IFR Magazine

If the airport requires a call to Clearance Delivery for an IFR clearance or VFR departure, you neednt wait until you call Ground for taxi. Just tell CD. After the controller verifies your clearance readback, tell her, Ill be requesting Runway 9. Youve now informed a member of the tower team. They can let you know about any possible issues regarding that runway. Also, when you call for taxi, Ground should be aware of your needs.

Final instrument approach segments can sometimes require a descent in a tailwind, knowing youll circle round the other way to land (or perhaps not). In stable weather, these changes are gradual and the wind speeds dont cause much concern, but anything more than that and things can get dicey. Then, of course, there are emergencies that could force you to choose between the unappealing options of landing downwind or landing off-airport.

While an integrated system like the G1000 incorporates communication, navigation, engine information, an MFD and PFD, no such certified integrated system is commonly available for retrofit. So, one must look upon retrofit glass as containing at least two components-the navigator and the PFD. Most, however, also incorporate an MFD, making three separate devices you must learn.

You will be required to produce your pilots certificate and medical certificate for the FAA inspector. The inspector will also ask to see evidence of your most recent flight review or equivalent (an FAA checkride, for example). Dont worry if you dont have proof of a flight review; its not required to be in your possession. You might score a point by offering to send a copy to the inspectors office, but be prepared to do so.

The wreckage path extended about 185 feet; the propeller, various engine components, and pieces associated with both left and right wings were located along it. The main wreckage was completely consumed by post-impact fire, precluding detailed examination of the cockpit instruments, flight control surfaces and control tubes. One propeller blade was fractured near the hub; the other two blades exhibited s-bending, leading edge gouging and chordwise scratching.

Europes major general aviation show, Aero Friedrichshafen, opened in April with a focus on new technology. Prospective Icon A5 owners have been waiting years for their amphibious LSA, but this spring, many buyers balked at the 40-page contract they were asked to sign. In April, the Senate passed a new FAA funding bill that satisfied many general-aviation advocates, but the bill must still be reconciled with the House bill, which would shift control of ATC to a not-for-profit corporation, with scant support in GA groups.

While reports of drone near-misses from airline pilots at major airports tend to be sensational, most of us believe that for small consumer-grade drones that weigh less than a pound, the safety risk is similar to wildlife strikes, which occur daily, NOTAM or no NOTAM.

After years of living with a multitude of imperfections in the process of certifying airmen, in September 2011 the FAA decided to act. Now nearly five years later, a totally revamped system called Airman Certification Standards (ACS) is planned to take effect on June 15, 2016, starting with Private Pilot and Instrument Airplane certification.

Some of you are already yawning, thinking to yourselves, With GPS and moving maps, who needs VHF nav anyway? To an extent, thats a valid argument, especially regarding VORs. But, there are still a lot of localizer and localizer back course approaches out there, and you may have to fly one. You shouldnt entirely dismiss VHF navigation just yet.