The number of hours of flight instruction needed for a flight review, regardless of whether it is through the Wings program or via a BFR, can be...
The Wrong Flaps
We are all trained to prepare a plane for landing. Generically, this includes the reduction of power to provoke descent, extension of flaps as called for in the Pilots Operations Handbook or POH, and extending the landing gear on those planes with retractable gear, before we make a safe landing. However, there are times when the use of full flaps isn't necessary, and by knowing when these cases arise, you will be better able to handle them.
Point Of Diversion 4 — Landing Diversion
Common sense and calculations were missing when two pilots ran out of fuel in flight and experience off-airport landings. Did you see where the pilots went wrong in last week's POD examples?
Following Directions: Ramp Traffic
Marshalling aircraft is one of the most thankless tasks that linemen must perform. Often overlooked during pilot training, and in practice, it's also prone to mishaps. As those who work the line will tell you, it is one of the least understood areas of operation among pilots ... that's us, folks.
Trivia Testers : Are Two I’s Better Than One?
True or False: A private pilot with an airplane, single-engine land rating can always be guaranteed to receive better flight instruction if he gets it from an instrument flight instructor.
Danger Signs – Loose Rivets
I HAD A FRIEND WHO WAS A PILOT, AND WHO OWNED A BEECH SUNDOWNER. The Sundowner had a reputation as a well-built plane, and was one of Beech's first of a less expensive breed of airplane. The truth be told, while rugged, the Sundowner was a little on the slow side, but was still a lot of fun to fly. It was basically an upgraded Musketeer, but in this new incarnation, shared many components with the Sierra, which was a retractable model, and the Duchess twin model.
Point Of Diversion 3 — Lessons Learned
Bad things can happen when a pilot flies without understanding the complete situation that surrounds them. Last week we learned from three pilots who did not have complete awareness and because of it, each had an accident on takeoff. Let's recap...
From Dream to Reality: A Wright Brothers Primer, Part 3
We all know the story of how two bicycle-shop brothers from Ohio built and flew the first successful heavier-than-air aircraft from the dunes of North Carolina on December 17, 1903. Last time we looked at the path of science and imagination that created the atmosphere in which the Wright Brothers began their work. This time we'll look at how the Wrights adapted that experience to finally conquer the air.
Trivia Testers : Not the First
In July 2001, 13-year old Cody Clawson was hiking with his Boy Scout troop in Yellowstone National Park, but somehow, he got separated from the group. Even though authorities enlisted help from rescue teams in Idaho and Wyoming, Cody wound up spending a cold, wet, and lonely night in a rocky canyon, wondering if he would survive. The next morning, he heard a helicopter flying over a nearby ridge, and the Bell 407 pilot spotted Cody, landed nearby, and flew him back to safety. Who was that pilot?
Point Of Diversion 2 — Takeoff Diversions
If we can spot where a pilot goes wrong on a flight, will it be easier to recognize the same point during our own flights? Last week we heard from a pilot who got in over his head with weather. He learned. Can we?