Search Results for: vfr

This article originally appeared in Aviation Safety, April 2004. Probable Cause Lots of pilots like to take to the air and find solitude and thereby freedom. For others, however, there’s something strangely comforting about operating under the watchful eyes of an air traffic controller. If you routinely fly in congested airspace — such as around […]

The FAA has proposed new rules for VFR pilots planning to operate within 100 miles of Washington, DC. Today AVweb talks ith AOPA’s Chris Dancy about the particulars of the rule, the motives behind its implementation, an what it would mean to you. Recommended listening for pilots, patriots, and passionate Americans … . Duration: File […]

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has submitted his resignation – what now for user fees? GAO suggests VFR may not yet fit into plans for future airspace; IAOPA’s push for international rules governing UAVs; flight schools fight background checks; charity flight for pediatric neurosurgery may set aviation record; paying $1 billion to accommodate an airplane; FAA […]

Everybody wants to move up. I guess it’s just natural. Most pilots start out flying “low and slow” and long to go higher, faster, further. The Cessna 150 turns into a 172 and then a 210, to a twin and now everybody is dreaming about a Very Light Jet (VLJ).You see it somewhat in controllers, […]

One way to keep the number of active pilots from slipping is to ensure those who already have certificates keep flying as long as possible. As part of its campaign to battle the shrinkage of pilot ranks, AOPA is petitioning the FAA to relax medical standards for the recreational certificate by allowing pilots medical certification […]

This article originally appeared in Aviation Safety, March 2004. Night flight brings with it a number of threatening elements. From invisible weather to pilot fatigue to visual illusions, night brings with it challenges that don’t seem daunting until you are alone in the darkness.In some countries, an instrument rating is required to fly at night. […]

IFR Pilot Complacency Re: Probable Cause #7 (May 28):AOPA’s Air Safety Foundation did a study of fatal accidents that showed IFR pilots were responsible for a disproportionate amount of fatalities. In my opinion, they tend to become too comfortable with someone else (ATC) watching out for them. As a long cross-country VFR pilot, I don’t […]

The 2005 Cessna 172S that shed its propeller while climbing out from St. Augustine (Fla.) Airport last Tuesday had a crankshaft failure, the NTSB said in its preliminary report. The airplane total time at the time of the incident was 399.3 hours. A pilot had landed the airplane at St. Augustine on Monday, reportedly after […]

COLUMNS Probable Cause #7: Marginal VFR and Complacency of the FamiliarAn IFR pilot may choose to fly VFR on a nice day — but how good does “nice” have to be to let go of the IFR safety net? This week’s Probable Cause report investigates the issue, which first appeared in AVweb’s sister publication, IFR […]

The NTSB determined on Tuesday that errors by the flight crew and an air traffic controller led to the crash of a Learjet 35A near San Diego in October 2004. The jet was being operated as an air ambulance. Both pilots and all three medical crewmembers were killed. The board determined that the probable cause […]