Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 14, 2024

Before August 2016, drone pilots had the freedom to fly in a significant portion of controlled and uncontrolled airspace with few restrictions. Whether you want to fly a drone for fun or as a commercial pilot , you must understand and follow these rules. Here are some of the basics to get you started.

Pilot 61

Pilot AGL Operating Limitations Airspace Classes 61

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 8, 2025

Every pilot must master stall recognition and recovery techniques. This misunderstanding can lead to confusion and, in some cases, accidents, as some pilots concentrate on engine performance instead of addressing the actual problem, a loss of lift. How Do Pilots Recover From a Stall? Why Do Pilots Practice Stalls?

Lift 98

Lift Accelerated Stall Pilot AGL 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

The terrain reaches well over 4,000 feet agl, so a good vertical rise is seen. It is reminiscent of Montana, where I have been often in real life on flying trips, and while there aren’t towering mountains like the Tetons, it is dangerous enough for foolhardy pilots indeed. The density of the forest was incredible.

AGL 98

AGL Pilot Descent Weather 98

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. When was the last time either pilot (single pilot) performed this exact approach?

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

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

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Area Navigation (RNAV) is a way for pilots to know where they’re going without needing help from the ground. Before RNAV, pilots had to rely on radios (NAVAIDs) and antennas on the ground such as VORs (Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range) and NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons). What Are RNAV Approaches? How Does RNAV Work?

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Descent Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Lets break it all downwhat transponders are, how theyre used, and the rules pilots need to follow. The code is manually set by the pilot using a selector switch in the cockpit. Above 10,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), excluding airspace below 2,500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). Modes: A (ID), C (altitude), S (enhanced data).

Transponder 98

Transponder Air Traffic Control Pilot Airspace Classes 98

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

The request to make a short approach or maintain a higher-than-normal speed to the final approach fix is the most common reason pilots don’t meet stable approach criteria. Aviation writers and safety pundits hate writing about this topic as much as pilots hate reading about it. Houston, we have a problem. Yet here we are.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Like most pilots, I am alert to aircraft accidents that make the news. Once the airplane had departed the runway environment, and was about 100 feet agl, he realized its left door was open and up. The pilot had requested an immediate landing, which the tower controller immediately granted.

Runway 84

Runway Airplanes AGL Pilot 84

Flight Training Central

APRIL 12, 2024

If operating under visual flight rules (VFR), yes, a pilot may fly through a military operations area (MOA) without receiving a clearance or communicating with ATC; however, it’s important to understand the risks and activities present within an active MOA. How can a pilot get more information on MOAs?

Visual Flight Rules 52

Visual Flight Rules Instrument Flight Rules Pilot AGL 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

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

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

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. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precision approach and provides both lateral and vertical guidance to a runway.

Approach 52

Approach Instrument Landing System AGL Ceiling 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

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?

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes AGL Runway 98

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

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

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

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 14, 2024

FAA Updates Datalink Weather Advisory Circular iPad Pilot News The rollout of ADS-B datalink weather over twelve years ago was an interesting time for GA pilots. Pilots were free to use the system immediately with these new portable receivers, which improved in-flight decision-making almost overnight.

Weather 59

Weather AGL Flight Deck Pilot 59

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.

Runway 52

Runway Pilot Clearance AGL 52

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

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.

Airspace Classes 52

Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 52

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 10, 2025

Pilots must consider a variety of factors including terrain, weather, airspace constraints, and aircraft performance, to ensure a smooth and safe descent. To use the VCALC function, simply enter a target altitude (pattern altitude for example) and be sure the altitude type matches what you have intended (MSL vs. AGL).

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Descent Groundspeed Flight Plan AGL 98

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 97

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 97

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.” In the timeline below, the pilot will lose instrument currency on September 1st due to the previous six calendar months including four approaches rather than the needed six.

Instrument Flight Rules 52

Instrument Flight Rules AGL Ceiling Visual Flight Rules 52

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

I queried ATC about when to expect the approach clearance and was informed that the Saratoga had appeared to land but the pilot hadn’t contacted ATC to close his IFR flight plan. I immediately leveled off at around 650’ AGL, and began slowing down. The IAF was looming closer. miles northeast of the airport in reduced visibility.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

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?

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

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 95

Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 95

Flight Training Central

JULY 1, 2024

Class E airspace rarely goes all the way to the surface, and in non-mountainous terrain, the floor of Class E airspace is typically 700 feet or 1,200 feet AGL. In this example around Victor 120, Class E airspace starts at 1,200′ AGL inside the blue feathered area and extends all the way to the Class A airspace above.

AGL 52

AGL Clearance Ceiling Weather 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. appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Weather 83

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 83

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

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. According to the FAA, a pilot’s aeronautical knowledge must include ground effect training.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 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

Flying Magazine

MAY 17, 2024

Flying drones can be enjoyed by recreational flyers seeking fun and commercial drone pilots looking to earn money. Commercial Drone Use In the eyes of the FAA, there are two types of drone pilots: recreational and commercial. Recreational pilots are flying just for the joy of flying, while commercial drone pilots are flying for profit.

AGL 52

AGL Aeronautical Decision-Making Pilot 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.

Torque 87

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 87

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

The first free flight was the following month with three ‘test pilots’: a duck, a rooster, and a sheep. One can only speculate that people on the ground were surprised when a huge UFO flew over them piloted by an equally terrified sheep baaing. Pilatre de Roziere should be listed among the test pilot elite.

Lift 98

Lift Density Altitude AGL Pilot 98

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. The pilot should be prepared for the necessary crosswind correction and compensate by turning more than 90° angling toward the inside of the rectangular course.

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed Crosswind Aileron Rudder 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 2, 2024

My first and last flying road trip Air Facts Journal Pilots tend to be optimists and seem to lead a richer fantasy life than most. For example, how many pilots have at some point fantasized that one day they might be called to the cockpit in an emergency? As it happened, my pilot brother-in-law, Chaz, thought this was a fine idea too.

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Weather Pilot Cockpit 98