Features

Sometimes it happens. Youre cleared for an approach when, well, there isnt an approach for you to fly

Hangar rash and other airplane bashings can do substantial damage quickly. The good news is that prevention is fairly simple

Pilot had been there, done that. On this VFR trip the weather forecast was good enough – and it was wrong

Regardless of what the manufacturer or the FAA might say, your POH is full of data you need to verify before you can trust it

Operating IFR to and from non-towered airports can lead to busted clearances, terrain encounters and run-ins with VFR traffic

Departures – even in VFR conditions – can cause trouble if rising terrain lurks ahead, hidden by darkness or clouds

Handheld avionics can improve both safety and convenience, but the jury is out on just how portable they need to be

While not quite an emergency in GA airplanes, flap failures can lead to mishaps due to distractions and handling differences

Accuracy approach and steep spiral, newly added to the PTS for several certificates, help hone skills you can use every flight

Pattern errors and a tight turn put inexperienced Grumman pilot into a coffin corner from which he cant escape