Air Facts

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Who is the pilot in command of your aircraft? Air Facts Journal The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. ” The pilot in the left seat As that accident shows, being PIC is a full time job.

Pilot in Command 95

Pilot in Command Pilot Approach Airplanes 95

One Mile at a Time

AUGUST 27, 2024

As an aviation geek, I love listening to air traffic control audio, and always enjoy the VASAviation YouTube channel, which does a great job covering noteworthy air traffic control interactions. Pilot: “Okay, cross runway 13R on echo, and follow the heavy on charlie, Aeromexico 401.”

Air Traffic Control 125

Air Traffic Control Pilot Clearance Runway 125

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 21, 2025

Orlando Airport map (MCO) According to ADS-B data, the aircraft made it all the way to 70 knots before it rejected its takeoff, after an air traffic controller warned them of what was going on. With how many planes are in service at any given point, there are bound to be some issues, including some involving pilot error.

Air Traffic Control 88

Air Traffic Control Runway Knot Pilot 88

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 24, 2025

Special VFR is a clearance issued by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that allows pilots to operate in weather conditions below the standard VFR minimums. Lets take a look at special VFR clearances in detail so that you can make an informed decision about using them in the future. What Is Special VFR?

Clearance 52

Clearance Pilot in Command Ceiling Weather 52

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 28, 2025

Air traffic controllers in New York have the reputation for sometimes having a bit of an attitude with pilots, and losing their cool. So heres an interesting interaction, where the opposite is true the pilot loses his cool, while the air traffic controller keeps his calm. Spirit pilot: 4 at P.

Air Traffic Control 90

Air Traffic Control Pilot Runway Clearance 90

Pilot Institute

MARCH 6, 2025

Drones have their own language, and its filled with abbreviations and acronyms that can be overwhelming for new drone pilots. Common Drone Acronyms and What They Mean Lets start off with the most basic acronyms that even beginner drone pilots should know. The effect is that the pilot feels like they are flying while inside the drone.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Air Traffic Control NOTAMs 52

Aerotime

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

At this point, the pilots will contact ATC for push and start clearance , allowing the plane to be pushed back from its parking position (if applicable, depending on the airport) and to start its engines in sequence. Once this message is conveyed to the pilots, they disengage the aircraft’s parking brake, hence the ‘ wobble ’.

Cabin Crew 265

Cabin Crew Runway Clearance Knot 265

One Mile at a Time

JULY 20, 2024

Worst of all, the pilots didn’t even seem to realize what was going on. Instead, they only increased altitude again after an air traffic controller warned them about a low altitude alert. Pilot: “30.14, thank you, Southwest 425.” Pilot: “30.14, thank you, Southwest 425.” Tampa’s altimeter is 30.14.”

Air Traffic Control 141

Air Traffic Control Altimeter Runway Weather 141

One Mile at a Time

OCTOBER 18, 2024

This isn’t good… air traffic controllers cleared two Southwest jets to use the same runway at the same time. VASAviation has an excellent video with both the air traffic control audio and a depiction of where the jets were located during the incident. San Diego Ground: “Southwest 785, hold position.”

Runway 117

Runway Clearance Air Traffic Control Knot 117

Learn to Fly

APRIL 17, 2025

Air traffic controllers play a significant role in keeping all kinds of pilots in the air. Whether you are thinking about becoming a controller, or just talking to one on a regular basis, its worth knowing the requirements and standards the voice in your ear has met to become your trusted partner in the sky.

Air Traffic Control 40

Air Traffic Control Clearance Pilot Weather 40

One Mile at a Time

JULY 29, 2024

So the pilot of the first Delta jet advised air traffic control they’d need a minute to crunch the numbers on takeoff performance: Delta 1304 pilot: “Right now, for Delta 1304, we got four knots too much on the tailwind. Air traffic controller: “Delta 2046, that’s fine… and you have access now?”

Air Traffic Control 120

Air Traffic Control Clearance Runway Jet 120

AV Web

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

The Alaska aircraft, on its way to Seattle, had received clearance for takeoff from Air Traffic Control,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement. We’re grateful for the expertise of our pilots who immediately applied the brakes to prevent the incident from escalating.”

Runway 111

Runway Air Traffic Control Clearance Knot 111

Northstar VFR

MAY 9, 2024

Radio communication is a very intimidating skill for many new pilots. It was for me, especially when I had to fly to a towered field and talk to Air Traffic Control (ATC). We had to quickly learn the cadence of communicating with Clearance Delivery, Ground, Tower, Approach and Departure controllers.

Pilot 82

Pilot Air Traffic Control Aeronautical Information Manual Clearance 82

Flight Training Central

MAY 28, 2024

If the wind is as shown by the landing direction indicator, the pilot should land on Runway 9 and expect a crosswind from the right. The recommended entry position to an airport traffic pattern is 45° to the base leg just below traffic pattern altitude. Safe obstruction clearance in the approach area. Pilot in command.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Runway Clearance Air Traffic Control 98

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 24, 2025

He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. After the war, Robert Thomas remained in the Naval Reserves until 1966, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and worked as an air traffic control supervisor at the New York Air Traffic Control Center for 30 years, and would live to the age of 87.

Cockpit 111

Cockpit Lift Air Traffic Control Flight Deck 111

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

For an instrument pilot, though, there is one key difference between a smaller, non-towered airport and a larger one with an air traffic control tower: obtaining an IFR clearance. Call for your IFR clearance, including route, altitude, and transponder code. Call on the phone In ancient times (i.e.,

Clearance 52

Clearance Air Traffic Control Airplanes Transponder 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 1, 2025

Key Takeaways TRSA airspace enhances safety with optional radar services for VFR pilots. It surrounds busy Class D airports and provides traffic advisories and sequencing. Well, TRSAs exist to provide additional safety for pilots by offering optional radar services. Radar traffic advisories are a type of safety alert.

Visual Flight Rules 52

Visual Flight Rules Instrument Flight Rules Pilot Air Traffic Control 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

In this exerpt from Advanced IFR , by Pilot Workshops, follow along on this IFR flight from Eagle, CO (KEGE) to Aspen, CO (KASE). SIDs are air traffic control procedures created to provide obstruction clearance and a transition from the terminal area to the en route structure.

Air Traffic Control 52

Air Traffic Control Pilot Clearance 52

One Mile at a Time

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

The planes were under their own power (they weren’t being towed), and obviously Atlanta Airport ground controllers would have been giving the planes instructions. So was this a case of the air traffic controller giving incorrect instructions? Is there another explanation?

Tail 117

Tail Jet Air Traffic Control Clearance 117

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Talking to air traffic control (ATC) while flying IFR is challenging in the beginning, but with time and practice, you can master it! Use the CRAFT acronym to note down departure clearances quickly. You cant rely on visual cues to avoid other traffic – or even navigate accurately. What are your intentions?

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Pilot Air Traffic Control 52

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 6, 2024

CRAFT is a simple way pilots remember their IFR clearance. It helps break down the instructions from air traffic control into clear, easy-to-follow steps. Key Takeaways Use the acronym CRAFT as a helpful guide to break down your IFR clearance. Heres a better way to keep track of your clearances.

Clearance 52

Clearance Pilot Transponder Flight Plan 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

Other important measures included agreeing to hire and train up to 3,000 new air traffic controllers; increasing the length of cockpit voice recordings to 25 hours (from two hours); and extending the time frame for airline passengers to redeem travel credits to at least five years.

Air Traffic Control 85

Air Traffic Control General Aviation Clearance Cockpit 85

AOPA

APRIL 3, 2024

The FAA formed a Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) in December to address barriers that prevent pilots and air traffic controllers from disclosing and seeking care for mental health issues.

Air Traffic Control 52

Air Traffic Control Clearance Pilot 52

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. youll need to master the basics of situational awareness, traffic patterns, and CTAF communication can make non-towered operations not only manageable but smooth and predictable.

Pilot 52

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control Approach 52

Plane and Pilot

JULY 3, 2024

They include key points, such as avoiding distractions, trying to predict risks ahead, not assuming others will do what you would in a particular situation, being aware of other vehicles, signaling, and being careful at intersections just in case the other drivers fail to stop for signs or traffic lights.

Pilot 94

Pilot Weather Approach Air Traffic Control 94

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 1, 2024

A Day in the Life of Commercial Pilots: Responsibilities and Challenges Ever wondered what it takes to be a commercial pilot? These professionals, known as commercial pilots, are responsible for flying aircraft, ensuring passenger safety, and managing various in-flight tasks. What Defines a Commercial Pilot?

Pilot 52

Pilot Air Traffic Control Cargo Weather 52

Pilot's Life Blog

JULY 10, 2024

Whether you’re a military fighter pilot or a commercial one, you understand flying comprises many steps from takeoffs to landings. So, after the initial landing rollout, the plane taxis to another part of the runway or into the terminal until a pilot uses it again. It also keeps planes organized on the runway, but what is it exactly?

Clearance 52

Clearance Runway Air Traffic Control Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

Class C airspace is important for traffic separation between aircraft while flying. 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).

Clearance 52

Clearance Transponder Knot Indicated Airspeed 52

AV Web

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

The Unicorn Clearance It was a quiet morningthe pondering kind. Im controlling the airspace southeast of KSEA and its a Cleared direct destination kind of day. And there it is, the unicorn, the never-used clearance. I can count on one hand, with half my fingers, rounded down, how many times Ive issued this clearance.

VFR On Top 53

VFR On Top Clearance Approach Weather 53

Ask Captain Lim

AUGUST 18, 2024

The AAIB revealed that an unqualified pilot inadvertently extended the spoilers, causing the plane to stall and crash two minutes before landing. The cause was a miscommunication between the crew and air traffic control. These examples demonstrate the value of air crash investigations.

Air Traffic Control 59

Air Traffic Control Weather Clearance Cockpit 59

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

The two most useful benefits have been ADS-B datalink weather and a real-time traffic display in the cockpit, delivered by the network of ADS-B ground stations in the U.S. Call the controller or a flight service specialist. File one of these routes and you’re almost guaranteed a “cleared as filed” from clearance delivery.

Clearance 52

Clearance Weather Approach Runway 52

Flight Training Central

OCTOBER 28, 2024

The Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) approach is designed to provide a transition from the IFR enroute segment to the approach environment with little required interaction between the pilot and air traffic control (ATC). Otherwise, the pilot is expected to execute the hold-in-lieu-of procedure turn pattern.

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Air Traffic Control Final Approach 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

You don’t need to check in with air traffic control (ATC) when flying VFR in Class E. It helps separate traffic at different altitudes. Class E is always in the background, making sure both VFR and IFR traffic can coexist in safety. No ATC clearance is required for VFR flights below 10,000 feet.

Airspace Classes 52

Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 52

Aerotime

APRIL 2, 2025

One pilot died, while another pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. Moreover, the situation was worsened by communication issues between the crew and air traffic control. After 43 seconds, Vilnius air traffic control reached out to the crew. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

Cargo 267

Cargo Air Traffic Control Final Approach Descent 267

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

Air Traffic Control (ATC) uses these procedures to delay aircraft. Pilots also request holding patterns when extra time is required. They’re difficult for students to pick up and tedious, even for experienced instrument pilots. Key Takeaways Holding patterns are a delay tactic akin to a stop light in the air.

VOR 52

VOR Pilot Crosswind Approach 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 9, 2024

Exactly like NYC, downtown Boston is encircled by restrictive Class Bravo airspace down to the surface that requires explicit clearance to enter. Although I knew that pilots flew city tours in this airspace, I struggled to find procedural details comparable to those available for New York City. I was a little nervous.

Clearance 52

Clearance Runway Approach Stability 52

Aerotime

MARCH 20, 2025

The National Transport Safety Bureau (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report into the fatal accident involving a Bering Air Cessna 208B Caravan registered N321BA, which crashed in a remote part of Alaska on February 6, 2025, operating flight number 445. Shortly afterward, the airplane began to descend.

Knot 270

Knot Air Traffic Control Gross Weight Airplanes 270