Aerotime

APRIL 3, 2025

Flying for extended periods of time at the controls of a basic aircraft was hard physical work, and poor weather or mechanical issues could also add to pilot fatigue on longer flights. Sperrys first autopilot was born from the concept of assisting pilots during longer flights and reducing their workload, both physical and mental.

Weight-Shift-Control 177

Weight-Shift-Control Cockpit Pilot Stability 177

AV Web

OCTOBER 8, 2024

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has responded to numerous requests from members for advice on how best to prepare an aircraft for surviving extreme weather, such as the hurricanes that are savaging the U.S. Windows and doors should be firmly latched and engine inlets, pitot tubes, and static ports covered.

Pitot Tube 105

Pitot Tube Aileron Lift Hangar 105

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

The first flight got weathered out, with broken clouds at 1,500 feet. Out in the practice area, I did some of my favorite beyond-ACS but still normal category exercises—alternating steep turns with full aileron deflection, extended low speed flight, and Dutch rolls to 45-degree bank each way, again with full aileron deflection.

Pitot Tube 81

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 81

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

It can also disrupt sensors needed for flight safety, like the pitot tubes. If ice blocks a pitot tube, your aircraft’s instruments will provide inaccurate airspeed readings. Most aircraft are equipped with a pitot heater to prevent icing in the pitot tube. The result is an uneven, lumpy ice layer.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52