Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Many aspiring pilots wonder whether flying a helicopter is harder than flying a plane. Understanding these differences helps pilots choose the right training path. Whether youre exploring what is an instrument proficiency check or considering advanced training, we ensure every pilot is confident in their journey.

Torque 52

Torque Lift Airplanes Stability 52

Photographic Logbook

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

But it was an excellent flying day, so I took wing with a group of WFC pilots for sushi in Massachusetts instead (Westfield-Barnes Airport, KBAF). The pilot of a Cessna Skylane still on the runway responded plaintively. "I Was this a planned maneuver between the pilots? Photo by The Bear. I am clearing as fast as I can."

Runway 89

Runway Knot Weather Turbulence 89

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 Checkride 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Sometimes it’s emotional—the Beech Starship, what few of them are still in the wild, inevitably wow viewers of both the pilot and nonpilot persuasion. The canopy provides plenty of headroom for even taller pilots, while the view over the nose is equally generous. But successful? Not at all. How did any given airplane sell?

Airplanes 96

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 96

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Landing an airplane can be one of the most nerve-wracking tasks for a student pilot. As a pilot, you will need time to master it. A pilot must consider several things before landing. Brief that you will use the right rudder to align the aircraft straight with the runway and the left aileron to counteract drift.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Final Approach 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

Even if it’s possible to complete the training course in a reasonable time with these stipulations, the product of a bubble-wrapped curriculum is a half-trained pilot. The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Airplanes 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

Even if it’s possible to complete the training course in a reasonable time with these stipulations, the product of a bubble-wrapped curriculum is a half-trained pilot. The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Airplanes 52

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

Pilots who regularly operate at high elevation airports are (or should be) familiar with planning this type of flying. The “Six” can seat 6 (pilot + 5 passengers) in a 2-2-2 seating configuration. Although not a problem for airliners, flying at high altitude airports presents challenges for pilots of small piston aircraft.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

A flat spin is a thrilling (and potentially dangerous) flight phenomenon that pilots must prepare for. In reality, flat spins can challenge even experienced pilots, making it important for you to understand what they are and how to handle them. Ready to become a safer pilot? Ailerons: Neutral. Let’s get started!

Center of Gravity 98

Center of Gravity Weight-Shift-Control Aileron Rudder 98

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? What Is a Stall in Aviation?

Lift 98

Lift Accelerated Stall Pilot AGL 98

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 6, 2025

Spin recovery flight training is crucial for every pilot. It teaches how to regain control when an aircraft enters a spinone of the most dangerous situations a pilot can face. Without the right training, a spin can be deadly, especially if the pilot doesnt know how to react.

Rudder 52

Rudder Aileron Pilot Turbulence 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

Landing an airplane is not easy, even for experienced pilots. Why Crosswind Landings Aren’t Easy Ideally, pilots want the wind to hit the aircraft dead on the nose while landing. If the pilot makes no corrections, the aircraft gets blown off the runway centerline. Simultaneously, we apply ailerons opposite the rudder input.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Large aircraft use yaw dampers while small aircraft rely on piloting techniques to counter Dutch roll. The trigger can be any external force such as a wind gust or turbulence. For example, if a statically stable aircraft gets blown off course by a gust of wind, it tries to return to its original heading without pilot input.

Stability 52

Stability Center of Gravity Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 12, 2024

Power-off stalls can be anxiety-inducing for student pilots when they first experience them. As a result, a power-on stall is nerve-wracking for student pilots because it features a very high pitch angle, especially with full engine power. There are very obvious indications the pilot receives of an impending stall.

Stability 52

Stability Horizontal Stabilizer Airplanes Lift 52

AV Web

APRIL 15, 2025

Student pilots get a free pass, because theyre adorable skittering off runways in Loss of Directional Control (LODC) events that vex the best among us. But assumptions spiraled for this private pilot in a 1953 Bell 47D helicopter (think M.A.S.H) No mention if the Cessna pilot noticed. at Marana, Arizona, on 2021s first day.

Pilot 52

Pilot Airplanes Runway Descent 52