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8 Aviation Visual Illusions Pilots Often Experience

Northstar VFR

When pilots are flying in VMC ( visual meteorological conditions ), vision plays a major role in sending correct signals to the brain on the pilots position, movement, and orientation. A narrow runway can cause the eyes to perceive the aircraft being too high on approach, so the pilot flies too low of approach.

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Reflection 2024: A Grassroots Year

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Needing to fly two missed approaches at Sodus due to low weather. It was my first time going missed outside of a training exercise in a decade of being instrument rated. total), where IMC = instrument meteorological conditions. Sharing the airspace with Air Force One for the first time (that I know of).

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Choosing an IFR Alternate Airport

Northstar VFR

by Gustin Robinson, FAA CFI-I ASEL Flying under instrument meteorological conditions keeps even a good pilot on their toes. But now, while flying in low visibility and overcast cloud layers, you have to rely on your instrumentation more than ever before and keep your eyes inside the airplane.

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Avionics and cockpit automation

Professional Pilot

Maneuvering on a GPS approach at a low altitude is different than taxiing at a busy airport in low visibility during an arrival rush. This can reduce unnecessary diversions in low instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and avert collisions with unexpected wildlife and airport vehicles, especially at non-towered airports.

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Painted Cloudscapes to Saratoga Springs

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From flight planning, I knew that we would experience rain, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and darkness. Mitigating factors included no risk of convection (thunderstorms) or icing at our cruise altitude of 5,000 feet and VFR conditions expected to prevail at Saratoga Springs for our landing.

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Business jet flight decks

Professional Pilot

The HGS-6000 is certified in the US and abroad for low-visibility takeoff (LVTO) and manual Cat III approaches, and delivers superior low-operating minima guidance. Additional features, such as speed offsets, velocity cues, and crosswind adjustments enhance precision, particularly during approach and in turbulent or crosswind conditions.

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Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know

Pilot Institute

The systematic approach is designed to help pilots approach troublesome situations in a calm and logical manner. Information transmitted via ATIS can include weather information, NOTAMs, available approaches, or active runaways. The FAA prescribes the 5P approach to SRM Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, and Programming.

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