Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

In aviation, staying ahead of the weather is a must. When weather conditions shift unexpectedly, that’s when a SPECI report comes in. A SPECI (or Special Report) offers a quick weather update between the routine METARs. Let’s explore how SPECIs are going to help you plan around unexpected weather twists.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Weather Wind Shear Runway 52

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

Several incidents involving the Cessna 172 have been documented, typically attributed to pilot error, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical issues. The reliability of the Cessna 172 shines through in various flight conditions, including crosswinds and turbulence. With a fatal accident rate of only 0.56

Knot 98

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 98

Pilot Institute

MARCH 13, 2025

Glass cockpit HSIs integrate maps, weather, and traffic for better situational awareness. The HSI has found its home in modern glass cockpit avionics, along with the altimeter and airspeed indicator. The HSI evolved alongside these glass cockpit systems and has had quite the facelift compared to its airspeed and altimeter counterparts.

VOR 52

VOR Cockpit Altimeter Weather 52

Air

MAY 21, 2025

It is a particularly insidious phenomenon that can be a prime cause of turbulence. Altimeter errors can also occur due to pressure changes. Learn Your Reports: Get thoroughly familiar with interpreting METARs, TAFs, and other weather products. This rapid change can occur with height or across a horizontal expanse.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Wind Shear Groundspeed Flight Computer 52

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 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Weather It’s a good idea to brief any weather that could make your landing more challenging. Depending on the wind direction and airport surroundings, you may experience some turbulence. This will reduce your workload in turbulent conditions. But this can be hard to judge when the altimeter is so sensitive.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Crosswind 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 26, 2025

Welcome to the world of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT). These weather events are fierce and brutal, and whats worse is that you never see them coming. Lets take a closer look at clear air turbulence, so you can anticipate where they might show up, and learn how to manage the risks involved. What Is Clear Air Turbulence?

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Weather Jet 52

Aerotime

MARCH 13, 2025

On February 3, 1959, a Beechcraft Bonanza crashed in bad weather near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing four exemplary musicians of the time. By February, the cold weather had begun to take its toll. But a flash advisory issued by the US Weather Bureau at 11:35 pm that night indicated that conditions had worsened.

Weather 226

Weather Visual Flight Rules Ceiling Pilot 226

Fear of Landing

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

I hope you enjoy her account of navigating instrument failure in severe weather conditions – a situation that would test any pilot’s skills and nerve. How I conquered malfunctioning instruments in bad weather…on a scheduled flight that should’ve never taken off! Turbulence tosses us up, down, and sideways.

Weather 98

Weather Knot Distance Measuring Equipment Pilot 98

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 2, 2024

Environmental Factors Turbulence Severe turbulence can cause disruption to an aircraft’s flight. In some cases, the aircraft may lose control due to the severity of the turbulence. Conduct a thorough weather briefing prior to the flight. Increasing altitude – read from your altimeter.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Descent Turbulence Lift 52

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

A pit stop at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (KCRE) was planned, and after a weather briefing, I filed an IFR flight plan. The Mooney is well-equipped for weather avoidance as it is equipped with a sophisticated spheric lighting detector. I had seen these clouds associated with turbulence before, but all appeared to be calm.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98