Beware. The Mesoscale Convective Complex feeds on itself and grows like rapidly-spreading cancer. Vern Weiss It is called the Mesoscale Convective Complex and pilots should be keenly aware of the term when it appears in a weather briefing. Of course, all thunderstorms require caution but what makes the MCC so nasty is that it becomes a long-living, s …
A pilot’s salary can vary just as they do with any other job. Experience plays a big role as far as what a pilot makes, mainly because the different companies and positions available depend on the experience of a pilot . First, if we look at what the different types of jobs there are for pilots , then we can begin to narrow down the pilot salar …
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 talking about some …
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 “ Accelerate – North, Decelera …
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. It’s like a reboot for your brain, shutting …
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 aircraft. ” That&# …
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” qualify?” A sage old instructor once told me …
When looking for a helicopter flight school, here are the 3 “W’s” you should pay attention to. Margie O’Connor You are outside enjoying the gentle breeze of a pure, blue-sky day when up above you hear the wap-wap-wap of a helicopter as it flies overhead. For a moment, you fixate on the helicopter, amazed at the way it flies and are immediately …
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 realize when it happens. Underst …
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”, …
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 community about what causes fati …
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 has cleared you t …
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