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?

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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.

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Weather AGL Flight Deck Pilot 59

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!

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Altimeter Pilot True Altitude AGL 82

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

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.

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AGL Pilot General Aviation Cockpit 57

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. We also benefit from the latest weather updates. Any NOTAMS applicable?

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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.

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Turbulence Runway AGL Airplanes 98

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.

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

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. Great Falls weather is fair and warm. As a mountain-bred pilot, I’ve always enjoyed observing the ridges and valleys from on high and low.

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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 90

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

I cursed my decision to depart in developing low weather, but the only choice now was to press on through the crud, dodging cellular towers lining the highway. A call to home base for a land-supported retrieval provided ample opportunity for explanation in response to my peers’ interrogation: “What were you thinking, flying in this weather?”

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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!

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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

Pilot Institute

APRIL 22, 2025

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. Youll want to perform any ground reference maneuver between 600 and 1000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). Establishing Your Altitude and Airspeed Consistency is key.

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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. Before you write this off as some academic debate, remember that most mid-air collisions happen during the day, in good weather, in or near the traffic pattern. What is the teardrop? The word “must” makes it quite clear.

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Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 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. Then the CFI slowly brings the weather down.

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Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

It typically begins at 1200 feet AGL but can start lower in some locations. Use the Cessna 3-152 mnemonic to remember weather minimums for VFR. 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.

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Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 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.

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Pilot Airplanes Approach Jet 111

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 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.

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Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 52

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.

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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. First, listen to the current ATIS broadcast (weather). 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.

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Runway Pilot Clearance AGL 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

We reminisced about the days when we became private pilots. Forecasted weather was CAVU for the entire weekend. Despite the weather delay, it looked like we would arrive at KSUS in time for our ride on Doc. At 1,000’ AGL on mid-downwind, we could see Doc parked at the FBO. Everything about the flight was a joy.

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Approach General Aviation AGL Weather 98

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

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

I cursed my decision to depart in developing low weather, but the only choice now was to press on through the crud, dodging cellular towers lining the highway. A call to home base for a land-supported retrieval provided ample opportunity for explanation in response to my peers’ interrogation: “What were you thinking, flying in this weather?”

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Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Weather reporting at the destination isnt required so long as some reliable source says theres at least 1000-foot ceilings and three miles visibly. 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. It cant be assigned; the pilot must request it.

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Approach Pilot Clearance Runway 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.

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Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

In aviation, staying ahead of the weather is a must. When weather conditions shift unexpectedly, that’s when a SPECI report comes in. A SPECI (or Special Report) offers a quick weather update between the routine METARs. Let’s explore how SPECIs are going to help you plan around unexpected weather twists.

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Altimeter Weather Wind Shear Runway 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.

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AGL Pilot Aeronautical Decision-Making Weather 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.

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Density Altitude Altimeter True Altitude Weather 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. The en route weather is IMC.

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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. Remember that weather conditions vary the further away you get. How Do I Choose an Alternate Airport?

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Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

From entry and weather requirements to interacting with ATC, we have you covered. 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.

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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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Flight Training Central

OCTOBER 25, 2024

As a Part 107 drone pilot (commercial operator), or as a recreational drone flyer, operations in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace are allowed without air traffic control permission. In these LAANC enabled areas, authorizations are provided to drone pilots through companies approved by the FAA.

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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!

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Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 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. Let’s stick with aviation routine weather report and get straight into the decrypting.

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