Pilot Proficiency

The heading bug is a great flying tool, particularly when you’re flying IFR. But whether you have your instrument ticket or not, the heading bug can also be quite helpful on the ground on windy days, in any airplane, but especially if you’re flying a taildragger. After you check the ATIS, set the heading bug […]

(September 2011) I am almost certain that on Dec. 7, 1951, the scars of Pearl Harbor had not faded from the memories of most Americans, even 10 years after the attack. I can guarantee the same for Sept. 11, 2011. For airline pilots, the scars will take much longer to heal. Why? Airline pilots took […]

In our FBO Spotlight series, we’re highlighting FBOs around the country that have received rave reviews from our readers. The latest Spotlight is brought to you by Ruhil Dhawan, a DA40 – SEL pilot who recently flew into Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (KABQ) and paid a visit to Cutter Aviation. Here’s his take on why […]

When I called up the pictures of Morristown Municipal Airport (KMMU) drowning in muddy-brown water wrought by Hurricane Irene’s torrential rains late last month, I was a bit taken aback by how widespread the flooding appeared to be. I just didn’t expect that much of my home airport to be underwater. And yet I was […]

Earlier this summer, in the space of just 24 hours, President Barack Obama went from applauding Alcoa, a corporate jet parts supplier, to vilifying the very customers who use that aluminum on their business jets. We were left totally perplexed by the Administration’s singling out of business aircraft owners with blatant political demagoguery. This ill-informed […]

In my last blog, I spoke about the value of keeping quiet as an instructor to allow the student time to recognize and correct mistakes that don’t pose a safety threat. On the other end of the spectrum, it is helpful to talk to yourself in the cockpit. This practice is helpful for all pilots, […]

Landmark Aviation (KMIA) Miami, Florida In our FBO Spotlight series, we’re highlighting FBOs around the country that have received rave reviews from our readers. The latest Spotlight is brought to you by Luis F. Bared, who recently flew into Landmark Aviation (KMIA) with a Citation Mustang. Here’s why he is so impressed with the Miami […]

As I was reading the latest issue of Wired the other day, a tidbit updating the remote air traffic management system being developed by Saab and Sweden’s LFV air traffic control service piqued my curiosity enough for me to delve into the topic deeper. My first thought was simple: leave it to the Swedes to […]

In the Los Angeles basin, there is a phenomenon called the marine layer. Low clouds move in from the ocean and create IFR conditions at the airports close to the shoreline. At Santa Monica Airport, the ATIS may report 700 feet overcast, but that may mean that there is an overcast layer on the ocean-side […]

“This is the crack cocaine of air travel.” That was the humorous yet apt assessment by my seatmate after we touched down last Friday at Rio’s downtown airport in an Embraer Legacy 600. It was a colorful comparison to airline travel from a fellow journalist who had never before experienced flight on a private jet. […]