Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 1, 2025

The student pilot may initially struggle to understand the functions of an E6B flight computer. But pilots around the globe rely on this indispensable gadget for charting their flights, crunching numbers to determine time in transit, fuel usage, and necessary adjustments for wind shifts. What Is an E6B and Why Do Pilots Use It?

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed True Airspeed Density Altitude Knot 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2025

Introduction Youre ready for takeoff on a hot, humid day at a high-altitude airport – is your aircraft prepared for the challenge? For pilots, understanding air density isn’t just about physics; its about safety and efficiency in every flight. Knowing how to calculate and adjust for air density can make a difference.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Pilot True Airspeed Lift 52

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The pilot held instructor ratings for helicopter and instrument helicopter, with 872 hours flight time, of which 29 were on type. Five minutes later, about two miles south of Teterboro, the pilot said “What is going on here?” The controller asked if the pilot needed assistance but the pilot said no.

Torque 94

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 94

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

The current emphasis in general aviation (GA) safety is on visual angle of attack (AOA) indicators and impossible turns (return to the airport following engine failure). Would a visual AOA indicator have helped? Was this a power loss after takeoff, whether or not the pilot chose to fly an impossible turn?

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98

Air Facts

MARCH 10, 2025

In Defense of the Paper Nav Log Air Facts Journal We’ve all heard the stereotypes about the way age affects the abilities of student pilots. A mid-lifer often shows up equipped with ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot from the start. For a mid-life pilot, this seems like a criminal waste of time. “Those high school kids?

Checkride 52

Checkride Density Altitude Calibrated Airspeed True Airspeed 52