Northstar VFR

JUNE 30, 2024

Pilots rely on the airspeed indicator and altimeter instruments to measure and display this vital information. The static port is connected to the ASI, altimeter, and VSI. How does the pitot-static system operate the altimeter? The altimeter utilizes the static port to receive inputs of the outside static pressure.

Pitot Tube 74

Pitot Tube Altimeter Instrument Meteorological Conditions Descent 74

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 27, 2024

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI My checkrides have always had at least one element of surprise to them. On my Commercial checkride, this happened during the oral exam. The FAA isn’t out to get you on your checkride. I passed on the first attempt, but it was a great reminder how thorough we need to be in our checkride preparation.

Longitudinal Axis 78

Longitudinal Axis Pitot Tube Checkride Pilot 78

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 25, 2024

Knowledge of these inspections is a required element to pass a checkride. These required inspections are vitally important to the safe operation of general aviation aircraft, so even student pilots are required to know the basics to pass a Private Pilot checkride.

Annual Inspection 65

Annual Inspection VOR Instrument Flight Rules Altimeter 65

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 2, 2024

Increasing altitude – read from your altimeter. Decreasing altitude – read from your altimeter. Decreasing altitude – read from your altimeter. When the altimeter stops decreasing in altitude, hold your attitude. An increasing rate of climb – read from your vertical speed indicator.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Descent Turbulence Lift 52

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. You’ll need to show these inspection endorsements to the examiner at your checkride. By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI Checklists are a vital component for safe flying.

Pilot 74

Pilot Weather Checkride Annual Inspection 74

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Lazy eights sound like the least challenging commercial checkride maneuver to learn. Glance at your altimeter. It’s an amazing feeling to hit your target altitude without having glanced at the altimeter. What standards does the commercial checkride require? It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right?

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. The local altimeter setting is 29.65, the temperature is 25°C, and we have a 9-knot headwind. Subtract the altimeter setting from 29.92, multiply it by 1,000, and add that to the field elevation. Feeling overwhelmed by this challenging maneuver?

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52