Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Area Navigation (RNAV) is a way for pilots to know where they’re going without needing help from the ground. 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). What Are RNAV Approaches?

Approach

Flight Training Central

JUNE 20, 2025

Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course , but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. Here are the five most often missed questions from May 2025 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The OBS for a VOR indicator is set to 253.

VOR

Pilot Institute

JUNE 9, 2025

Holding procedures often leave many prospective IFR pilots in a cold sweat. Pilots use holds for traffic delays, weather, emergencies, planning, or runway changes. Pilot Planning Nobody likes being put under pressure. Suppose an airport has a complex arrival, or the pilot has not planned sufficiently. Is that it?

Airplanes

Pilot Institute

MAY 26, 2025

These clouds can help pilots spot where turbulence might be. Many reports and forecasts are available to assist the pilot in determining areas of potential turbulence. 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.

Turbulence

Flying Magazine

JULY 1, 2025

Some do well while others struggle as they get used to the feel of real controls, refine their rudder coordination skills, and attempt to tune radios and VORs without the option of hitting a “pause” button. Rudder Pedals Are Not Optional Too many home pilots skip rudder pedals. Set your altimeter. That’s a problem.

Rudder

Air Facts

JUNE 23, 2025

I turned back and entered the holding pattern over the VOR where the approach to Whiting Field began. Two pilots landed successfully. I crossed the VOR, turned to the final approach course, lowered the landing gear and flaps, adjusted power, prop, and mixture, started the clock, and began descending toward the MDA.

Altimeter

Flying Magazine

MAY 13, 2024

It has long been said that the private pilot certificate is a “license to learn” as it is the foundation of a person’s flying career. Subscribe Now Featured I am not a DPE, but for several years I have been a check pilot providing mock check rides for applicants at the request of their CFIs.

Pilot

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. However, it’s the nature of the repetition that helps the pilot notice if something is abnormal with the aircraft.

Pilot

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 25, 2024

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. There are several ways the VOR can be tested for accuracy of operation, and the results can be performed and logged in an aircraft log by the pilot.

Annual Inspection

Pilot Institute

MARCH 13, 2025

The CDI Instrument The Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) is an instrument that helps pilots determine whether theyre on course. 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.

VOR

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

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. Pilot: “Dallas Clearance Delivery, Cessna November Four Five One Romeo at the east ramp. ATC will let you know the current altimeter setting in their reply. Altimeter 30.02

Approach

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Key Takeaways MDA applies to non-precision approaches, requiring pilots to level off at a minimum altitude. Pilots use special paths called IFR approaches to help them line up with the runway. These provide vertical guidance, helping pilots know if they’re too high or too low. Keep reading.

Altimeter

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 3, 2025

Garmin SmartCharts: a pilots guide to interactive instrument charts iPad Pilot News For all the cutting edge features found in modern EFB apps, nothing is more important than charts. and any adjustments to be made (runway lighting out of service, remote altimeter setting, etc.). That changed last week.

NOTAMs

Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

Pilots must meet equipment and certification requirements and have ATC clearance to enter. If flying under IFR, you’ll need a VOR or TACAN receiver, or an RNAV system (GPS). Pilot Requirements You’re allowed to enter Class B airspace only if: The PIC (Pilot in Command) holds at least a private pilot certificate.

Clearance

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

For new instrument pilots, flying an approach to minimums is a big challenge. Key Takeaways Instrument approach briefings help pilots maintain situational awareness during the approach. As pilots, we must review and brief the approach in detail before attempting to fly it. Pilots use both types of charts extensively.

Approach

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

If there was one thing that shook my nerves every time as a beginning pilot, it was talking to ATC. Thankfully, as many pilots are quick to discover, radio comms are not really as intimidating as they seem. Even so, no pilot should ever hesitate to ask for clarification if something does not make sense.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Fear of Landing

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Lola was among the first female commercial pilots, breaking barriers in aviation when airliners were almost exclusively male territory. Lola went on to become a commercial airline transport pilot, flight instructor, SCUBA divemaster, and an award-winning author and photographer. of all pilots in the US were female.

Weather

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

If there was one thing that shook my nerves every time as a beginning pilot, it was talking to ATC. Thankfully, as many pilots are quick to discover, radio comms are not really as intimidating as they seem. Even so, no pilot should ever hesitate to ask for clarification if something does not make sense.

Aeronautical Information Manual