Leading Edge

I‘ve helped many pilots make the transition from four-seat, trainer-type airplanes into high-performance, retractable-gear airplanes and powerful light twins. If you’ve made that transition yourself, you probably remember zooming up through your desired (and perhaps air traffic control-assigned) altitude as you grew used to the new airplane, and the challenge of accurately transitioning to level […]

I had standardized procedures drilled into me early on — an occupational hazard when your employer is the U.S. Air Force. In Air Force flight screening, flying off-the-shelf Cessna 172s we called T-41A Mescaleros, every flight was a series of standardized actions from preflight to the practice area to landing to shutdown. We knew what […]

Editor’s Note: This week we introduce a new columnist to AVweb readers. Thomas Turner is a NAFI Master CFI who also has a Master’s Degree in Aviation Safety. His monthly Leading Edge column will address pilot training and proficiency issues culled from his extensive experience as a flight instructor. Congratulations! You’ve just earned your first […]