Pilot Proficiency

Conceding that the certification process for light general aviation airplanes has become a complicated and counter-productive morass of rules and restrictions, the FAA has formed a committee whose responsibility will focus on modernizing the design and manufacturing of entry-level Part 23 airplanes.**** FAA officials and industry leaders are hopeful the streamlined regulations will result in […]

When I was learning to fly, I had a wonderful flight instructor. He was great at teaching ground school, explaining what was going on in the cockpit and talking me through each maneuver. There was only one problem. He talked too much. He talked so much that during my first solo, the strangest sensation was […]

(September 2011) _The recently released _Together We Fly, Voices from the DC-3 by Julie Boatman Filucci is a collection of stories from a variety of people who were touched by Donald Douglas’ hugely successful design. The focus of the book is “why the DC-3 meant so much to so many and why it changed the […]

Sonoma Jet Center (KSTS) Santa Rosa, California 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 Cessna T-210 pilot Mike Lauder, who was recently wowed by the costumer service provided at Sonoma Jet Center (KSTS), in Santa […]

(August 2011) When the Brouhaha erupted over air traffic controllers dozing off on duty I couldn’t help wondering if it’s really important to have humans manning control towers at all hours of the day and night, even at places like Reno and Dulles. Do people have any idea how many airports routinely and safely accommodate […]

Cost is definitely a factor when taking flight lessons. But have you ever given any thought to the value of really good flight training that will help keep you from becoming a statistic? My main goal in writing this article is to further aviation safety by addressing the poor standards I used in selecting a […]

It goes without saying that the ultimate goal of any flight is to arrive safely. It’s no secret that certain kinds of accidents typically target certain kinds of pilots flying certain kinds of airplanes. There are always a few accidents every year that involve freak or tough-to-defend-against events, like bird strikes or unforeseeable structural failures. […]

You might have missed it, but the French accident investigation branch, the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses, has formally recommended that mandatory “triggered data streaming technology” be installed aboard airliners. The recommendation is contained in the latest BEA accident report investigating the loss of the Air France Flight 447, a document that outlines 10 new safety […]

I was sad to read an article in the Houston Chronicle this week reporting that a pilot died after colliding with another airplane near Lake Conroe outside of Houston, Texas. The report said the two airplanes were flying as part of a formation flight of seven homebuilt airplanes. While I have no knowledge of the […]

Taking a check ride for a new rating is always stressful, whether it is the Private Pilot License or an advanced rating. While there is a little room for error, some components are absolutely essential to get right both in the oral portion of the exam and during the flight test. And you can maximize […]