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Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

Flying for extended periods of time at the controls of a basic aircraft was hard physical work, and poor weather or mechanical issues could also add to pilot fatigue on longer flights. Sperrys first autopilot was born from the concept of assisting pilots during longer flights and reducing their workload, both physical and mental.

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NTSB Rips FAA For Delayed 737 Rudder Response

AV Web

As a result, the board says as many as 288 aircraft, most of them flying for about 40 different international airlines, still have an improperly assembled rudder actuator that can cause the rudder to freeze stuck in cold weather. The post NTSB Rips FAA For Delayed 737 Rudder Response appeared first on AVweb.

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NTSB Says Rudders Can Freeze In Hundreds of 737s

AV Web

The NTSB says the rudders on “more than” 353 Boeing 737NG and MAX aircraft can freeze stuck and it’s suggested the manufacturer come up with a solution besides stomping on the pedals to free them up. The pilots couldn’t budge the rudder so the captain kept the plane on the runway using the tiller.

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Accident Briefs—May 2025

Plane and Pilot

The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the development of serious carburetor icing, which was consistent with the pilots announcement of a rough-running engine. Postaccident examination revealed that the left rudder cable had separated at the pulley under the cabin floor.

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How to Wrap Your Head Around Weather

Flying Magazine

In other words, it’s more than just jumping into an airplane and learning stick-and-rudder skills. Despite my background as a research meteorologist, my aviation weather background was limited when I was a student pilot. If you are a student pilot, here are some tips that will help you achieve a good foundation with respect to weather.

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Analog, For the Right Reason

AV Web

I want to take this Champ, or maybe get a Cub, and teach four or five students a year when the weather gets warm and nicer. These students will be taught the stick and rudder and taildragger basics but only up to their solo. Here is my idea, said Tom. The post Analog, For the Right Reason appeared first on AVweb.

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Understanding EFBs: What Student Pilots Need to Know Before They Take Off

Flying Magazine

That environment is not limited to weather and airspace. If not on day one, then soon after the basics of stick and rudder are mastered. This includes route selection, weather analysis, TFR checks, fuel calculation, and filing flight plans. In short, the sometimes tedious but always vital “paperwork.”

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