Air Facts

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

I Am UNSAFE ChecklistLessons Learned on a Fateful Night Air Facts Journal You get experience by making mistakes and surviving, and then, as a result, become a safer more confident pilot. It was early winter, but the current skies and projected weather looked favorable, so I decided to fly rather than drive.

Ceiling 90

Ceiling Weather AGL Approach 90

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Key Takeaways Airport beacons help pilots locate airports during night or low visibility conditions. Airport beacons (also known as airport rotating beacons or aerodrome beacons) are like lighthouses for pilots. Each beacon was mounted on a tall tower and had a powerful rotating light to make it visible to pilots flying at night.

VOR 64

VOR Pilot Instrument Landing System Weather 64

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Are you curious about flying a VOR approach? If you’re aiming to master instrument-rated flying, it’d be valuable to learn about VOR approaches. We’ll cover what a VOR approach is, how to fly it step-by-step, and even whether GPS can replace it in today’s navigation. Ready to make VOR approaches easy?

VOR 52

VOR Approach Descent Final Approach 52

AV Web

DECEMBER 17, 2024

This was in the early days of having weather radar displays available on portables, and I was glad I had it. The two storms were in tight formation, on the move, and bearing down on my next VOR waypoint, Youngstown, Ohio. I told him what I was seeing and asked for a dogleg to the south to another VOR.

VOR 97

VOR Clearance Weather Pilot 97

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Area Navigation (RNAV) is a way for pilots to know where they’re going without needing help from the ground. Before RNAV, pilots had to rely on radios (NAVAIDs) and antennas on the ground such as VORs (Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range) and NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons). What Are RNAV Approaches?

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Descent Airplanes 52

Plane and Pilot

JULY 16, 2024

Becoming a private pilot is a challenging process and a big accomplishment. Student pilots go through many hours of flight and ground training to become proficient in the required skills and knowledge to ultimately earn their private pilot certificate. What Is the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam?

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Density Altitude Pilot Center of Gravity VOR 81

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

A biennial flight review guide is more than a regulatory requirementits a crucial opportunity for pilots to refresh skills and stay sharp. The FAA mandates a review every 24 months, ensuring pilots remain proficient in regulations, safety procedures, and flight maneuvers.

Weather 52

Weather Pilot Aeronautical Decision-Making Federal Aviation Regulations 52

Flight Training Central

OCTOBER 14, 2024

Pilots should always be evaluating alternate airports. One of the most important skills pilots must continue to hone is sound decision-making. IFR Alternate Airport Planning Legal requirements for selecting an alternate airport Additional GPS Approach Considerations Which weather forecast should you use?

Ceiling 98

Ceiling Pilot Weather Approach 98

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Pilots observe checklist use and learn their importance starting at the first flight lesson. Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. However, it’s the nature of the repetition that helps the pilot notice if something is abnormal with the aircraft.

Pilot 72

Pilot Weather Checkride Annual Inspection 72

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

One of the most important skills pilots learn during flight training is sound decision making. Every flight, regardless of the complexity of the airplane or the distance of the trip, is comprised of a continuous series of decisions involving a host of variables that the pilot must make in order to safely get from point A to point B.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Weather Approach Flight Plan 52

Air Facts

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Air Facts IFR Challenge Air Facts Journal Welcome to our IFR Challenge—a quiz designed for seasoned pilots who are ready to put their instrument knowledge to the test. The pilot may level off at any intermediate altitude within this block of airspace. Climb/descent within the block can be made at the discretion of the pilot.

Clearance 97

Clearance NOTAMs VOR Descent 97

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2024

Louis proper has a big “middle of the country busy” airport that many pilots might choose to avoid—St. Subscribe Now Featured A) Two Radials Depicted From the STL VOR, there are two radials depicted that intersect with the final approach path—the R-144 and the R-194. The “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis Lambert International ( KSTL ).

VOR 59

VOR Final Approach Approach NDB 59

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

You’re not supposed to feel it like you do the aircraft, but this can make you a better pilot as you will develop instrument scan and interpretation skills. READ MORE: Our Pilots of the Future May Share Sim Stories Partial power loss scenarios—especially at low altitude—are very useful. Then the CFI slowly brings the weather down.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Pilot Institute

MARCH 13, 2025

Glass cockpit HSIs integrate maps, weather, and traffic for better situational awareness. The CDI Instrument The Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) is an instrument that helps pilots determine whether theyre on course. You can use the CDI with navigation aids like VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) or GPS. What would you say to them?

VOR 52

VOR Cockpit Altimeter Weather 52

Pilot's Life Blog

DECEMBER 20, 2024

What is pilot ground school? Its the first essential step in your journey to becoming a certified pilot. Ground school is where youll learn the theory behind flyingeverything from aerodynamics to flight regulations and weather patterns. What Pilot Ground School Entails So, what is pilot ground school ?

Pilot 52

Pilot Air Traffic Control Weather Flight Plan 52

Fear of Landing

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Lola was among the first female commercial pilots, breaking barriers in aviation when airliners were almost exclusively male territory. Lola went on to become a commercial airline transport pilot, flight instructor, SCUBA divemaster, and an award-winning author and photographer. of all pilots in the US were female.

Weather 98

Weather Knot Pilot Distance Measuring Equipment 98

WayMan

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Understanding these procedures is essential for pilots flying under IFR ( Instrument Flight Rules ) to maintain organized, safe, and efficient air traffic. The purpose of a SID is to make standardizing departure procedures easier so that pilots are not constantly receiving instructions from ATC. Most airports recommend using a SID.

Pilot 52

Pilot Instrument Flight Rules Runway VOR 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

ADFs, marker beacons, and VOR receivers, each relying on a constantly shrinking population of land-based navaids, fill these dated flight decks. One step up the ladder, the frequent traveler and light IFR pilot may opt for an advanced autopilot, digital glass attitude, and heading displays, and ADS-B In on a tablet or portable.

Cockpit 106

Cockpit Instrument Landing System Approach Pilot 106

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Or you might stray off course and into bad weather or obstacles. If you have weather information Charlie, then you say youre with Charlie. For example: Pilot: Seattle Approach, Cessna November Four Five One Romeo, Two Zero miles west of Seattle VOR, at 8,000, with Sierra, to land. Heres an example. Then proceed as filed.

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Pilot Air Traffic Control 52

Gary's Flight Journal

MAY 3, 2024

I launched from runway three-two and pointed for the Snow Hill VOR. Once south of Myrtle Beach I was turned direct Charleston VOR. The weather is perfect with a cool breeze as we searched for sone late lunch. Wednesday 5/1 I’m up early and as all pilots do, I’m checking weather for our return home. What a nice guy.

Runway 102

Runway Approach Weather VOR 102

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

My soon to be best friend for life, and I, both freshmen pilots, decided to fly to the Indy 500 which was only 650 miles away. We did all the preplanning, rented a Piper Warrior, checked weather forecasts three times daily, and it did not look good, so we didnt tell many we were going.

Weather 96

Weather Airplanes VOR Runway 96

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

Use the Cessna 3-152 mnemonic to remember weather minimums for VFR. If you are a student pilot who plans on flying their first solo cross-country or a veteran pilot going on a trip, learning how to navigate via Class E airspace is a must. It typically begins at 1200 feet AGL but can start lower in some locations.

Airspace Classes 52

Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 52

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Many pilots just memorize the answers instead of truly understanding them, especially when it comes to complicated topics like LPV, LNAV, and VNAV. VNAV adds automated vertical guidance to approaches, reducing pilot workload during descents. Why do pilots need different types of approach guidance? What Are LPV, LNAV, and VNAV?

Approach 52

Approach Descent Weather VOR 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

The many analyses and videos on these topics have been done in what can best be described as laboratory conditions—carefully selected ideal conditions of pilot, airplane, and environment. None of these achieved enough altitude to have permitted a successful impossible turn, but there were pilots who tried, anyway.

Gross Weight 98

Gross Weight Runway Airplanes Pilot 98

Northstar VFR

MAY 19, 2024

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI Ask three flight instructors when a student pilot should take the FAA Private Pilot knowledge exam , and you will likely get three different answers. Student pilots seek clear-cut answers but are often left confused in the middle of well-meaning advice. Have any questions?

Checkride 87

Checkride Approach VOR Pilot 87

AV Web

JULY 7, 2024

A lot was going on there, including the ubiquitous Young Eagle flights, charcoal-grilled processed meat eating, and the usual group of builders/pilots pondering the latest group aircraft project. Sure, I said; back in the day, young pilots like me operated under very little supervision.

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Cockpit Airplanes VOR Transponder 75

Aviators of Tomorrow

JUNE 13, 2023

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a novice looking to embark on your first long-distance flight, careful planning and execution are vital to ensure a successful trip. Here are some crucial steps to follow: a) Check Weather Conditions: Stay updated on current and forecasted weather conditions along your route.

Air Traffic Control 52

Air Traffic Control Weather NDB Flight Plan 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Key Takeaways Dispatchers are often called pilots on the ground. Dispatchers are often considered “pilots on the ground” and play an important part in airlines. In smaller operations, the pilots plan the entire flight. In an airline environment, pilots have many responsibilities. Does it have GPS, INS, or VOR systems?

Weather 52

Weather Center of Gravity Federal Aviation Regulations Turbulence 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Air Facts Journal I got my pilot’s license in 1984, but it was another five years before I became a pilot. Beginning almost forty years ago, I spent time in the cockpit with a series of pilots whose influence I have only recently started to appreciate. I’d get a full flight briefing, regardless of the weather.

NDB 52

NDB Checkride VOR Approach 52

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

This can be for spacing or other reasons, such as waiting for adverse weather conditions to pass. Pilots also request holding patterns when extra time is required. They’re difficult for students to pick up and tedious, even for experienced instrument pilots. For example, to set up the aircraft for landing or troubleshooting.

VOR 52

VOR Pilot Crosswind Approach 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

For new instrument pilots, flying an approach to minimums is a big challenge. Key Takeaways Instrument approach briefings help pilots maintain situational awareness during the approach. As pilots, we must review and brief the approach in detail before attempting to fly it. Pilots use both types of charts extensively.

Approach 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

This year, a promising weather forecast featuring high freezing levels (expected to be 9,000+ feet) led to a decision to fly myself. The day before departure, satisfied that days of consistent weather forecasts reasonably assured a successful flight, I cancelled the rental car reservation. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the gloom.

Approach 69

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 69

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Chances are, if you’re a VFR pilot, you do not have any unless it was with an instructor. If you’re an instrument rated pilot, however, you should have some flight time logged in what FAR 61.51 Look at your surrounding weather. Practice your scan along with GPS or VOR tracking while flying in actual.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Instrument Flight Rules Ceiling VOR 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

However, a forecast for low IFR weather in that part of Maine led us to cancel it. I had no interest in flying one hour north only to be shut out of our destination by weather below minimums for the available instrument approach procedure. Still the better part of an hour away from home, weather conditions were concerning.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Approach Weather Runway 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 9, 2024

While your pilot certificate feels like the most valuable thing in your possession—you would be correct. You may have noticed that pilots carry specialized gear bags, referred to as “flight bags.” Hearing loss can be a common affliction among pilots, so protect what you have. Some pilots carry multiple flashlights.

Flight Computer 52

Flight Computer Pilot Airplanes VOR 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

From entry and weather requirements to interacting with ATC, we have you covered. Pilots must meet equipment and certification requirements and have ATC clearance to enter. If flying under IFR, you’ll need a VOR or TACAN receiver, or an RNAV system (GPS). This article makes Class B airspace easy to understand. Airport, CA.

Clearance 52

Clearance Ceiling Airspace Classes Transponder 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

One rule is to allow plenty of planning time, consider alternates even in good weather, and accept the fact that the best option very well could be to fly another day. First, use a Sectional Chart or sattelite imagery (even for IFR pilots) to get the “big picture” of surrounding terrain and potential obstructions.

Clearance 52

Clearance Turbulence Weather Density Altitude 52