Instructional Constants
A number of constants have been recommended Constants while not the only way to fly simplify the complexities of maneuvering an...Repairs
P The main difference between a 100 hour inspection and annual inspection is that the airframe and power plant mechanic can sign off the 100 hour but the...
More on Mid-Airs
ul li Over half of the people involved in midair accidents were survivors BR li The probability of a...
Weather Accidents
1 Ice accidents: One per year in California Indiana is worst with almost 2 a year 4 of the 5 California accidents occurred between...
Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs)
P B SDRs B are a mechanics #146; report on maintenance problems These are collected by the FAA and aircraft manufacturer and passed on...
521 Maintenance
During WWII one of the very first airborne radar sets from England was code named the 521 Aircraft using this set were equipped with...
Minimum Equipment List
P I Reference FAR Part 91 I P P P Knowledge of required instruments and equipment for day night VFR...
Getting the ATIS
P One of my readers asked that I expand of the following statement: quot;The student will benefit from getting the ATIS with the engine running at all...
Fatigue and Flying
P Acute fatigue occurs when a long period passes with a lack of sleep Chronic fatigue occurs when several acute fatigue periods occur without adequate recovery time...
Downwind Takeoff
P demonstration BR At controlled airports the non assertive pilot just goes where he is told to go There are occasions where for convenience...
Emergency Procedures
Use of checklist BR Emergency descent BR Situations where required BR Advantage of using flaps BR Speeds within 5 knots BR ...
Why Takeoff Pitch Changes
P The initial lift off attitude at Vso is slightly higher than that required for Vy best rate of climb but is about right for Vx...
Fuel Accidents
ul li The number one cause of engine failure is lack of fuel BR li 10 of General Aviation accidents are caused...
About Questions
P A friend was hauling a body from a remote location in Canada Only a caretaker was around the strip After considering the trees that lined...
Music and Flying
I don #39;t know that anyone has ever equated music to flying by comparing the skills of a music master vs a student to the ...
Command Authority
FAR 91 3: quot;The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation ...
The Instructor
I can teach you to fly in about five minutes but it will take the rest of your life to get it right It is not just...
The Plotter
The first aircraft plotter was invented by a Naval officer named Weems He adapted the much larger shipboard plotter into a plastic model which...
ATC Problems in Decending Order
ol li Non adherence to clearance FAR #39;s or published procedures BR li Erroneous penetration of airspace TCA #39;s...
The Compass
The ancients recognized the pole star as being a constant reference for determining direction The Norsemen in the 11th century used a needle of...
Are You Ready?
In the real world of life some things are done too soon Getting married having children picking fruit and going into your own business are...
The Student As A Problem
Of great concern to the responsible instructor is the prospective pilot who is heavily occupied with concerns unrelated to flying Many students who are...
Introduction to Ground Reference
P During the time that I am practicing flap descents and go arounds I try to make at least one descent over a gently curved channel or road...
The Joys of Flying
Getting through your checkride successfully gives rise to a sense of elation and achievement that can only be described in superlatives Just how it...
Private Pilot Legality
License in possession BR Current medical BR Flight review or additional rating ...
Timed Turns
P In VFR condition at level altitude cruise the standard rate bank is selected by using the turn coordinator The degree of bank is NOTED on the...
Dehydration
P Human need for 2 4 quarts of water a day You become thirsty with a deficit of 1 5 quarts of body fluids or 2 of...
Nice To Know Information
ul li Multiply horsepower by 09 to give gallons per hour consumption with safety factor BR li Most aircraft...
Self-Doubt is Normal
B Every so often the instructor finds a student who is going through a phase of flying that is very disturbing to the student...
WD-40 and Cleaning
P The use of WD 40 is not recommended on aircraft It is not recommended because only a light lubricant is left after the solvents evaporate ...
Good Instruction
Communication BR Knowledge and ability to explain BR Ability to demonstrate BR Patience BR Motivation...
What's New
With so much history in the past I would like to take you into the future: BR I am most proud of my...
Sleep
P The most common cause of diminished alertness and proficiency is lack of sleep This condition is said to affect 30 of the U S ...
Night Accidents
1 Night emergency landings are 1 5 times as likely to result in a fatality BR 2 7 of flying is...
Windsock
The word sock is from the colloquial French meaning close in or conceal When an airport was `socked in #39; the windsock was taken...
Operating Without a MEL (Minimum Equipment List)
P B Minimum Equipment List B P P Most older aircraft have been certified without a MEL but everything operational...
Overview of the PTS
75 of Applicant failures are due to instructor failure The Applicant must know that he is pilot in command as well as in compliance with the eligibility rules ...
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
P Even the best instruction will not suffice if the student does not show good judgment The student must always be making a series of judgmental decisions...
You and Illusions
P 1 Illusions can and do occur to everyone BR 2 Proper planning for strange airport conditions is essential BR 3 Weather and...
Maintenance Records
P The owner operator is responsible for all required maintenance inspections and logbook entries on an aircraft FAR 43 gives entry examples of #145;appropriate quot;...
The Student As A Student
P How much does it cost Depends on motivation of student BR How long does it take 62 hours is average My students may...
Parking
P The number one region of aircraft accidents is getting into a parking space Some pilots seem to think it necessary to make a little jog toward...
Fixed Gear Accidents
ul li 1 in 7 accidents result in a fatality in fixed gear aircraft BR li 8 of 10 fixed gear accidents...
Shoulder Harness
1 As of 1975 4 out of every 5 people ever killed in airplanes since the Wright brothers would have been alive if they had been ...
The Risks of Flying
Most flying decisions are easy if the decision is based upon safety Being safe does not mean without risk Engine operations are safe but some 8 percent...
CFI Hours
I took my intro flight a few days ago and when I asked my prospective CFI how many hours he had he said over 600 hrs...
Hood Lessons
P Since hood work is emotionally and mentally tiring it is best to limit each session Gradually extend the hood time until reaching 20 minute sessions ...
Aeronautical Knowledge
For FAR 61 35 a 61 105 b and 61 107 b BR B I certify that I have reviewed _______ home study...
Learning To Fly
P There is no single way to get a pilot license Getting it is faster and cheaper if training is done consistently with the same aircraft and...
Introduction To The Radio
I introduce the ATIS frequency 124 7 the alphabetical sequencing order of information during the day and how to use this information ...
Where am I, Where am I diverting to, what direction is it, Turn the airplane that direction, How far away is it, do I have enough fuel to get there? Do I need to climb to clear higher terrain, Are there restricted or controlled airspaces along the route, is there anyone I have to talk to along the way. Am I on flight following, notify changes. Do I have a VFR Flight plan? Call Flight watch and notify of changes, get new weather whether VFR flight plan or not.