Proficiency

Article: Safety’s Ideal World

In an ideal world, once the probable cause of an accident is identified, there never will be an accident like it again.

Also labeled: Accident Statistics, Columns, FAA Regulations, Features, Flight Hazards, In-Flight Emergencies, NTSB Reports, People and Places, Pilot Talk, Safety, Weather Flying, Weather Skills

Article: Uphill/Downhill Landings

What are the best conditions for landing uphill/downwind or downhill/upwind? It may seem dangerous to land into the wind but downslope on a snowy runway; yet landing upslope with a tailwind seems equally precarious.

Also labeled: Advanced Ratings, Flight Training, Getting Your License, Learn To Fly, Learning Center, People and Places, Pilot Safety, Pilot Skills, Warbirds

Article: Getting Ready For NextGen

Recently, NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman issued a warning that those in the government and aviation industry who are enamored of the planned Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) should get their heads out of the clouds and realize...

Also labeled: Accident Statistics, Columns, FAA Regulations, Flight Hazards, In-Flight Emergencies, NTSB Reports, People and Places, Pilot Talk, Safety, Weather Flying, Weather Skills

Article: From Tailwheel To Turbine

Bill Stewart, until recently a lapsed pilot, sounds like something between a fighter jock and a kid in a candy store as he recounts his latest aerial exploits on the ramp at Chicago’s Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR).

Also labeled: Advanced Ratings, Flight Training, Getting Your License, Learn To Fly, Learning Center, People and Places, Pilot Skills, Warbirds, Pilot Safety

Article: Muffler Inspection

If you were to make a list of the most fun and glamorous aspects of flying, I’d bet that inspecting an aircraft’s muffler wouldn’t be on it. ...

Also labeled: Accident Statistics, Columns, FAA Regulations, Features, Flight Hazards, In-Flight Emergencies, NTSB Reports, People and Places, Pilot Talk, Safety, Weather Flying, Weather Skills

Article: Be A Great Pilot!

The sheer enormity of the subject is a little intimidating. You probably could name several thousand characteristics of a “good pilot.” The she...

Also labeled: Advanced Ratings, FAA Regulations, Flight Training, Getting Your License, Learn To Fly, Learning Center, People and Places, Safety

Article: Kings Of The Sky

"So what are they like in person?” is the first question my pilot friends ask when I tell them I’ve spent a day with John and Martha King, the well-known founders of King Schools.

Also labeled: Advanced Ratings, Features, Flight Training, Learn To Fly, Learning Center, People and Places

Article: Sweet Dreams

If the NTSB had its way, the FAA would be gauging whether or not you’re having sweet dreams and sleeping through the night cuddled up with your teddy bear. ...

Also labeled: Accident Statistics, Columns, FAA Regulations, Features, Flight Hazards, In-Flight Emergencies, NTSB Reports, People and Places, Pilot Talk, Safety, Weather Flying, Weather Skills

Article: The Checkride Chronicles

Who’s the judge beside you in the cockpit, deciding whether you’re worthy of receiving aviation’s highest honor (a license to learn)? Hopefully, it’s someone who’ll make your entry into the world of aviation less than turbulent.

Also labeled: Advanced Ratings, FAA Regulations, Flight Training, Getting Your License, Learn To Fly, Learning Center, People and Places, Pilot Skills

Article: The Steve Fossett Accident

The NTSB says the probable cause of the 2007 crash of adventurer Steve Fossett was an inadvertent encounter with downdrafts above mountainous terrain that exceeded the climb capability of the Bellanca Super Decathlon he was flying. Downdrafts,...

Also labeled: Accident Statistics, Columns, Features, In-Flight Emergencies, NTSB Reports, People and Places, Weather Flying, Weather Skills