What is the culture of aviation? In what ways do pilots think, talk, and act differently from other people? What is good etiquette in aviation? When is a pilot behaving in a non-aviation or anti-aviation manner? What mechanisms inform us of aviation's unwritten rules and by what means is our behavior corrected when it strays … Continue reading The Virtues of Aviation Culture by Michael Marotta
Switching Instructors by Michael Marotta
Find an instructor you can work with and stick with that CFI until you earn your ticket. That is the usual advice. However -- as the Tulip Craze showed -- most people in most times and places are wrong about most things. Even so, it is still true that the road less travelled is less … Continue reading Switching Instructors by Michael Marotta
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
Simulators and the VFR Student by Michael Marotta
To see if working with a simulator can help me be a better pilot, I scheduled four hours in two blocks, with two different CFIs. The result is a qualified "Yes." If you understand the reasons why simulators can NOT help VFR students, you can then find a few things to learn that go better … Continue reading Simulators and the VFR Student by Michael Marotta
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
Radio Gaga by Michael Marotta
Livingston County Airport (OZW) in Howell, Michigan, gets a lot of business from high time pilots who prefer to avoid controlled airspace because they hate talking on the radio. Some of the regulars on the field, including one guy with a Pitts, do not even have radios.In college I worked as a radio disk jockey. … Continue reading Radio Gaga by Michael Marotta
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
NOT BAD FOR $100 — When you fly to Toledo, eat at Max’s by Michael Marotta
You can land at Toledo Express (TOL) or Metcalf (TDZ) or Toledo Suburban, long ago called Wagonwheel in Lambertville, Michigan, (5G9). That does not matter. What counts is that you get into a car and find Max's. There are two: 2336 South Reynolds Road (414) 865-1044; and 805 North Reynolds Road (414) 531-6627. The food … Continue reading NOT BAD FOR $100 — When you fly to Toledo, eat at Max’s by Michael Marotta
My Cross-Country Experience by Sue Winsett
The day was perfect for flying. The clouds were at 5,500 feet with some haze below, but expected to move out before I reached my intended destination. Winds were calm, and not expected to reach peak gusts of 12 knots until between 3 and 6 p.m. - an hour or so after I would be … Continue reading My Cross-Country Experience by Sue Winsett
My First Night Solo was a Bad Duck by Clint Laurie
Do you remember you first solo? I believe every pilot who climbs into a plane and solo's for the first time will take that memory with them and keep it forever. I completed my first solo on October 8th 1999, and that is something I will never forget. My next training milestone was my first … Continue reading My First Night Solo was a Bad Duck by Clint Laurie