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“Mind if I ride along with you guys?” an old friend and captain named Dave asked me the other day as we prepared to launch for San Antonio. “I’m heading down to Texas and the back is full. I’m hoping to get the jumpseat.” Dave grinned and handed me the usual licenses, jump seat passes […]

If you’re ever lucky enough to fly a transport-category simulator, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by the first few minutes of the experience. The big airplane’s systems are complex and compared to a light aircraft, the handling can best be described as whale-like. Anticipation and patience are critical skills. But what about the other side of […]

We’ve all heard the expression “staying ahead of the airplane” but what does it really mean to each of us? To different people it may well mean different things. Rod Machado advocates that, when in IMC (instrument meteorological conditions – in cloud), a pilot should at all times have determined what are the next two […]

[CITE: 14CFR108.11]  [Page 332-334] TITLE 14—AERONAUTICS AND SPACE CHAPTER I—FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION(Continued) PART 108—AIRPLANE OPERATOR SECURITY—Table of Contents Sec. 108.11 Carriage of weapons. (a) No certificate holder required to conduct screening under asecurity program may permit any person to have, nor may any person have,on or about his or her person or […]

Part of the initial improvements to airline security following September 11 was to upgrade cockpit doors. Ultimately, cockpits will have Kevlar reinforced bulkheads, doors and reinforced door jambs, hinges and locks. However, as an interim measure and to comply with FAA directives, airlines fitted a variety of deadbolts and reinforcing panels to their cockpit doors. […]

Welcome back, class. For those that cut the last session, you can review it here. For the rest of you, here’s a quick review of the highlights from the last session. We covered beacon code assignments, handoffs, initial callups and student pilots using ATC services. In this session we’ll build upon those subjects, explore some […]

Part I“Broker-Of-Record Letter” What is it?..Who Requires it?…Should you sign one? Aviation Insurance can be purchased in two ways: (1) from a “direct writing”company where the insured contacts the company direct; or (2) through an independentinsurance agent who represents several companies. Occasionally, an insurance buyer is asked by an independent insurance agent to sign a”BROKER-OF-RECORD […]

It’s very frustrating when your aircraftis damaged at the hands of some other negligent party. Unknown to many pilots, however, are details of the relationship and responsibilities of your aviation insurance policy versus those of the negligent party who damages your aircraft. By looking at some imaginary claims and describing some of the difficulties that […]

Untilthe September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, war risk insurancewas the most understated and misunderstood insurance coverage written for theaviation industry. Some insurance underwriters did not offer this coverage whileothers included it as an endorsement to the general aviation policy at little orno additional premium. You must admit this is inconsistent, but what […]

My two previous columns about CAF’s “new” C-131 and the development of our normal-procedures checklist for it drew such a phenomenal response, and I got so many excellent suggestions by email, it appears to be in my own best interest to put the emergency stuff up here for comment and critique. Keep those cards and […]