Pilot Proficiency

Learning how to accurately determine the density altitude is a critical skill that all pilots must master to fly safely. Airplanes simply cannot perform as effectively in low-density air, potentially putting pilots, passengers, and other aircraft at risk. Specifically, a high-density altitude can impact aircraft performance during takeoff and climb. It can also affect the […]

To handle all the traffic flying in the sky in a safe and consistent manner, the FAA developed the National Airspace System. It divides the sky into sectors that serve different volumes of traffic or contain specific activities. Each airspace has different operational rules, pilot responsibilities, and even weather requirements to operate. How are Airspace […]

Aviation is filled with acronyms. Two of the first pilots are required to learn are IFR and VFR. IFR stands for instrument flight rules. VFR is visual flight rules. So what’s the difference? Let’s break it down. What Is VFR? Visual flight rules (VFR), created by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), govern how to pilot […]

When gusty weather enters the mix, use these tips to climb safely.

A FLYING reader wonders if they should take the step, and finds out why taking it would give benefits they hadn’t thought of.

This sponsored post is brought to you by our partner Redbird Flight. Who could forget that moment? Soaring through the bright blue sky, heart racing, you hear your flight instructor say those magic words for the first time: “You have the controls.”   As years pass and ratings amass, you likely recall that memory fondly from […]

Do airline crews have the same recency requirements as GA pilots? We have the answer.

A FLYING reader wonders if it’s OK to be thrifty if the name of some extra weight in a specific situation.

Strong thunderstorms are one of the places aviation and fear often intersect. And for good reason: severe storms have led to countless disasters, perhaps the most famous one being the Delta L-1011 crash at DFW Airport in 1985. That tragedy brought far-reaching consequences to flight training programs and ATC equipment, and led to advances in […]

I’m not planning on being a professional pilot. Why should I get an instrument rating? You may enjoy flying now—but with an instrument rating, you will enjoy it more. Getting an instrument rating is, indeed, a lot of work, but it is mixed with fun. Flying on instruments is like solving a challenging crossword puzzle. […]