Ask FLYING

The FAA was charged with regulating air commerce to promote its development and safety and with promoting, encouraging, and developing civil aeronautics. How, when, and why did these congressionally-mandated functions change?

What freezing fog is all about and does it constitute “known icing conditions”?

I want to get my private pilot certificate, but I was told that I will never be able to because red-green colorblindness runs in the family.

A friend told me a story about an airplane that intentionally landed on the lawn of the White House. That got us to wondering, have any U.S. presidents actually held a pilot certificate?

Question: I know student pilots aren’t supposed to carry passengers, but can two student pilots fly together?

You look out on the ramp and most of the airplanes are white with stripes. Is that to make them more visible?

For an airport without a TAF, a MOS forecast can provide some useful guidance about expected meteorological conditions—but it has some limitations.

The equipment is more common on aircraft certified for IFR conditions.

If you can’t put your hands on your log book, the FAA can help you reconstruct your hours and endorsements.

It’s important for pilots to keep it legal in the dark.