Flying Magazine

MAY 13, 2025

Remember trying to drive the airplane on the ground with the yoke the first time you attempted to taxi it? Some people still fall into this habit when tired or distracted. It’s known as the Law of Primacy, as they learned to drive a car before they learned to fly. It may be something far in your pastmaybe even back to childhood.

Rudder

WayMan

JUNE 16, 2025

Heading Indicator (Directional Gyro): Indicates the airplane’s magnetic heading and provides a more stable directional indication than an ordinary magnetic compass. ” Multi-Function Display (MFD): Offers a flexible display of navigation paths, weather data, engine metrics, checklists, and other relevant flight information.

Omni-Directional Range

Flying Magazine

MAY 23, 2025

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale selects an airplane that captures our attention for its value, uniqueness, or presentation. Owned and cared for by an 80-year-old pilot now stepping away from the yoke, the airplane has been lovingly maintained and hangar stored. Todays Top Pick is a 1976 Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III.

Annual Inspection

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

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. Something as simple as a disabled aircraft could you force you to an alternate airport.

Ceiling

Flying Magazine

MAY 21, 2025

Approximately 13 minutes into the flight at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the airplanes vertical gyro failed, which subsequently failed the pilots Electric Attitude Director Indicator (EADI), which then also caused the autopilot to disconnect. This resulted in the pilot having to manually fly the airplane using the copilots EADI.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

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). These would guide them when they couldn’t see anything outside their airplane. The satellites then send the corrected signals back to your airplane.

Approach

Pilot Institute

MAY 26, 2025

These weather events are fierce and brutal, and whats worse is that you never see them coming. Weather reports, forecasts, and PIREPS are the best way to identify and warn others about CAT. And when it hits, it can cause the airplane to suddenly drop, rise, or tilt sharply. Welcome to the world of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT).

Turbulence

Photographic Logbook

JUNE 29, 2025

"Hi.I'm in Delaware." - Wayne Campbell, Wayne's World , 1992 Restless Pilot Syndrome Having resumed acting as pilot in command of my own airplane after a relatively brief setback, I was delighted beyond words to be back at it. During the fall of 2024, I planned a flight to Massey Aerodrome (MD1) in Maryland that I cancelled due to weather.

Runway

Air Facts

JUNE 23, 2025

One day, I was on a training flight with a new student when we got a Return To Base (RTB) call due to bad weather moving in. I turned back and entered the holding pattern over the VOR where the approach to Whiting Field began. As each airplane ahead of me began their approach, I descended in the holding pattern.

Altimeter

Air Facts

JULY 23, 2025

Skyway was a small but vibrant commuter airline that operated a fleet of Beech 99 turboprops, Beech 18s, and several single-engine airplanes of various lineage. My duties at Skyway included flying as copilot on the Beech 99 and Beech 18, as well as pilot-in-command on the single-engine airplanes. For me, it was no problem.

NDB

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

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

It can also be dangerous when the learner drops the airplane to fly the checklist or radio, so practice in the ATD is often a good way to learn procedures, as the ATD is a CFI-controlled environment. To get the most out of the scenario, the learner should use the same procedures in the airplane. It’s an ATD. What could go wrong?

Crosswind

Plane and Pilot

JULY 16, 2024

The written exam, known as the PAR (private pilot airplane) or PPL written, is a multiple-choice timed knowledge test. Although the test is challenging, the PAR (Private Pilot Airplane) written exam has a 90 percent pass rate with an average score of 82 percent, according to the FAA’s 2023 statistics report.

Density Altitude

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Maybe you’re flying with another pilot, and the weather conditions are great. 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

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

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. Frank and I flew out of Grand Island, Nebraska early Saturday morning and the weather looked good to Omaha. He replied that it was cloudy but that he could see for miles.

Weather

Flight Training Central

OCTOBER 14, 2024

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. Pilots should always be evaluating alternate airports.

Ceiling

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2024

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. Transitioning from the TOY VOR is also a heavy line radial along the R-261 and notes that no procedure turn would be needed (NoPT).

VOR

Pilot Institute

MARCH 13, 2025

Glass cockpit HSIs integrate maps, weather, and traffic for better situational awareness. You can use the CDI with navigation aids like VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) or GPS. We wont explain technical details, so you may not understand the example if you havent used a VOR. Q: What is the difference between a VOR and a HSI?

VOR

AV Web

JULY 7, 2024

The day of having random groups of ramp tramps loitering for hours and days at the local airport has passed with the coming of barb-wired fencing, unfriendly FBOs, and snooty airplane owners. Yep, old airplanes like this flown in the old way are the best. People used to smoke a lot in airplanes. He went on.

Cockpit

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. The instructor was able to complete the turn, but the airplane overshot the runway. The engine problem was unaddressed carburetor ice.

Gross Weight

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

Use the Cessna 3-152 mnemonic to remember weather minimums for VFR. They allow you enough clearance to see and avoid other airplanes. These weather minimums exist to prevent you from flying into clouds if you are not an instrument-rated pilot. These airways help guide IFR and VFR aircraft from one navaid/VOR to another.

Airspace Classes

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

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 4, 2024

That’s because each one assists you in navigating to the runway based on the weather and your aircraft equipment. The VNAV calculates the descent path based on many factors, such as aircraft performance, approach rules, weather conditions, and the aircraft’s weight. Better weather conditions. Reduced pilot workload.

Approach

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

Pilot's Life Blog

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Ground school is where youll learn the theory behind flyingeverything from aerodynamics to flight regulations and weather patterns. Youll also dive into concepts like stall recovery, climb performance, and how airplanes stay in the air. Meteorology : Weather plays a huge role in aviation safety.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Flight dispatchers also communicate with pilots and update them about weather, turbulence, and other variables that could affect their flight. Your shift will begin with you gathering the current and forecasted weather for the day. The weather is used to plan the route, calculate the cruising altitude, and more.

Weather

Flying Magazine

MAY 9, 2024

A kneeboard is like a lap desk you use in the airplane. Courtesy: Sporty’s Pilot Shop] Kneeboard A kneeboard is like a lap desk you use in the airplane. Make sure you put your name on yours and that the pipette/gauge is the correct one to use for the fuel tanks on the airplane you fly.

Flight Computer

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 3, 2025

Choose SmartCharts and youll see some new icons next to each line, with a climbing airplane representing a departure, a descending airplane representing an arrival, a feather flag representing an approach, and a circle representing airport diagrams. Take the Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) for the ILS 21L at Cincinnati Lunken.

NOTAMs

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

This can be for spacing or other reasons, such as waiting for adverse weather conditions to pass. Most holding fixes are NAVAIDs such as VORs, RNAV (GPS) waypoints, and even ILS markers. When VORs are used as holding fixes, the fix is usually a specific DME distance on a particular radial.

VOR

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. is talking to Dallas Clearance Delivery.

Approach

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

The weather can change, and approach equipment can fail. ATIS broadcasts usually include active runways, available approaches, important NOTAMs, and the weather. Get the destination weather as soon as possible. Use the weather (along with the NOTAMs) to ensure your chosen approach is still the best choice.

Approach

Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

From entry and weather requirements to interacting with ATC, we have you covered. If flying under IFR, you’ll need a VOR or TACAN receiver, or an RNAV system (GPS). Weather Requirements We find the VFR weather requirements in 14 CFR § 91.155. Terrain or weather around the airspace can add time and fuel consumption.

Clearance

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

A few years ago, I got the bug to fly small airplanes again. We fly our new-to-us Piper to Florida often (the airplane could probably find Orlando on its own), and we agreed it was time for something more adventurous. Our Aircraft Our family’s airplane is a 1976 Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six.

Density Altitude

Photographic Logbook

JULY 6, 2024

Ed and I staged our airplanes on the ramp that morning while Gilead took on avgas for the club's Bold Warrior. We had excellent weather for the trip to College Park and the scenery was beautiful as we flew through the Finger Lakes Region, across the ruffled landscape of central Pennsylvania, and into Maryland. En Route Seneca Lake.

Pilot

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 10, 2023

It was not an inspiring morning to fly out of Sodus, but I knew that the poor weather was localized to the Lake Ontario shore and that Washington DC was forecast to be sunny and significantly warmer. Just north of the Selinsgrove VOR, Harrisburg called with the first change in routing. Moe held out what appeared to be a bicycle lock.

Transponder

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 19, 2023

I learned during the process that all Canadian IFR flight plans require an alternate airport regardless of weather conditions. In the US, the requirement to file an alternate is contingent on weather forecast within an hour of arrival at the destination as described by the “1-2-3 rule”. No officers met me at the airplane.

Runway

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. However, if the airplane is used for frequent IFR travel into Class B and C airports, then the full-glass panel makeover, complete with ADS-B In and Out, may be in order. are numbered.

Cockpit