Air Facts

DECEMBER 18, 2024

I had just picked my airplane up from its annual inspection and needed to get my IFR clearance from the non-towered KDMW via cell phone from Potomac Approach Control, as the RCO was out of service. We would shoot some approaches there, then return IFR to PGD.

Clearance 96

Clearance Airplanes Annual Inspection Pilot 96

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. If the inspection hasn’t been performed and signed off by the proper maintenance technician within the required timeframe, the airplane isn’t allowed to fly. By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI Checklists are a vital component for safe flying.

Pilot 73

Pilot Weather Checkride Annual Inspection 73

Air Facts

DECEMBER 2, 2024

We often cruised back to IAD in the twilight haze, asking for a “practice” ILS approach to get back in. That November, I passed my commercial checkrides. Annabelle Fera, my commercial DPE, had conducted checkrides from Private to ATP for over 35 years before retiring in the ’90s. After each lesson, we’d schedule the next.

General Aviation 52

General Aviation Checkride Pilot Cockpit 52