

AGL Indicated Airspeed Clearance Transponder 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 9, 2024

The pilot was the passenger’s boyfriend. The boyfriend was a VFR private pilot with about 380 hours logged, properly certificated, and current. The airplane was his 1964 Cessna 172 E, white with blue and yellow trim. Approaching their destination, the pilot asked Memphis Center ATC for an airport weather report.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 54

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 54

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

It typically begins at 1200 feet AGL but can start lower in some locations. If you are a student pilot who plans on flying their first solo cross-country or a veteran pilot going on a trip, learning how to navigate via Class E airspace is a must. They allow you enough clearance to see and avoid other airplanes.

Airspace Classes 52

Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 9, 2024

The pilot was the passenger’s boyfriend. The boyfriend was a VFR private pilot with about 380 hours logged, properly certificated, and current. The airplane was his 1964 Cessna 172 E, white with blue and yellow trim. Approaching their destination, the pilot asked Memphis Center ATC for an airport weather report.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Flying at non-towered airports can feel like stepping into a space where youre both the pilot and air traffic controller. Lets explore the common mistakes pilots make at these airports and how you can avoid them. Its just you and other pilots doing your own communications. Does this sound intimidating? What does IPI stand for?

Pilot 52

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control Approach 52

Flight Training Central

MARCH 4, 2024

The airplane will be flown at 1,000’ AGL parallel to and at an equal distance from the field boundaries – about ½ – ¾ miles from the boundary as you would fly a traffic pattern. As the airplane turns onto the following base leg, the tailwind will decrease and becomes a crosswind.

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed Crosswind Aileron Rudder 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

A pilot needs to control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical to minimize stresses imposed on the landing gear by a rough surface or to prevent sinking into a soft surface. Once committed to the landing, the pilot should gently lower the nose-wheel to the surface.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Despite the easygoing name, many pilots find lazy eights harder than they thought. There’s a reason why it’s been a commercial pilot practical test staple for decades. If you’re about to begin your commercial pilot journey, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get started.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 11, 2024

Pilots are known for liking speed, whether it’s in an aircraft, motorcycle, or boat. There are phases of flight when it’s critical that you know how to handle the airplane at slower speeds. Let’s look at the basics of slow flight: what it is, why we practice it as pilots, and the fundamentals of performing slow flight.

Checkride 52

Checkride Airplanes Pilot AGL 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Knowing how low you can go, whether it’s at the bottom of a glideslope or when sneaking through a pass, and having the self-discipline to pull the plug when you reach that point, is simple piloting. Remember, the pilot is in the aircraft for one reason only—to make decisions. Execute the diversion.

Weather 76

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 76

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

But, as you near the runway, the airplane starts to float. Ground effect is a phenomenon that every pilot must master. As a pilot, you must have a good understanding of ground effect to maintain control and make the required adjustments during important flight stages. You’re landing. You feel in control.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Steep turns should be one of the most fun maneuvers pilots learn. But for many pilots, flying coordinated turns while keeping altitude and speed steady is hard enough. In maintaining a properly coordinated steep turn, the pilot must use the opposite aileron to maintain bank.

Lift 52

Lift Aileron Drag Pilot 52

Northstar VFR

JULY 28, 2023

Most people aren't pilots , though. Pilots know that weather has an intense impact on flying. Altitude (without sounding like Captain Obvious) might just be the most important thing to a pilot. An altimeter is standard in every aircraft, and its sole job is to inform the pilot of how high in the sky they are.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Altimeter True Altitude Weather 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 21, 2024

Sounds you NEVER want to hear Air Facts Journal Whenever a pilot “slips the surly bonds of earth and dances the sky on laughter silvered wings,” there are sounds they NEVER want to hear. “Top Dawg” (my callsign) flight was manned with instructor pilots (IP) in #1 (me) and #3 with students in Vipers #s 2 and 4.

Runway 52

Runway AGL Approach Knot 52

Northstar VFR

JANUARY 4, 2023

by Gustin Robinson, FAA CFI-I ASEL Flying under instrument meteorological conditions keeps even a good pilot on their toes. As a student pilot you were always taught “see and avoid”, keep your eyes outside, etc. Stay ahead of the airplane and be safe! When flying in IFR conditions, this amplifies problems if they occur.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Ceiling Approach Weather 52

NAFI

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

~Guest Blogger Aaron Dabney The new CFI, a client of mine, had just explained to the newly-minted instrument pilot that the proposed flight was below his personal minimums. After a moment's silent gratitude that I'd had nothing to do with the instrument pilot's training, I told the CFI over the phone he was doing exactly the right thing.

AGL 40

AGL NOTAMs Pilot Approach 40

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Key Takeaways Slow flight trains pilots to handle the aircraft at speeds just above stalling. That’s why it’s crucial for pilots to learn aircraft control at low speeds. Additionally, both private and commercial pilot checkrides require the demonstration of slow flight. Pilots use reference stalling speeds instead.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag Checkride 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

But before you can enter it, there are many important rules and concepts that as a pilot you must understand. Before entering Class C airspace, pilots must receive clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Class C Airspace Dimensions Pilots frequently characterize the unique shape of Class C airspace as an upside-down wedding cake.

Clearance 52

Clearance Transponder Knot Indicated Airspeed 52