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.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 97

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 94

Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 94

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?”

Weather 81

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 81

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

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

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

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

A pit stop at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (KCRE) was planned, and after a weather briefing, I filed an IFR flight plan. The Mooney is well-equipped for weather avoidance as it is equipped with a sophisticated spheric lighting detector. We were wheels up around 1:30pm.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

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

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).

Descent 98

Descent Groundspeed Flight Plan AGL 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. 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.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes AGL Runway 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.

Crosswind 105

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.

Airspace Classes 52

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.

Pilot 111

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.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 55

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 55

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

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.

Runway 52

Runway Pilot Clearance AGL 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.

Instrument Flight Rules 52

Instrument Flight Rules AGL Ceiling Visual Flight Rules 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 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Weather Airplanes Pilot 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.

Approach 98

Approach General Aviation AGL Weather 98

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

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

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?”

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 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

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

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.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Weather Wind Shear Runway 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

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.

Instrument Flight Rules 52

Instrument Flight Rules Ceiling Descent Approach 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. Remember that weather conditions vary the further away you get. How Do I Choose an Alternate Airport?

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Ceiling Approach Weather 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.

Weather 40

Weather Knot Ceiling UTC 40

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.

Clearance 52

Clearance Ceiling Airspace Classes Transponder 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

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.

Air Traffic Control 52

Air Traffic Control Flight Plan AGL Pilot in Command 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. Absolutely!

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 25, 2024

Key Takeaways NOTAMs update pilots about changes in airspace, airports, and equipment that affect aircraft operations. NOTAMs alert pilots to issues that impact flight operations. A Real-Life Example Pilots who do not review NOTAMS before flight put themselves (and others) in danger. This tells pilots where the NOTAM applies.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs UTC Runway Federal Aviation Regulations 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

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

I checked the weather by phone and was assured it would be great CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited) with 2-3-knot winds from 090 degrees. 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.

Runway 71

Runway Threshold Approach AGL 71

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 Density Altitude 52