two pilots in cockpit

The value of right seat time

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Most of us will jump at any chance for some left seat time and another entry in the logbook. For better or for worse (mostly for worse I think), we judge pilot ability on total time. But not all your aviation experience shows up in the logbook, and not all your learning takes place in the left seat.

Scenario-Based Training

When I was in high school, I did a project which involved interviewing…

Use your iPad to help with weight and balance calculations

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There are many ways to calculate airplane weight & balance…
TAF

How much can you trust TAFs?

TAFs are a valuable pre-flight planning tool, and they are created by experts who carefully consider a variety of different models and weather reports. But don’t be seduced by the precision of these forecasts. As you conduct your pre-flight weather briefing, consider the TAF a single data point, and nothing more.

Night Visual Approaches – Deserving of a Backup

You’re in the third hour of a cross-county flight which will push your landing in to the night hours. Your destination is a first time visit and ATC instructions will require a non-standard pattern to the unfamiliar airport. Or perhaps, arriving at a pilot-controlled airport, the temptation to fly a non-standard arrival is too great due to the lack of activity at this late hour. Sound realistic or something that has happened to you ?

Tips to Help Streamline IFR Training

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When stressed learning to fly approaches, it is very easy to…

Performance in the Real World – Part 2

Takeoff performance calculations start with a chart from the airplane's POH but there may be more to the story. We'll take a look at one of these charts along with the conditions and notes on the chart that many pilots overlook. We'll also address what to do when the runway just doesn't fit the mold defined by the chart.

Actual IFR

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How much “actual instrument” flight time do you have? Chances…

7 ways to stay informed about Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

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Presidential TFRs will be popping up more and more throughout the year as we approach the 2012 election this fall. Find out how you can stay informed about them and not get caught off guard.
Report card grades

Are you grading yourself as a pilot?

One of the best ways to become a better pilot is easy, free and doesn’t require a flight instructor. Sound too good to be true? Hardly. In fact, you may already do it, at least in some form.