Pilot Proficiency

What kinds of things should pilots practice regularly once they obtain their pilot certificate? Max Trescott is the 2008 National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year. Based in Palo Alto, California, he teaches in glass cockpit aircraft and in Lake amphibians. He also publishes aviation books and software available through g1000book.com. He says: Celebrate your […]

While the copilot and I began the process of preparing our 757 for a trip from JFK to Montego Bay, Jamaica, my stomach prepared itself for an attack. I was beginning to feel a mild churning sensation. The frou-frou coffee I had ordered at the airport from a franchise chain that will remain anonymous was […]

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 Austin Straubel International Airport in a Cessna Citation. Here’s what he has to say about one of the airport’s FBOs, Jet Air Group. […]

A few weeks ago, Neil Glazer from Pilot Mall invited me to tag along on a fly-in trip to the Bahamas in his Mooney Ovation. The annual trip is put on by the Bahamas Tourist Office as a way to educate American pilots about the processes involved in the quick international journey and about everything […]

We’ve all noticed it: In the last year or so there has been an exponential increase in the number of pilot-shot videos on YouTube thanks to the popularity of portable HD cameras from companies like GoPro, JVC and Pure Digital Technologies, maker of the Flip. Some pilots are even using suction-cup mounts to affix their […]

It ought not to be true, but it is: In every pilot’s life there comes a moment when he wishes he had a little more fuel. Perhaps the headwind was stronger than forecast; the gauges have dropped below a quarter sooner than you hoped they would; the descent and climb for an en route stop […]

If I don’t practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it.” So said Jascha Heifetz, the legendary violinist. Lately, I can relate. Last spring our Cheyenne turboprop sat, lonely and forlorn, in the hangar at Landmark Aviation in Tampa, Florida (our home base), for six […]

Many parts of the country have experienced record heat this summer, and August and September can bring their share of scorching days as well. If you haven’t done so already, you may need to make some adjustments to the way you operate your airplane to keep the engine happy. During your preflight inspection, make sure […]

Read Once I Built an Airline (Part I) here. Every summer weekend through most of the ’60s, Midwest Airways flew its original northern Michigan route from Cincinnati to Traverse City and Harbor Springs as well as the weekday Cleveland and Detroit schedule. So on Friday evenings from June through August at least one Lockheed 10 […]

I earned my private pilot certificate in October 2006 at the age of 35. A few months later, in July 2007, a pilot friend of the family heard I was a new pilot and invited me along to EAA AirVenture ­Oshkosh. Even though I had just met Steve, I thought it was an awesome opportunity, […]