article thumbnail

Avionics and cockpit automation

Professional Pilot

Under visual flight rules (VFR) during daytime, a pilot can operate with only basic gauges: an airspeed indicator, altimeter, compass, fuel gauges for each tank, and oil temperature, pressure, and engine RPM readings. This shift from analog to digital redefined pilots roles, turning them from reactive operators into proactive system managers.

Cockpit 40
article thumbnail

Mastering Short Field Landings (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Pilot Institute

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. This is because there is less airflow over the control surfaces.