An archaic definition of disorientation literally meant "difficulty in facing the east." To the pilot, it more often means "Which way is up?" Disorientation, or vertigo, is actually a state of temporary spatial confusion resulting from misleading information sent to the brain by various sensory organs. The body's elaborate navigational system was superbly designed for … Continue reading Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 14 – Disorientation (Vertigo)
Tag: VFR
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
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
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
A Fun and Challenging Cross Country by Jean Liddle
Last Wednesday my instructor signed me off for my second cross-country flight after the successful completion of my first flight from Midway (MDW) to Peoria (PIA) and then to Champaign (CMI). Although I didn't need another long x/c to meet the minimums, I did need another 1.2 hours of solo x/c and another 1.6 hours … Continue reading A Fun and Challenging Cross Country by Jean Liddle
No-Go by David Cohn
Twenty miles out of Allegheny County, enroute to Boston through the haze of western Pennsylvania, I decided to take the train home. I was coaxing the ancient Commonwealth Skyranger through 7500 feet, hoping to get into the clear air above before the ground disappeared into the gray muck below. I was on my way home … Continue reading No-Go by David Cohn
Coast-to-Coast in a 172 by Jeff Mitchell
Prolog: The following is a journal of a transcontinental trip that I took in a Cessna 172L (150 HP), N7262Q, from June 30 to July 12, 1995. I am a 500 hour commercial pilot with an instrument rating and fly purely for recreation. Questions or comments are welcome. Preflight Planning: Early '95 - Started telling … Continue reading Coast-to-Coast in a 172 by Jeff Mitchell
Airport Manners: Courtesy, Common Sense, and Safety by Rich Stowell
(This article was first published in Flight Training magazine in 1995) Given the media's penchant for turning aviation accidents into national emergencies, and given the mounting pressure applied by special interest groups on many local airports, it's about time the general aviation community recognized the heretofore ignored value of good public relations. Politically correct terminology … Continue reading Airport Manners: Courtesy, Common Sense, and Safety by Rich Stowell
Samurai Airmanship by Rod Machado
Miyamoto Musashi, one of the greatest samurai swordsman of feudal Japan, approached his assailant--an enemy of the emperor. Unsheathing his sword, he inched toward his foe, ready for the brief but deadly encounter. Suddenly, the assailant spat in Musashi's face. Composed, yet stunned, Musashi resheathed his sword, calmly turned and walked away. The moment spittle … Continue reading Samurai Airmanship by Rod Machado
Judgement by John Ousterhout
I flew from Salem OR, to Baker City (in the mountainous area of Northeast Oregon) this week on business. With almost 200 hours I believe that I'm still a student. The weather was poor in Baker City early friday morning, but it was VFR by 9:30 AM so I called flight service for a weather … Continue reading Judgement by John Ousterhout