Friday Photo: 1st solo (16th birthday) Steven Solloway

 

The moment: first solo on my 16th birthday

The pilot: Steven Solloway

The place: Aurora Municipal Airport, Aurora, IL (KARR)

The aircraft: Cessna 162 Skycatcher

The memory: I was fortunate to be able to perform my first solo flight on my 16th birthday and obtain my Private pilot certificate on my 17th birthday.  I am currently working on a Commercial/Instrument at St. Louis University while pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I hope to someday work for the Boeing Aircraft Company in its Flight Test Division.

 

Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]

mixture

Quiz: Aircraft Engine Mixture Control

For some student pilots the mixture control is a thing of mystery. It gets pulled out to shut off the engine, so let’s just leave it alone in flight. Its operation might seem elusive to new pilots but correct operation is critical to keeping the engine running smoothly and for maximum fuel savings. Answer these questions and see if you’re rich on mixture knowledge.

As altitude is gained, the density of air entering the engine decreases yet the amount of fuel will remain the same. This fuel / air ratio can be adjusted using which control?
As altitude is gained, the density of air entering the engine decreases yet the amount of fuel will remain the same. This fuel / air ratio can be adjusted using which control?
Correct! Wrong!
What scenario is most likely to cause a spark plug to foul?
What scenario is most likely to cause a spark plug to foul?
Correct! Wrong!
One good way to temporarily stop detonation or preigntion while in flight would be to
One good way to temporarily stop detonation or preigntion while in flight would be to
Correct! Wrong!
Operating an aircraft engine at high power settings and the mixture too lean can result in what condition?
Operating an aircraft engine at high power settings and the mixture too lean can result in what condition?
Correct! Wrong!
Which engine instrument is best for determining proper mixture settings?
Which engine instrument is best for determining proper mixture settings?
Correct! Wrong!
What procedure is used to achieve the best power mixture setting without an EGT?
What procedure is used to achieve the best power mixture setting without an EGT?
Correct! Wrong!
What is the term for an engine running on a chemically correct (stoichiometric) mixture where the fuel burn is at it hottest?
What is the term for an engine running on a chemically correct (stoichiometric) mixture where the fuel burn is at it hottest?
Correct! Wrong!

Share the quiz to show your results !


Just tell us who you are to view your results !

Aircraft Engine Mixture Control You got out of 7 right!

Want to learn more about avoiding wake turbulence? Check out Sporty’s Learn To Fly Course for more in depth training on this subject.

Video: flying the Icon A5 seaplane around Miami

The Icon A5 is a different kind of airplane. Instead of focusing on speed, range, and payload, it focuses on fun. As an amphibious Light Sport Airplane, it’s as comfortable with jet skis and boats as other airplanes. In this video, ride along as one pilot gets a demo flight around Miami in the sleek seaplane, beaching on quiet islands and flying over blue-green water.

Video from Sonikhanem

Friday photo: first solo cross-country Kaitlyn Gallegos

The moment: first solo cross-country

The pilot: Kaitlyn Gallegos

The place: Palomar McClellan Airport, Carlsbad, CA (KCRQ) to Bermuda Dunes Airport, Bermuda Dunes, CA (KUDD)

The aircraft: Cessna 172N

The memory: After a month of unlucky schedules, and marine layers, finally an airplane was available and the skies were clear. I met with my instructor in the morning going over my flight plan and getting it approved. I was excited, as well as a little nervous. It seemed like the preflight was over in no time, and I was cleared the left downwind departure out of Palomar.

The air was smooth, warm, and clear. The scenery was picturesque and awe-inspiring, and I was completely by myself up at 9,500 feet. I touched down safely at Bermuda an hour after takeoff. The staff there was incredibly helpful. I filed my plan for the way back and took off again. An hour later I touched down safely back at Palomar with a massive smile that lasted the entire day. My first solo cross country was nothing short of perfect!

 

Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]

Video: landing IN the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a great place to fly over in a general aviation aircraft, but how about landing in the Grand Canyon? Ride along with Matt Guthmiller in this video to see the Southwest United States from multiple aircraft, including a flight in a Robinson helicopter. It’s further proof that general aviation offers freedom you can’t find anywhere else.

Video from Matt Guthmiller.

Video review: Stratus 3 ADS-B receiver

Portable ADS-B receivers have been one of the most popular accessories for pilots since they were first introduced in 2012. They connect to an iPad or Android tablet to provide GPS position, subscription-free in-flight weather, ADS-B traffic, and backup attitude information. In this Product PIREP video, go flying with the new Stratus 3 to see how it performs in flight.

For more information, or to purchase, visit Sporty’s Stratus page.