Air Facts

AUGUST 1, 2025

I glanced at the empty right seat, then at the tiny air traffic control tower. I checked the altimeter less and flew by feel, using the familiar trees and rooftops to judge altitude. Throttle full open. At 55 knots, I eased back on the stick. The I-GITR lifted off and I was flying solo for the first time. You’re airborne.

Runway

Pilot Institute

MAY 26, 2025

Did you catch any sudden shifts in your airspeed indicator and altimeter? Stay tuned to other pilots reports and any advisories from air traffic control. These reports help other crews and air traffic controllers stay informed about dangerous areas. See any other odd instrument readings?

Turbulence

Aerotime

JULY 31, 2025

Two of the biggest issues discussed at the NTSB hearing centered around the altitude of the Black Hawk helicopter on the night it collided with the American Eagle Bombardier CRJ700 and appeals by air traffic control staff to move helicopter routes away from DCA.

Air Traffic Control

Aerotime

JULY 30, 2025

Following the hearing’s opening statements on July 30, 2025, the NTSB panel will first conduct an overview of the ‘Accidents Helicopter’s Air Data Systems and Altimeters’. This will be followed by an overview of ‘DCA Class B Airspace and Helicopter Routes’.

Air Traffic Control

One Mile at a Time

JULY 20, 2024

Instead, they only increased altitude again after an air traffic controller warned them about a low altitude alert. Tampa’s altimeter is 30.14.” First and foremost, the air traffic controller here deserves massive kudos. Worst of all, the pilots didn’t even seem to realize what was going on.

Air Traffic Control

Aerotime

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Depending on other traffic ahead, not least at the destination, air traffic controllers (ATC) will clear the flight to descend in stages, to be level at certain waypoints on the arrival route. This may be accompanied by the deployment of spoilers on top of the wing.

Cabin Crew

Fear of Landing

DECEMBER 6, 2024

During the final stages of the flight, air traffic control told the pilot to expect the RNAV A approach to Montgomery County. Air Traffic Control cleared him to fly directly to BEGKA, a waypoint southwest of him. The controller confirmed a descent to 3,000 feet, the minimum safe altitude for BEGKA.

Approach

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Talking to air traffic control (ATC) while flying IFR is challenging in the beginning, but with time and practice, you can master it! You cant rely on visual cues to avoid other traffic – or even navigate accurately. ATC will let you know the current altimeter setting in their reply. Altimeter 30.02

Approach

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 6, 2025

One of the key regulatory requirements for IFR certification is that the aircraft must be equipped with a reliable altimeter, artificial horizon, heading indicator, and other crucial navigation equipment. This includes adding systems like an artificial horizon, a certified GPS, and a reliable altimeter.

Instrument Flight Rules

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Basics of Radio Communications With Air Traffic Control The guiding principle of ATC communications is understanding. Closed traffic Aircraft does not plan to leave traffic pattern Go ahead Proceed with your message – does not refer to any movement. ASA Airplane Flying Handbook can be a great resource.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Basics of Radio Communications With Air Traffic Control The guiding principle of ATC communications is understanding. Closed traffic Aircraft does not plan to leave traffic pattern Go ahead Proceed with your message – does not refer to any movement. ASA Airplane Flying Handbook can be a great resource.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Flying Magazine

JUNE 25, 2025

Cantwell criticized the airline executive’s lack of knowledge regarding a proposal to auction off radio frequencies adjacent to those used by aircraft radar altimeters, which the FAA and industry have warned could create disruptions. Bedford has said he will make the latter his top priority.

Flight Deck