Instrument Flight

We’ve all told apocryphal stories of pilots falling so far behind the airplane that they were only holding on by the static wicks. Amusing as these tales may be, falling behind is a major cause of accidents and incidents. There are two reasons for finding yourself in this unenviable situation: Either the airplane is going […]

Distractions are a dangerous element in flying, whether IFR or VFR. A distraction is the process of diverting one’s attention from a required area of focus or task— thereby hindering, or even completely blocking the reception of vital information or addressing a critical task. Mental interruptions may be caused by several things; the lack of […]

In aprevious article on altimetry we discussed various matters that affect the accuracy of the barometric altimeter. The major factor being atmospheric pressure, and to compensate we dial the “altimeter setting” or QNH into the Kollsman window. However, another factor typically ignored is the effect of temperature—perhaps because it’s less crucial compared to atmospheric pressure. […]

At one a.m. local time on November 11, 1995, an MD-83 was making a VOR instrument approach to RWY 15 at Bradley Field (KBDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, when it struck trees on a ridge line about 2.65 miles from the runway threshold. Before we continue, let’s review a few altimeter terms. Altimeter Settings There […]

John and Martha King announced the launch of a completely redone version of the King Schools online instrument rating test prep course at Sun ‘n Fun 2019. According to the Kings, the newest version of the course adds “extensive discussions of risk management interwoven throughout the course in accordance with the new Instrument Rating Airmen […]

With the number of new apps, autopilots and glass cockpit technologies available, some instructors are choosing to specialize in teaching pilots how to use them safely. AVweb sat down with PilotSafety.org founder and 2019 FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year Gary Reeves to talk about his approach to training, technology and pilot safety. Duration: […]

The NTSB says a United Express Embraer 145 that ended up off the runway at Presque Isle, Maine, in early March also started there. In its preliminary report, the board said the regional jet, with 31 people onboard, lined up between the runway and taxiway on its first aborted landing attempt. On the second try, […]

Pro pilots tell us that it’s not the difficulties we train for that will get us. It’s the ones we can’t train for. Here are seven examples of IFR pilots who coped with the unexpected. What would you have done? Too Much Tech? A Beechcraft V35 departed VFR at dusk with rain squalls in the […]

As instrument pilots we are aware of many things that are important to safe flying. Of the many critical items, one that often gets neglected is runway markings—literally the “paint” on the runway, as opposed to runway and taxi lights and signs. Needless to say, I’m referring to paved runways, not grass strips nor waterways […]

Meigs Field The return of Meigs is a long, long shot but I guess it could happen. The location is perfect. Pete Whelan As a note, the Democratic machine will not be able to reopen Meigs. To many green people in the city will not allow it. As far as even making it a helipad, […]