Pilot Institute

MAY 25, 2024

NOTAMs can be confusing and complicated to read. But you could find yourself in serious trouble if you don’t check NOTAMs before you take off. Luckily, you don’t have to stay puzzled by NOTAMs. This article breaks down each type of NOTAM, how to understand them, and where to find them. In the U.S.,

NOTAMs

iPad Pilot News

DECEMBER 17, 2024

ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: 3 key differences to help you decide iPad Pilot News There are a handful of full-featured aviation Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) apps available today for pilots, both free and paid, which provide just about every preflight and in-flight resource you’ll need for both VFR and IFR operations.

Pilot

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

A circling approach is one that, by dwindling numbers and its inherent design, forces the pilot(s) into a seldom used and high-risk evolution–often migrating us to an unexpected and seldom visited zip code of the threat/error management neighborhood. When was the last time either pilot (single pilot) performed this exact approach?

Approach

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 14, 2024

FAA Updates Datalink Weather Advisory Circular iPad Pilot News The rollout of ADS-B datalink weather over twelve years ago was an interesting time for GA pilots. Pilots were free to use the system immediately with these new portable receivers, which improved in-flight decision-making almost overnight.

Weather

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Check NOTAMs Before departure, check the Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM) publication. You might find a NOTAM about your destination’s surface conditions. What Is a Soft Field Landing?

NOTAMs

NAFI

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

NAFI NOTAMs #48 Why do you even have an instrument rating? Guest Blogger Aaron Dabney The new CFI, a client of mine, had just explained to the newly-minted instrument pilot that the proposed flight was below his personal minimums. Hand-fly an approach to 200 AGL? That's the question he got in response. every 24 months?

AGL

Air Facts

MARCH 28, 2025

After checking the NOTAMS, the weather, and filing my flight plan, I stepped into the Intel Shop for my pre-mission briefing. It was a very close-up shot as the drone came in low and fast (500-1000 feet AGL at 500+ knots); the crew had no time to react, except to look up. The PDJ was a strategically significant region.

Airplanes

Flying Magazine

MAY 1, 2024

READ MORE: How Do You Check NOTAMs? kilometers or 4,500 feet agl (25 knots is roughly 12 m/s for reference). READ MORE: Is a Medical Certificate Required for a Private Pilot Check Ride? Most outflow boundaries don’t extend above about 2 kilometers or 6,500 feet agl.

Wind Shear

Pilot Institute

MAY 7, 2025

The incident put the pilots lives in danger and grounded the aircraft for several daysstopping critical operations during a time when it was needed most. Even more concerning, some unethical pilots have engaged in antagonizing wildlifejust to get a good shot. One pilot even attempted to land right on the iconic Mount Rushmore monument!

AGL

Flight Training Central

APRIL 29, 2024

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA). Pilots can request the status of SUA by contacting the using or controlling agency. Warning Areas Warning Areas are similiar to Restricted areas and is designed to warn pilots of potential danger.

Clearance