Ask FLYING

Doppler images are packed with important life-saving guidance—assuming a pilot knows how to interpret all the pretty colors.

Regulations don’t specifically state that you must, but skipping the interaction can leave you open to potential FAA scrutiny.

The FAA has determined that some structures need to be more visible than others during daylight hours.

Does it have to be in a complex or technically advanced aircraft all the way?

In times of wildfires, note where the fires are and which way the winds are blowing.

The main purpose is to ensure specific items are inspected correctly, and memorization never
hurts.

It’s important to verbally communicate the responsibilities before a flight.

Tarmac pavement as it is known today was originally inspired by an accident outside a factory.

If an automated surface observation system does not have a lightning sensor in the array, it may still report lightning.

Every five years, such decisions are based on how much the Earth’s magnetic field changes.