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 Ceiling AGL Visual Flight Rules 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 Airplanes Final Approach 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

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following scenario is from the IFR Procedures Manual from Pilot Workshops. You’re skimming the cloud tops at 3500 feet, which is 2900 feet AGL You ask Approach for lower, but the controller says you’re already at the MVA for the area so you can’t get lower. Understand what’s required. Pick your battles.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Clearance Descent 52

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

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.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 54

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 54

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.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 52

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 Pilot Aeronautical Decision-Making Weather 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. 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

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! Perform the maneuver no lower than 1,500ft AGL.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 31, 2024

All VOR service volumes begin at 1,000 ft AGL, as signals below this altitude are unreliable and can cause confusion and incorrect indications. This service expansion offers pilots a considerable increase in navigation range at higher altitudes over the legacy VORs. appeared first on Pilot Institute.

VOR 52

VOR AGL Pilot Approach 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

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.

Checkride 52

Checkride Airplanes Pilot AGL 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

Northstar VFR

DECEMBER 9, 2023

By Jordan Bullock, CFI & Boeing 737 Pilot When I begin instructing a new student, the first thing I do is show them all the literature and educational media that pilots have at their disposal. I’ve heard many pilots state that they always turn crosswind at 500 feet. Airspace Yeah yeah yeah, I know.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aeronautical Information Manual Federal Aviation Regulations Air Traffic Control 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

An instrument rated pilot, who has not logged any instrument time in 1 year or more, cannot serve as pilot in command under IFR, unless the pilot passes an instrument proficiency check followed by 6 hours and six instrument approaches, 3 of those hours in the category of aircraft involved. When operating in class E airspace.

Instrument Flight Rules 52

Instrument Flight Rules Ceiling Approach Descent 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

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 76

Lift Density Altitude AGL Pilot 76

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

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

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. Calculate your landing and takeoff distances using the pilot’s operating handbook (POH).

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 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 71

Descent Approach Weather Runway 71

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

We reminisced about the days when we became private pilots. At 1,000’ AGL on mid-downwind, we could see Doc parked at the FBO. Mark’s tears of joy and surprise flowed freely, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend. That evening we talked and laughed over dinner. As we neared KSUS, we were transferred to St.

Approach 78

Approach General Aviation AGL Weather 78

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 80

General Aviation Weather Pilot Cockpit 80

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. x V SO (or POH recommendation) by around 500 feet AGL.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

Pilots must meet equipment and certification requirements and have ATC clearance to enter. Pilot Requirements You’re allowed to enter Class B airspace only if: The PIC (Pilot in Command) holds at least a private pilot certificate. The PIC holds a sport pilot certificate with 14 CFR § 61.325 endorsements.

Clearance 52

Clearance Ceiling Airspace Classes Transponder 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! Have any questions? Check out our FAQs page or contact us.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Instrument Meteorological Conditions Approach Weather 52

Air Facts

APRIL 24, 2024

Dad, a seasoned VFR pilot, was at the controls. I, a 19 year old greenhorn with a brand new pilot’s license in my wallet, sat at his right. And it would worsen to a point that would be too much for this new pilot, fresh out of flight training, to remain “unphased.” But the turbulence would continue to worsen.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Final Approach Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

With nothing to lose, at a little over 1,000 feet agl, I started a turn to the left, looking for a place to land. The post Where There’s Smoke… appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. That would cut my option of using the engine to get to a place to land. I had completed about 90 degrees when I spotted a large field.

Runway 66

Runway Threshold Approach Final Approach 66

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. Absolutely!

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway AGL Lift 52

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

Pilot Institute

APRIL 19, 2024

It is true that pilots have performed the maneuver and safely landed on the departure runway. These famous tales of success are why pilots continue to try their luck at it. The pilots who walked away from this maneuver had tons of experience, the right conditions, and heaps of luck. You completed the climb check at 300 ft AGL.

AGL 52

AGL Runway Descent Lift 52

Learn to Fly

MARCH 12, 2024

Some of the most important jargon you’ll learn as a pilot has to be how to read a METAR. These “aviation routine weather reports” provide pilots with an accurate depiction of current weather conditions at an airport. RVR is the distance a pilot can see down the runway in a moving aircraft.

Weather 52

Weather Knot Ceiling UTC 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

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 70

Approach AGL Descent Runway 70

Flight Training Central

APRIL 29, 2024

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA). Pilots can request the status of SUA by contacting the using or controlling agency. Warning Areas Warning Areas are similiar to Restricted areas and is designed to warn pilots of potential danger.

Clearance 111

Clearance Pilot AGL NOTAMs 111

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 AGL 52