For new instrument pilots, flying an approach to minimums is a big challenge. Adding an approach briefing to the mix feels like one task too many. But rushing a briefing puts you at serious risk of losing situational awareness. Luckily, mastering approach briefings is not as hard as it seems. This article breaks down how to deliver a top-notch approach briefing, every time. Key Takeaways Instrument approach briefings help pilots maintain situational awareness during the approach. Use the chart as an approach checklist to cover the key elements. A good approach briefing begins during preflight ..read more

ATC communication is one of the most challenging parts of flight training. Getting it wrong can be embarrassing at best and deadly at worst. But in this guide, we’ll cut through the complexity and help you become confident and safe on the radio. We won’t help you practice your pilot voice, though… Preflight Preparation Talking to ATC can undoubtedly be stressful when you first start. It is yet another hurdle to overcome when learning to fly. Before getting into an aircraft and talking to ATC for real, prepare for the experience. Learning ATC communication basics on the ground will make your i ..read more

Thinking about flying in Class B airspace but don’t know how to start? It’s understandable. The fast jets and faster-talking controllers can be intimidating. Keeping track of all the rules and regulations might seem like too much. If the complexity of this busy airspace feels overwhelming, don’t worry. This article makes Class B airspace easy to understand. From entry and weather requirements to interacting with ATC, we have you covered. Key Takeaways Class B airspace surrounds the nation’s busiest airports. Class B airspace features multiple tiers with shelves progressively spreading outward ..read more

As your aircraft smoothly climbs away from the runway, nothing seems amiss. Suddenly, your engine seizes, and you haven’t even reached traffic pattern altitude yet. What do you do? Your first instinct is to turn around and land on the lovely, long runway from which you just departed. But this maneuver, known as the “impossible turn,” is as dangerous as it is appealing.  In this article, we’ll help you resist the lure of the “impossible” and craft safer emergency plans. Key Takeaways Preparing for engine failure and practicing what to do helps keep you safe in an emergency. Knowing your a ..read more

Slow flight is one of those maneuvers that sounds easy enough. Until you try it. If slow flight makes you feel like you’re always one step behind the aircraft, we get it. There is a lot going on during this aeronautical balancing act. If your slow flight isn’t as smooth and stable as it needs to be, we can help. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll ace slow flight with accuracy and ease. Key Takeaways Slow flight trains pilots to handle the aircraft at speeds just above stalling. Common mistakes include neglecting clearing turns, delaying stall recovery, and misusing the rudder. Practicing sl ..read more

Soft field landings are widely misunderstood. They’re just like a normal landing but… softer, right? Well, not exactly. There’s more to it than simply not landing hard. Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. Luckily, in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about soft field landings – including common mistakes that you should avoid. Key Takeaways Soft fields are non-paved landing surfaces like grass, dirt, gravel, and sand. Landing on soft fields requires a specific technique for gentle touchdowns. Incorrect soft field ..read more

A pitot-static system problem in flight is something no pilot wants to experience. The signs of failure can be challenging to detect and even harder to understand. The resulting confusion has caused numerous accidents, even with experienced airline crews. So, how do we diagnose pitot-static failures before things get out of control? In this article, we’ll help you spot the signs of pitot-static issues so you can get back on the ground safely. Key Takeaways The pitot-static instruments include the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator. A system failure causes the instrume ..read more

For most pilots, turbulence isn’t usually a significant concern. Yet, turbulence causes fatal general aviation accidents every year, usually due to pilot error. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about turbulence as a pilot. Key Takeaways Turbulence is the irregular motion of air resulting from obstructions to the airflow (mechanical) or vertical currents (convective) Turbulence is classified as light, moderate, severe, or extreme Turbulence affects lighter aircraft more than heavier aircraft Pilot reports (PIREPs) will hel ..read more

ADS-B is a relatively new technology in aviation, but it has quickly become one of the most important. And with any new technology comes new rules. Without a solid understanding of the rules surrounding ADS-B, you’re setting yourself up for potential legal issues and even safety risks. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about ADS-B requirements. What is ADS-B? ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast.  Sounds complicated, right? Like many things in aviation, it sounds more complicated than it is. ADS-B is a ..read more

Do you dream of flying but feel lost about how to start? We get it. There’s a lot to figure out. The good news? We’ll make it easy. This article is your simple guide to becoming a pilot. We’ll explain everything you need to know to start flying and avoid common mistakes. Whether you want to fly for fun or as a career, this guide is for you. Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility Now that you’ve decided to fulfill your aviation dream, it’s tempting to start calling flight schools and jumping right into flight training.  We can’t blame you there. Becoming a pilot is exciting! But don’t start book ..read more