1. Something has changed: If a change has occurred since your last airman physical, assume the FAA will show an interest. If you have to answer "yes" or report a new condition, expect questions. Anticipate the FAA's questions. Remember, they are looking at a paper record in search of conditions that might compromise aviation safety. … Continue reading Seven Essentials of Aeromedical Certification by John Hastings, M.D.
Author: Reader Submission
You’re Not Tired, Are You? by Eric Simson
IT'S ABOUT 8 PM, YOU'VE completed the aircraft inspection and pre-flight checklist, finding no problems. The flight plan has been filed, and a check of the weather shows clear skies to your destination, two hours away. Your qualifications are current and you consider yourself a better-than-average pilot. Life couldn't be better-but are you really ready … Continue reading You’re Not Tired, Are You? by Eric Simson
178 Seconds to Live
How long can a pilot who has little or no instrument training expect to live after he flies into bad weather and loses visual contact? Researchers at the University of Illinois did some tests and came up with some very interesting data. Twenty student "guinea pigs" flew into simulated instrument weather, and all went into … Continue reading 178 Seconds to Live
Learning the Hard Way by William Gleason
Back in 1990 when I was learning to fly, I had a mishap. I was going to make my first cross country with my instructor. I was told to be at the field at 5:00 as she had another student. I was flying from a satellite field about 20 miles away. Well, when I got … Continue reading Learning the Hard Way by William Gleason
To Go or Not to Go by Cindy Keller
I am a flight student with about 35 hours in a Katana DA20. I soloed several months ago and have been working on my cross-countries. Recently, after taking a month off for various reasons, I scheduled a solo flight. I was nervous, but excited to be getting some flight time. I was a little more … Continue reading To Go or Not to Go by Cindy Keller
Bahamas FAM Trip 2010
I was honored to be invited by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for the 2010 Gateway Fixed Base Operator Familiarization & Seminar Trip. This was a four day trip that included stops at Grand Bahama Island (Freeport), Green Turtle Cay (Abaco) and George Town (Exuma). The trip started on August 26th when the group of … Continue reading Bahamas FAM Trip 2010
Flight Crew Crash Pads
For many young aviators making the leap (of faith?) into professional aviation, it comes as a shock that their first paycheck, indeed their first many paychecks, seem a virtual David to their bills' Goliath. A typical regional airline job starts paying in the high teens or low twenties. That reality combined with the fact that … Continue reading Flight Crew Crash Pads
The Fearful FAA Check Ride Exam by Tom W
Well, there I was... Finally sitting in front of my FAA examiner thinking about how long and hard I had worked to get to this point, and shaking my head in disbelief that after this day, if all went well, I would be an actual pilot. I was about to take my check ride in … Continue reading The Fearful FAA Check Ride Exam by Tom W
Phantom 92’s Got A Problem! by Randy Haskin
An in-flight emergency is a time when pilots are truly "put to the test." A pilot's actions alone can spell the difference between success and failure - even living or dying. In the military flying environment, this is especially true - high performance flying in high performance aircraft often begets high performance emergencies. A pilot's … Continue reading Phantom 92’s Got A Problem! by Randy Haskin
Night Forced Landings by Peter Bedell
When it comes to flying small airplanes, there's not much that's worse than having to make a forced landing at night. Let's face it, most aircraft owners and pilots who fly for pleasure are going to do it during the day; that's just the way it usually works out. Although it's not the only factor … Continue reading Night Forced Landings by Peter Bedell