Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 12, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Flight Principles of Flight: Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag Flying a plane for the first time requires a basic understanding of the forces that make flight possible. Lift is generated by the wings, counteracting the force of weight, which pulls the plane down. Ready to experience the skies with us?

Aileron 52

Aileron Drag Rudder Descent 52

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

I requested a descent from 6,000’ down to 4,000’ and was denied due to traffic. I was soon cleared to descend to 4,000’ and entered IMC during the descent while I located the approach chart to brief. I began a rapid descent from 3,000’ down to the 2,000’ for the IAF. The IAF was looming closer. Sometimes simpler is better.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Fear of Landing

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

The Chipmunk continued to runway 24L where the pilot was given clearance to take off. The aircraft started its take-off roll and lifted off about halfway down the runway. A person on the southern apron took photographs of the Chipmunk as it taxied past. Runway 06R/24L is 1,150 metres long (3,770 feet).

Runway 78

Runway Cockpit Pilot Descent 78

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

Put the aircraft in level flight to give them a moment to consider their next course of action so they are not anxiously doing climbs, descents, and unplanned turns. Usually that limitation is lifted as the learner gains more experience as a pilot. It might be no greater than 6 knots with gusts to 10 mph. Keep it realistic.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

But I accepted the clearance knowing that I could change it with a local Approach control like Syracuse. Once on with Syracuse, I decided to rectify the inefficient routing at the end of my instrument clearance and requested direct to Sodus from the Syracuse VOR. This was even better than I requested.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Approach Weather Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing. This can greatly impact landing performance and obstacle clearance. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Power controls the rate of descent, and pitch controls airspeed.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

ABEAM

AUGUST 26, 2023

IFR clearance was direct to DEVBI while we knew we could pick up our oceanic clearance (my first ever !) After passing DEVBI, Scottish Control passed us to Reykjavik Control who told us to pick up our Oceanic Clearance with Iceland Radio on 127.850. after DEVBI with Iceland Radio. We kept at FL090 so icing was above us.

Weather 52

Weather Clearance Knot Airplanes 52