What Are Altimeters & Why Are They Important In Aviation?
Simple Flying
JULY 23, 2024
The plane slammed belly-first into a field, killing nine people (including the three pilots) onboard and injuring 120 others.
Terrifying: Southwest 737 Descends To 150 Feet Above Tampa Bay
One Mile at a Time
JULY 20, 2024
Worst of all, the pilots didn’t even seem to realize what was going on. Tampa’s altimeter is 30.14.” Pilot: “30.14, thank you, Southwest 425.” Pilot: “30.14, thank you, Southwest 425.” The pilots sure sound calm, for better or worse. Pilot: “Yeah, we are, we have to go, Southwest 425.”
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Understanding pressure altitude and GPS altitude in aviation apps
iPad Pilot News
AUGUST 20, 2024
Understanding pressure altitude and GPS altitude in aviation apps iPad Pilot News Ten years ago, ForeFlight introduced synthetic vision and gave pilots a new way to view the world on their iPads. While the altimeter in the airplane can be adjusted to correct for the local altimeter setting, there is no temperature knob to twist.
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What Does A-TOMATO-FLAMES Mean?
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
The Pilot in Command is responsible for ensuring all equipment is functional before every flight. Pilots use the A-TOMATO-FLAMES acronym to remember all the necessary equipment for flying under VFR rules. Some pilots use “A-TOMATO-FLAMES-FLAPS” as a combined reminder for both daytime and nighttime equipment needs.
The Pitot-Static System: How It Works
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 12, 2024
Pilots can use pitot heat or alternate static sources to handle blockages in-flight. The respective instruments for showing these readings are: The Airspeed Indicator (ASI) The Altimeter The Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) Components of the Pitot-Static System Have you ever noticed the little L-shaped component on the front of an airplane?
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What Is Manifold Pressure?
Pilot Institute
JANUARY 13, 2025
When a pilot transitions from an aircraft with a fixed-pitch propeller to one with a constant-speed propeller, they need to get their head around the manifold pressure gauge, what it does, and how to use it. Gauges can serve as backup altimeters in emergencies. appeared first on Pilot Institute. What Is a Manifold?
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Passing Your Private Pilot Check Ride Requires the Right Preparation
Flying Magazine
MAY 13, 2024
It has long been said that the private pilot certificate is a “license to learn” as it is the foundation of a person’s flying career. Subscribe Now Featured I am not a DPE, but for several years I have been a check pilot providing mock check rides for applicants at the request of their CFIs.
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ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: 3 key differences to help you decide
iPad Pilot News
DECEMBER 17, 2024
ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: 3 key differences to help you decide iPad Pilot News There are a handful of full-featured aviation Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) apps available today for pilots, both free and paid, which provide just about every preflight and in-flight resource you’ll need for both VFR and IFR operations.
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What is the Pitot-Static System and How Does it Work?
Northstar VFR
JUNE 30, 2024
Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI Two of the most important pieces of information that every pilot needs to know while flying is how high you are and how fast you’re going. Pilots rely on the airspeed indicator and altimeter instruments to measure and display this vital information. How does the pitot-static system operate the altimeter?
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The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know: Part two
Aerotime
DECEMBER 20, 2024
In the previous installment of this two-part article , AeroTime took you through the initial stages of a routine commercial flight, from the pre-departure checks carried out by the pilots and cabin crew, to what is happening outside the aircraft, and from engine startup to taxi and take-off.
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Complete Preflight Checklists All Pilots Need
Northstar VFR
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
Pilots observe checklist use and learn their importance starting at the first flight lesson. Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. However, it’s the nature of the repetition that helps the pilot notice if something is abnormal with the aircraft.
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Pilot Training Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 16, 2024
In this guide we’ll explain the most common mistakes student pilots make and talk about how to avoid them. Trust me, you’ll find yourself growing into a better pilot, flight after flight. Regular flight practice and thorough pre-flight preparation form the foundation of good piloting skills. Why is this so important?
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How to Read METAR and TAF Reports
Pilot Institute
JANUARY 1, 2025
With the rise in the prevalence of drone flight, drone pilots are now at a stage where they are expected to operate within long-established aviation standards. To this end, drone pilots are expected to understand weather forecasts in the form of METAR and TAF reports. Key Takeaways METAR and TAF provide vital weather info for pilots.
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Top Apple Watch features and apps for pilots
iPad Pilot News
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Top Apple Watch features and apps for pilots iPad Pilot News The Apple Watch has come a long way since the first version was released over seven years ago. Get the watch app here. Altimeter+ Display an altimeter flight instrument on your watch. Get the watch app here.
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Quiz: Understanding the airplane Pitot-Static System
Flight Training Central
APRIL 8, 2024
The pitot-static system is the source of valuable flight information for the pilot. Airspeed and altimeter. Airspeed, altimeter, and vertical speed. What altitude does the altimeter indicate? Vertical-speed indicator, airspeed indicator, and altimeter. The altimeter and airspeed indicator to become inoperative.
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Density Altitude Formula: How to Calculate it Correctly
Northstar VFR
JUNE 2, 2024
Article and Photo by Ally Melick, CRJ Pilot, CFI-I, MEI Everywhere in the country flight training is a unique experience. Indicated altitude is the altitude read directly off the altimeter. If you set the altimeter to the standard 29.92, you can read the pressure altitude off of the altimeter. inches of mercury (Hg).
Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance
Flight Training Central
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Determine the pressure altitude at an airport that is 1,300 feet MSL with an altimeter setting of 29.6. What true airspeed should a pilot expect at 9,000 feet on a standard day with 65 percent maximum continuous power? Becoming airborne before reaching recommended takeoff speed. Settling to the surface abruptly during landing.
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Navy Modernizes Training Fleet with T-54A Delivery
Flying Magazine
APRIL 26, 2024
Navy Awards Contract for Long-Range, Solar-Powered Stealth Drone “The new METS aircraft will give us the ability to train pilots across the services with an advanced platform that better represents fleet aircraft,” Captain Holly Shoger, program manager of the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office, said at the time.
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4 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Flight Lesson
Flight Training Central
APRIL 15, 2024
Making the most out of your training time is vital to become a safe and skilled pilot. What does your altimeter say to start the maneuver? Every moment in the cockpit is precious, especially given the costs associated with flight training. Here are four quick tips: Have a backup plan if the weather doesn’t permit Plan A.
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AVIATES Acronym Explained
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 30, 2024
As a pilot or aircraft owner, keeping your airplane airworthy is one of the most important things you can do. S – Static System and Altimeter Check Pilots flying under IFR need their static system and altimeter inspected every 24 months. Common Questions About AVIATES Do private pilots need to follow all parts of AVIATES?
Understanding Different Types of Altitudes
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.
10 Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Questions and How to Answer Them
Northstar VFR
OCTOBER 27, 2024
Friends and fellow pilots who had gone before me and passed their commercial checkrides all commented that the commercial checkride was the easiest regarding the oral exam and the practical (flying) portion. Here are 10 questions you may encounter on your commercial pilot oral exam: 1. The FAA isn’t out to get you on your checkride.
Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1992 Stolp SA-300 Starduster Too
Plane and Pilot
DECEMBER 30, 2024
Up front, passengers have a tachometer, altimeter, and airspeed indicator for reference. The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1992 Stolp SA-300 Starduster Too appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. The tidy rear cockpit is fully outfitted with a Garmin 496 GPS, G-meter and engine monitor.
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Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Using the VSI and Altimeter for Stability The vertical speed indicator and altimeter are your best tools for maintaining a steady altitude. The altimeter , when set correctly, shows your actual height above sea level. The altimeter , when set correctly, shows your actual height above sea level.
Mastering IFR Approach Radio Calls: A Simple Guide for Pilots
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 12, 2024
For example: Pilot: Seattle Approach, Cessna November Four Five One Romeo, Two Zero miles west of Seattle VOR, at 8,000, with Sierra, to land. Pilot: “Dallas Clearance Delivery, Cessna November Four Five One Romeo at the east ramp. ATC will let you know the current altimeter setting in their reply. Altimeter 30.02
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What is A-TOMATO-FLAMES?
WayMan
DECEMBER 12, 2024
One of the most crucial tools for pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is the A-TOMATO-FLAMES checklist. At Wayman College of Aeronautics, we train aspiring pilots to master such critical checklists, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. S : Safety Belts Ensures passenger and pilot safety.
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“Totally a visibility issue.”
Fear of Landing
DECEMBER 6, 2024
Mooneys are amazing and Mooney pilots are maybe just a little bit crazy, is what Im saying. I want to start by apologising to all Mooney pilots for that, because their comparison to the pilot in this case was most unfair. The pilot that day was just a little bit crazy in completely his own way.
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Randy’s Warbird Profiles: Beechcraft RC-45J Navigator #585
Vintage Aviation News
OCTOBER 18, 2024
The radio altimeter antenna is visible on the underside of the fuselage. The A-19 had two modes: forward- or straight-down view, and had a built-in drift meter to adjust the cameras on the photo run.
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MDA vs. DA Made Simple: A Guide to IFR Minimums
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 12, 2024
Key Takeaways MDA applies to non-precision approaches, requiring pilots to level off at a minimum altitude. Pilots use special paths called IFR approaches to help them line up with the runway. These provide vertical guidance, helping pilots know if they’re too high or too low. Keep reading.
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Ten Types of Aviation Maintenance Checks
Northstar VFR
AUGUST 25, 2024
It’s the responsibility of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to confirm that the inspections have been performed and the aircraft airworthy before conducting a flight. There are several ways the VOR can be tested for accuracy of operation, and the results can be performed and logged in an aircraft log by the pilot.
Jeju Air flight 2216
Fear of Landing
JANUARY 17, 2025
So the 737 T/R uses radio altimeter to enable the reversers. This has been maintained over the various versions of the 737, since the fundamental issue that resulted in using radio altimeter rather than WoW never changed. In other words, it’s highly unlikely that pilots were attempting a go-around after touchdown.
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What Is a SPECI and When Is It Issued?
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Tornadoes, funnel clouds, volcanic ash, or dust storms are extremely dangerous to all pilots. Altimeter Setting The altimeter setting gives you pressure information in inches of mercury or hectopascals. For accurate altitude readings, you should set your aircraft’s altimeter to match the local altimeter setting.
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Airspeed & Vertical Speed
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
But is that something a pilot would actually think about in flight? Does this concept allow the pilot to fly more precisely or more safely? Chapter 4 of the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook is the poster child for this kind of pilot-abusing declamation. How does a pilot trade off a thousand feet of altitude for more speed?
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How to Recover from Unusual Attitudes
Pilot Institute
AUGUST 2, 2024
Being disoriented causes the pilot to make incorrect control corrections. High Workload During a period of high workload, a pilot can become overloaded. Startle affects a pilot’s mental processing. Pilots can protect themselves from startle through scenario-based training. Why are unusual attitudes so dangerous?
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Cessna Skyhawk C172: Features, Performance, and Flight Experience
Airspeed Junkie
AUGUST 2, 2024
Pilots and flight schools favor this aircraft for its ease of use and dependable performance. First introduced in 2005, this all-glass cockpit revolutionized the flying experience for pilots by providing a comprehensive and intuitive interface. This article explores the Cessna Skyhawk C172’s features, evolution, and lasting appeal.
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Indicated Airspeed (IAS)
WayMan
DECEMBER 12, 2024
When stepping into the cockpit, one of the most important instruments that a pilot relies on is the airspeed indicator. Whether you’re just starting your journey to become a pilot or refining your skills as a student pilot, mastering IAS is essential. Ready to begin your journey?
What Is IFR Plane Certification And Why It’s Important
Pilot's Life Blog
JANUARY 6, 2025
It allows pilots to navigate using instruments instead of relying on visual cues, ensuring safer flights in challenging environments. With IFR certification, pilots are able to navigate solely by reference to aircraft instruments, rather than relying on visual cues outside the cockpit. This is where IFR certification comes into play.
Basic attitude instrument flying – the foundation for IFR flight
Flight Training Central
FEBRUARY 22, 2024
As the complete instrument pilot, you should be able to maintain heading, altitude, and airspeed at speeds ranging from cruise to approach. First, the airplane is more stable in pitch than bank and, if you are a typical VFR pilot, you refer to the altimeter more than to the heading indicator. There are several reasons for this.
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Round Dials or Glass Cockpits: Which is the Superior Choice?
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 30, 2024
Deciding between a traditional round-dial cockpit and a modern glass cockpit can be a big deal for some pilots. Pilots maintain situational awareness of the aircraft by continuously scanning the instruments. Alerts Aural and visual alerts signal pilots that something important requires their attention. Let’s go over them.
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Budget Buys and Early Bye-Bye’s
Air Facts
AUGUST 5, 2024
That said, you earned your Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating back in SoCal, as the local pilot’s fondly refer to that part of the country. Inasmuch as I personally find that wording to be somewhat illusive, it does essentially mean that Part 91 operators (our mystery pilot) has none and can depart with zero visibillity.
Soaring and the Aviation Safety Reporting System
Air Facts
JULY 19, 2024
Before you realized it, the altimeter had wound itself well past the initial ceiling you had mentally calculated in your preflight planning, and now you found yourself squarely inside Class B airspace – OUCH! After all, what could go wrong? What to do if you inadvertently fly into Class B airspace?
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‘The Shepherd’ Disney’s Christmas Mystery Film
Vintage Aviation News
DECEMBER 25, 2024
Photo Bruce Gordon] The story for those not familiar, goes: “On Christmas Eve 1957, a young RAF pilot Freddie is flying home from Germany to England. Backer, film star and pilot John Travolta isn’t the person you might think in the film. A Vampire film star, just as fantastic as the mythical variety.
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My Near Death Experience
Air Facts
APRIL 29, 2024
I queried ATC about when to expect the approach clearance and was informed that the Saratoga had appeared to land but the pilot hadn’t contacted ATC to close his IFR flight plan. It’s amazing how the brain works during extreme stress with the realization two of my loved ones came so close to being killed at the hands of their pilot.
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Better Braking
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
When thinking of ways to display your mastery of flight, most of us dream about buttery-smooth landings, or maybe maneuvers flown so precisely that the altimeter needles might as well have been just painted on. Pilots, as a whole, are generally enamored with speed, if we’re being honest about it.
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