Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

Flying a single engine airplane, under IFR, in the clouds, in a non-radar environment and without an autopilot, adds a great deal to the pilots work load. After all, I had just aced my checkride. With three airplanes, we departed Springfield for Fairfield, Iowa to compete in an NIFA competition against five other schools.

VOR

Air Facts

JULY 7, 2025

From then until my checkride, I would stick strictly to what I needed to know to pass the FAA’s standards. I wasn’t always sure how regurgitating these terms would prove that I could actually fly an airplane. On checkride day, I faked the language well enough to pass the oral exam. To play it safe, I decided to narrow my focus.

Rudder

Northstar VFR

JUNE 30, 2024

Pilots rely on the airspeed indicator and altimeter instruments to measure and display this vital information. The static port is connected to the ASI, altimeter, and VSI. How does the pitot-static system operate the altimeter? The altimeter utilizes the static port to receive inputs of the outside static pressure.

Pitot Tube

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 25, 2024

Knowledge of these inspections is a required element to pass a checkride. Most of these checks can even be done as the airplane is sitting at the gate because they are minimally invasive, require less tools, and take fewer maintenance personnel. Some of these same principles apply to the required maintenance checks.

Annual Inspection

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. Not only are we making checks on equipment and systems, but we’re also confirming our proficiency to fly the airplane. Before you start checking for correct operation of the systems, you need to verify that the airplane is airworthy.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Lazy eights sound like the least challenging commercial checkride maneuver to learn. The higher speed creates extra lift, causing the airplane to bank further into the turn. The pilot’s job is to prevent the airplane from banking too quickly or too far. It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right?

Rudder

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 27, 2025

Airbus FlySmart Airbus offers a collection of apps for pilots to assistwith performance planning, maintenance and other operational guidance when flying these airplanes. Altimeter+ Calculates the altitude of your current location via GPS, or from the built-in barometer included on newer iPhones and iPads.Offers Apple Watch app.

Weather