TAA Instrument Approaches: How to Navigate Terminal Arrival Areas

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The Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) approach is designed to provide a transition from the IFR enroute segment to the approach environment with little required interaction between the pilot and air traffic control (ATC). This is accomplished by publishing operationally usable altitudes in lieu of a traditional minimum safe altitude (MSA) altitude defined within a circular sector.

How to obtain an airspace authorization for drone operations

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As a Part 107 drone pilot (commercial operator), or as a recreational drone flyer, operations in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace are allowed without air traffic control permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E (controlled) airspace require ATC approval. Since the inception of the rules governing UAS, Authorizations for controlled airspace operations have become much simpler and can be obtained from the FAA.
CHOOSING AN IFR ALTERNATE

How to Choose the Best Alternate Airport: A Guide for Instrument Pilots

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One of the most important skills pilots learn during flight training is sound decision-making. Every flight, regardless of the complexity of the airplane or the distance of the trip, is comprised of a continuous series of decisions involving a host of variables that the pilot must make in order to safely get from point A to point B.

My first solo cross-country

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Heading back to I69 felt like it should be the easiest part of the flight. After all, it’s home. But as any pilot knows, things in aviation are rarely that simple. As I approached the airport, I realized the traffic pattern was busy—really busy. I could hear multiple calls on the radio and saw the traffic stacking up on ForeFlight. There were two planes ahead of me in the pattern.

Flight planning for a weekend getaway

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There is nothing like trying to depart on a Sunday morning and needing assistance when no one is around. The departure date or day of the week can make a difference. Check the FBO operating hours and emergency (after hours) phone number. I always plan for enough fuel to fly to another airport for fuel if something happens and I am not able to fuel up at the destination airport.

NOTAMS Transitioning to ICAO Format

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FAA is making the NOTAM information more accessible and readable by adopting the ICAO standardized format. Essentially, NOTAMs will be much easier to read and interpret.

Line Up and Wait: What Every Pilot Needs to Know

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When a pilot hears the ATC instruction LINE UP AND WAIT he is cleared to taxi onto the departure runway and position the aircraft for takeoff. In earlier aviation days, this was known as "position and hold" but the phrase was updated to provide additional clarity.

What to expect on a flight review

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The Flight Review is required under FAR 61.56 which must be completed every 24 calendar months. While it’s not a test or a checkride, it’s an opportunity to sharpen your skills and stay up to date with regulations. So, what should a pilot expect during a flight review?

Attention Rusty Pilots: Getting Back in the Air is Easier than you Think

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You may have forgotten that pilot certificates never expire. Once a pilot, always a pilot. You never have to take another test or worry about another checkride. All you need is a Flight Review with a local CFI. A little brush-up with your local CFI with enough flights to demonstrate competence again (minimum one hour), and you're back in the air.
checkride report

How to Interpret your FAA Written Test Report

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Congratulations on passing your FAA Knowledge Test! You are further…