Entries by Charlie Masters

New Year’s Resolutions

/in /by

We read about the accident “chain” – a series of events and decisions that had to occur in the correct order for the resulting accident to have taken place. If a different decision is made anywhere along the sequence, the chain is broken and thankfully, the result is just another interesting flight.

Breaking the Barriers, the Final 4 Obstacles to Your Flight Training

/in /by

Sadly, many of the people who begin flight lessons are never able to see them through to earning a certificate. Much as the ongoing NCAA tournament that began with 68 teams is being whittled down to the final four, pilot candidates fall to the wayside for a plethora of reasons. But this article will discuss the four most common pitfalls and suggest strategies so you become a pilot rather than falling victim to these obstacles.

License to learn and a long cross-country

/in /by

I determined from this experience weather is as forecast only part of the time. Sometimes it may be better but other times it will be worse, so assume forecasts are more like opinions than facts. “This is what license to learn means,” I thought to myself as I was bumping along in the warm summer air. No, the big lesson was yet to come.

Airport Bums

/in /by

If you’re a student pilot, your lessons are probably consumed with trips to the practice area, planning cross countries and honing your pattern and landing skills – fun stuff.  Even those of us with thousands of hours will stay sharp by going out on a sunny Sunday to practice turns around a point.

3 Rules of Thumb for Flying and Some Good Advice

/in /by

A rule of thumb has been attributed to many origins (including the largest stick a man could use to beat his wife) but is generally meant to mean a “reliable approximation.” I fly – and live – by rules of thumb. I want to share three of these and pass on some good advice that may keep you flying and alive for a long time.