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.

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AGL Runway Groundspeed Descent 52

Northstar VFR

MARCH 30, 2025

Turns Around a Point This is a classic maneuver that helps pilots learn how to maintain a constant radius around a point on the ground while compensating for the wind. Make sure you're at the recommended altitude (600-1,000 feet AGL) per ACS guidelines. Maintain 600-1,000 feet AGL. Maintain 600-1,000 feet AGL.

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Groundspeed AGL Crosswind Rudder 52

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.

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Pilot Weather Flight Plan Approach 105

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

Key Takeaways Power-off stalls mimic a stall during the flight’s approach and landing phase. On final approach, it can be the difference between recovering and crashing. 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.

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Descent Approach AGL Lift 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The go-to instrument approach for keeping the mail moving is: Cleared for the visual. So its worth a review of the corner-cases and gotchas hidden in the plain-sight (visual) approach. The pilot can ask for the visual, or ATC can assign it. However, the pilot must have the airport, or the preceding aircraft, in sight.

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Approach Pilot Clearance Runway 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precision approach and provides both lateral and vertical guidance to a runway. For most general aviation operations, it allows a pilot to descend to as low as 200′ AGL and assist a pilot in locating the runway in as low as 3/8 mile visibility.

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Approach Instrument Landing System AGL Ceiling 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The go-to instrument approach for keeping the mail moving is: Cleared for the visual. So its worth a review of the corner-cases and gotchas hidden in the plain-sight (visual) approach. The pilot can ask for the visual, or ATC can assign it. However, the pilot must have the airport, or the preceding aircraft, in sight.

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Approach Clearance Runway Ceiling 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 visual depiction of the wake provides an aid to situational awareness when approaching wake turbulence.

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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. That means the techniques we use to manage the see-and-avoid process near airports matters. What is the teardrop?

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Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 98

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. The approach for the soft-field landing is similar to the normal approach. VS0 should be used.

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Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Ask Captain Lim

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Black Hawk on collision patch with CRJ 700 Could pilots of Flight5342have done anything differently to avoid the DC planecrash? This question from Quora explores whether the pilots of American Airlines Flight 5342 could have taken different actions to avoid the tragic collision.

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Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control AGL 59

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. You can say: Approach, confirm squawk code for N123AB? Are you experiencing interference?

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Transponder Air Traffic Control Visual Flight Rules True Airspeed 52

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 10, 2025

And if not planned properly, a poorly executed descent can present challenges and unnecessary risks when transitioning to an approach or the traffic pattern. Pilots must consider a variety of factors including terrain, weather, airspace constraints, and aircraft performance, to ensure a smooth and safe descent. 6,600 / 500fpm = 13.2

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Descent Groundspeed Flight Plan AGL 98

Flying Magazine

APRIL 30, 2024

The complexity of the instrument panel has served either to intrigue or intimidate potential pilots. That’s why the fresh approach Cirrus took to its next model in the SR series makes a lot of sense. Stephen Yeates] A Beginner’s Mind When you must approach something from a fresh perspective, it helps to go into a beginner’s mindset.

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Pilot Airplanes Approach Jet 111

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

We reminisced about the days when we became private pilots. Louis Approach Control. Approach vectored us for the downwind for 26L. At 1,000’ AGL on mid-downwind, we could see Doc parked at the FBO. Two F/A-18 Hornets, the Blue Angels, on low approach, sped towards the runway on final. It was the Yankee Lady.

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Approach General Aviation AGL Weather 98

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

There was no point in trying another approach, and we’d already checked the alternate airport’s weather on the way in, which was equally bad. 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.

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Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 80

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?

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Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control Approach 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. Airspeed was approaching VMO.

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Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 97

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

You’re not supposed to feel it like you do the aircraft, but this can make you a better pilot as you will develop instrument scan and interpretation skills. READ MORE: Our Pilots of the Future May Share Sim Stories Partial power loss scenarios—especially at low altitude—are very useful. It’s an ATD. It’s just a few minutes, right?

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Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Pilots are able to discontinue reporting compulsory points when informed by ATC that the aircraft is in “radar contact.” AIM 5-3-3 ) When an approach has been missed. ( AIM 5-3-3 ) When an approach has been missed. ( Approaches, holding and tracking are all required for IFR currency. How do I stay IFR current?

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Instrument Flight Rules AGL Ceiling True Airspeed 52

Flight Training Central

MAY 14, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following scenario is from the VFR Communications Manual from Pilot Workshops. In an effort to curb these runway incursions, the FAA collects reports of pilots crossing into places where they weren’t cleared and look for fixes. If other pilots missed the memo on where to stop, so might you.

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Runway Pilot Clearance AGL 52

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’re more important than you might think.

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Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 52

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The pilot held instructor ratings for helicopter and instrument helicopter, with 872 hours flight time, of which 29 were on type. Five minutes later, about two miles south of Teterboro, the pilot said “What is going on here?” The controller asked if the pilot needed assistance but the pilot said no.

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Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 98

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses in the appropriate category of aircraft. completes the required 6 hours and six approaches, followed by an instrument proficiency check given by an FAA-designated examiner. the ILS approach can be credited only if you use a view-limiting device.

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Instrument Flight Rules Ceiling Descent Approach 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. Approaching their destination, the pilot asked Memphis Center ATC for an airport weather report. The pilot S-turned and circled the area several times at about 2,500 feet.

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Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 55

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.

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Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 93

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. Approaching their destination, the pilot asked Memphis Center ATC for an airport weather report. The pilot S-turned and circled the area several times at about 2,500 feet.

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Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Whether you’re new to short field landings or a pilot needing a refresher, this essential guide is for you. Feeling overwhelmed by this challenging maneuver?

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Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 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. Flight planning becomes more advanced than before, flying SIDs and STARs, and instrument approaches.

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Instrument Meteorological Conditions Ceiling Approach Weather 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

There was no point in trying another approach, and we’d already checked the alternate airport’s weather on the way in, which was equally bad. 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.

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Crowd Source Information The next best resource for information about runway conditions is other pilots. As you approach the airport, monitor UNICOM for landing or departing traffic.

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NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

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.

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Lift Rudder Drag Checkride 52

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 11, 2024

Pilots are known for liking speed, whether it’s in an aircraft, motorcycle, or boat. 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. You can study more on the aerodynamics of slow flight in Chapter 5 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.

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Checkride Airplanes Pilot AGL 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

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.

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Clearance Transponder Knot Indicated Airspeed 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

There’s been a lot of interest in my recent accident analysis “ Invisible Trap Kills Glider Pilot – How To Avoid Microbursts.” Cold downdrafts created by virga displace warmer air near the surface creating updrafts glider pilots can, and should, use to avoid landing in downburst conditions. Very well said!

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Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Tornadoes, funnel clouds, volcanic ash, or dust storms are extremely dangerous to all pilots. This information is vital for determining cloud ceilings, especially during landing approaches. When these happen, they’ll usually call for an instrument approach. This can get you in a lot of trouble, especially during approaches.

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Altimeter Weather Wind Shear Runway 52