Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 24, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying faster, higher, or carrying more payload, this rating is your ticket. Normal, short‑field, and crosswind takeoffs and landings. Performance Planning : Calculate weight and balance, climb gradients, and single-engine service ceiling. Emergency procedures, checklists, and decision flow.

Checkride 52

Checkride Pilot Approach Crosswind 52

Airspeed Junkie

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

Known for its long range and massive payload, the B-52 remains a key player in modern warfare. The aircraft is distinguished by its extensive capabilities, including the ability to deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads, execute diverse missions, and utilize advanced targeting and electronic warfare systems.

Payload 98

Payload Weight-Shift-Control Thrust Aileron 98

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

We may be the best pilot ever born, but we can’t force a tired Skyhawk to climb above its genuine absolute ceiling, undefined by any performance chart. I have one airplane in my hangar that can only carry 500 pounds of payload with the fuel tanks topped off—that’s it, if I’m going to respect the max-takeoff-weight limit, and I will.

Density Altitude 57

Density Altitude Wind Shear Airplanes Pilot 57

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Combining the Gweduck’s advanced hull with its counter-rotating propellers means differential power allows crosswind water taxiing impossible in floatplanes along with higher hull-in-water taxiing speeds. “We Precisely what the single-engine ceiling is, the team can’t say. “We A not so obvious advantage is taxiing.

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77