The Dangers of a Falsified Pilot Logbook
Avoid rattlesnakes and falsified flight log books. Each has a nasty disposition and sharp fangs that bite. Vern Weiss In August 2012, a Federal Court in Des Moines, Iowa sentenced a pilot to 4 years probation and fined him for falsifying his pilot logbook hours when going for an FAA instrument rating.1 Federal court! We’re not […]
Rules of Thumb That Make Flying Planes Easier
You can make flying planes a little easier by applying a few different rules of thumb provided below. Vern Weiss There’s a lot of minutia and head work involved in flying planes and sometimes a pilot can get bogged down with the calculations and mental gymnastics required. “East is least and West is best” and […]
A Simple Way For Pilots To Combat Aviation Fatigue
Unsolved Issues: Part V, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here, Part 2, click here, Part 3, click here, and Part 4, click here. Are you tired? Maybe you need a nap. Naps decrease the homeostatic drive for sleep by reducing the number of hours continuously awake, which results in a greater ability to focus. […]
Can You Fly For Compensation With a Private Pilot Certificate?
A Private Pilot Certificate doesn’t necessarily preclude earning money in aviation. Vern Weiss “No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an […]
When To Declare an In-Flight Emergency
Declaring an in-flight emergency is not something to take lightly. Play this trump card if you need it but only if you need it. Vern Weiss What is an emergency? The FAA defines it as a “distress or urgency condition.” H-m-m-m…so would “I have to get home because the Super Bowl starts in ten minutes” […]
Looking at Stress and Fatigue in Aviation
Unsolved Issues: Part IV, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here, Part 2, click here and Part 3, click here. Think you wouldn’t drink and fly a plane? You might be doing something similar without even realizing it. This article reveals the exact hour limit when your long day becomes intoxicating, and why you wouldn’t […]
Adjusting to the High Intensity Schedule of Airline Careers
Airline careers necessitate long hours of crushing boredom punctuated by short periods of intensity. The unique demands placed on airline pilots, crewmembers and mechanics can be met with lifestyle and attitude adjustments. Noah Timmins Aviation distinguishes itself from other industries as one that eschews the traditional “nine to five”, “clock in, clock out” work schedule. […]
Working to Address The Problem of Fatigue in Pilots
Unsolved Issues: Part 3, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here, and to read Part 2, click here. In order to achieve a viable solution for fatigue in pilots, we must consider the current beliefs, opinions, and assumptions in the science of fatigue and fatigue management. There is a general consensus in the scientific […]
Dealing With Lost Communications on an IFR Flight Plan
John Peltier A communications failure can be a scary thing – even on a beautiful VFR day. But throw in some clouds, limited visibility, and mountainous terrain, and suddenly this can be absolutely terrifying! As a pilot, maintaining a cool head and knowing your procedures will ensure this situation doesn’t get any worse. Scenario ATC […]
Fatigue in Aviation: Countermeasures That Are Ignored
Unsolved Issues: Part 2, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here. According to Wells and Rodriguez, the majority of fatalities in aviation are due to commercial flights on final approach-and-landing, which experience hull loss (2004). In approximately 70 percent of commercial jet hull loss accidents, the main cause has been attributed to flight crew […]
How Aircraft Deicing Equipment Works
John Peltier Aircraft have sure come a long way when it comes to all-weather capability! One of the biggest advances is how we can deal with ice that can potentially form, or has formed, on the aircraft with aircraft deicing equipment. There are two types of systems with drastically different purposes to keep you safe. […]
When Is an Airplane Pilot a Passenger?
Tori B. Mensching Regulations can be tricky and sometimes downright confusing. Test your knowledge to see if you would make the same decisions this airplane pilot made in the example below. Would you make the same mistake? The Scenario Mark is an instrument rated private pilot who hasn’t flown at night in a while. He […]
