Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

After all, I had just aced my checkride. Class had begun for one young and inexperienced instrument pilot. Passing through 2,800, the altimeter almost stopped, but finally, at 2,900 we punched through the inversion layer! I tucked the hard-earned temporary certificate into my wallet on the second day of June, 1972.

VOR

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 27, 2024

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI My checkrides have always had at least one element of surprise to them. On my Commercial checkride, this happened during the oral exam. The FAA isn’t out to get you on your checkride. I passed on the first attempt, but it was a great reminder how thorough we need to be in our checkride preparation.

Longitudinal Axis

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 25, 2024

Knowledge of these inspections is a required element to pass a checkride. It’s the responsibility of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to confirm that the inspections have been performed and the aircraft airworthy before conducting a flight. One major difference is that any A&P technician can endorse the inspection.

Annual Inspection

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. It’s vital that we take an honest look at our capacity for pilot-in-command responsibilities before each flight.

Pilot

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