Flight Planning

While flying from the northeast to south Florida last week it was bumpy at all altitudes and everyone was trying to find a better ride. I overheard this conversation with ATC. United XYZ: Jax Center, were getting a rough ride here at 360. Do you have anything smoother? Jax Center: Yes, I-95 United XYZ (after […]

AOPA has suggested a way to ease the impact of President Donald Trump’s frequent visits to his Palm Beach resort. AOPA President Mark Baker has written Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly asking that “security screening capabilities and gateway operations” be established at Palm Beach County Park/Lantana Airport to allow relatively normal GA operations […]

On a recent trip to visit my inlaws, I was passing by an airport on my way when I heard this exchange: Cessna1234:Tower, Cessna 1234 is ready for takeoff. Tower: Cessna 1234 you are cleared for takeoff Runway 24. Say direction of flight. Cessna 1234: Cleared for takeoff Runway 24, Direction of Flight. Tower: Which […]

It’s probably even money that every pilot who has flown more than 40 hours has awakened in a cold sweat after having had a takeoff nightmare—trying to get performance out of an airplane that is barely in the air, unwilling to climb and rushing toward something tall and menacing. It’s even worse when you’re awake […]

I was listening to Unicom at my local airport in Northwest Ohio when I heard the following exchange between two jets on the ramp. Citation 1234: Taxiing to runway 18 for departure. Lear 5678: You going to Columbus? Citation: Yeah Lear: Wanna Race? Citation: That’s not fair, you’re in a Lear! Ben Stevens

Pilots should be wary when operating close to the boundaries of Class B airspace, the FAA said recently in a Safety Alert for Operators. Flight crew who are on a visual approach may sometimes stray outside the boundaries of the designated airspace, the FAA said. In addition, the published approaches may sometimes take an airplane […]

Years ago, new GPS approaches were commissioned at Houma, LA (KHUM) and the FAA King Air was flight checking them. Tower: “Report JOBUP” King Air after delay: “JOBUP” Another aircraft: “Are you guys naming these after your kids, now?” Bob Dingley

Proposed San Francisco Class B airspace changes would enable lower-angle descents into SFO optimized for the higher glide ratios of modern jet aircraft, reducing noise and fuel consumption. “A low thrust descent in a clean configuration results in the smallest noise footprint [regardless of altitude], and a descent in a clean configuration at near idle […]

Providence Approach:King Air 1234 contact Bradley Approach on 123.95. Providence Approach:King Air 1234 contact Bradley Approach on 123.95. Providence Approach: King Air 1234 – contact Bradley Approach on 123.95 King Air 1234: (Scratchy static)Here, you reply from your seat. This PTT is a POS. Graeme Smith

General aviation pilots make IFR takeoffs in reduced visibility and low ceilings on a daily basis. We line up, launch, establish a climb, transition to the gauges and press on with the flight. Assuming there is an approach with adequate minimums at home plate or a nearby airport, we’re confident we can return and land […]