How My Aviation Knowledge Helped Air Force One
Honor, Duty, Country … and Flying? Shawn Arena Hello again! Hopefully, my prior adventures have been interesting and informational for all readers; this one, however, while not describing any daring or skillful airmanship on my part (ok, my opinion), it does provide one of the most unique experiences I have ever been part of … […]
How To Handle a Plane Crash as Pilot-in-Command
A plane crash involving mountains, ground or other airplanes make for a lousy end to a flight. Vern Weiss Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be Pilot-in-Command of a plane crash? Just because we don’t like to talk about them doesn’t mean they don’t happen and accidents come in all […]
How To Fly In Special Use Airspace
John Peltier Does Special Use Airspace (SUAS) scare you? If you see a Restricted Area on the chart, will you always just avoid the restricted airspace because you don’t even want to think about dealing with getting a clearance through there? Avoiding all types of Special Use Airspace because you don’t want to deal with […]
Understanding How to Fly a Commercial Plane
A vastly different world exists when transitioning from flying small planes to understanding how to fly a commercial plane. Vern Weiss You’ve been grinding away making yourself marketable to large jet companies. Until now, your sphere has been light planes weighing only a few thousand pounds. The phone rings. You’ve been selected for an upcoming […]
The Pilot’s Ability to Self-Assess Pilot Fatigue
Unsolved Issues: Part 1, Amber Berlin The FAA’s final rule on pilot fatigue places more responsibility on the pilot by making fatigue a joint responsibility between pilots and certificate holders (i.e. the employers). This stated responsibility is designed to curb the pilot’s desire to stay out too late and become overly fatigued. However, pilot fatigue […]
Guidelines for Buying an Airplane
Dr. Mary Ann O’Grady So what comes first: the pilot’s license or buying an airplane? At first glance, this question seems to elicit a fairly straightforward response that an individual would not be buying an airplane if he or she was not planning on flying it personally. However, business entities, organizations, associations, and even individuals […]
The Benefits of Becoming a Flight Instructor
Jennifer Roth With each stage of working towards a career as a pilot, a rewarding feeling of accomplishment is acquired. Whether it is the very first solo flight or passing the ATP check ride, each step is important as well as celebrated. Where a pilot wants to go with their future in the sky depends […]
Falling Back On Pilotage After an Equipment Failure
Shawn Arena Hello, and welcome back to another installment of one of my ‘lessons learned’ stories from personal flying experiences over the years. This story illustrates “always have a Plan ‘B’ when Plan ‘A’ fails,” and the usefulness of learning navigation techniques like pilotage and dead reckoning. Another Breakfast Trip to Northern Arizona Like a […]
What Are Airworthiness Directives?
Dr. Mary Ann O’Grady The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues legally enforceable Airworthiness Directives or ADs for the purpose of correcting an unsafe condition in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance under 14 CFR Part 39. The FAA Aircraft Certification Service maintains 12 Aircraft Certification Offices (ACOs) within four Directorates, and each one is […]
Different Ways of Checking Your VOR Receiver
John Peltier When was the last time you checked your VOR receiver? As an IFR pilot, how often are you required to do this test? What about as a VFR pilot? Are you required to check your VOR receiver? The answer for VFR pilots is, well, no you’re not required to check your VOR receiver. […]
When Is a Private Pilot Ready to Fly With Family and Friends?
Dr. Mary Ann O’Grady Prior to making the decision to take family and friends flying, a new or recently licensed private pilot should carefully review the appropriate FAA Regulations under Sec. 61.113, Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command as follows: (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section, no person […]
What Makes Us Aviation Professionals?
A Summary of Qualifications, Ethics, and Responsibility Amber R. Berlin I catch the look exchanged between the pilot and his cargo as they board their commercial flight to Los Angeles. Can we trust you? This unspoken request hangs in the air, each gaze finally broken by the crowd pressing forward to find their seats. A […]
