Pilot Proficiency

Proficiency is a key aspect of aviation safety for all pilots. We all realize that flying once every two years doesn’t maintain proficiency or skills, but many pilots who don’t fly regularly for work or other reasons may need a little tap on the back to study and fly enough to keep their skills alive. […]

We’ve written extensively of late about the dangers inherent in the second leg of a long cross-country flight. Taking that concept one step further, another danger zone can be identified with the trip back home, even if that’s a few days down the road. Many of the same factors enter into the risk equation: Problem: […]

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can.” This is from a colorful, abstract picture on my wall, a gift from a friend who knows I passionately believe that’s the way to live. And for me — since I’m not good at anything else — that usually involves airplanes […]

Just about any other week, the sinking of the HMS Bounty and the drowning of one of its crewmembers would be the top news story in the country. This hasn’t been any ordinary week, however, as superstorm Sandy caused unthinkable devastation across much of the Northeast and shut down dozens of airports. I’m from New […]

Radio communication is a topic that causes stress for many pilots, particularly in busy environments such as areas around and within Class B airspace. But in order to make the system more efficient, we all have to exercise patience when we communicate with air traffic control, just like we have to wait our turn to […]

There’s little debate that the prevalence in today’s airplanes of modern glass cockpit displays, GPS navigators, datalink weather receivers and the host of other high-tech gear that we now take almost for granted has in fact made flying easier and safer. Still, the already-too-high accident rate for light general aviation airplanes hasn’t budged in the […]

In our FBO Spotlight series, we’re highlighting FBOs around the country that have received rave reviews. This latest Spotlight is brought to you by our Editor-in-Chief, Robert Goyer, who recently flew into Orlando Executive Airport (KORL) in his Cirrus SR22. Here’s what he has to say about one of the airport’s FBOs, Showalter Flying Service. […]

This week, Robert Goyer reported on the new certification standards that are currently in the making at the FAA. Our industry is in dire need of this change. We need it to improve our safety record and to attract more people into the wonderful world of flying. I learned to fly in a Cessna 152 […]

As a former FBO line boy whose job was to wash airplanes, this video makes me cringe. As a pilot, it also makes my palms sweat a little. The airplane is an Antonov An-24. The place is Bodaybo, a gold-mining town in the Russian Far East. The runway is a muddy mess, making the takeoff […]

While you’re probably never likely to encounter** runway contamination as bad as this**, with the coming onset of winter weather, it’s a good idea to start thinking about how slush, ice, mud or standing water can affect your airplane’s performance. The main effect of runway surface contamination on takeoff is reduced acceleration. Beyond that, loose […]