June, 2008

10 Spectacular Cockpit Photos

I was stumbling this afternoon and discovered an amazing collection of shots from the cockpit of aircraft around the world. You have to appreciate the lanyard around the pilot’s neck in photo 9 (the A320). Let me know what you think about these pictures. I think my favorite is the picture from [...]

Does the CFI checkride count as a BFR?

This question comes from Clayton:
I am a commercial pilot, single and multi engine ratings with instrument privilages. I am also a CFI single engine land.I recently received my CFI ticket and I’m confused on if the CFI ride counts as a biannual. Regs say that any additional rating qualifies as biannual but since the CFI [...]

Sky Clear and Rain?

Funny story for you with humor that only a pilot may understand. I was checking the ASOS at my home airport on the way in tonight and I heard something interesting on the radio:
Automated weather, time 2156 zulu, winds 290 at 9, visibility 10, sky clear, light rain, temperature 22, dewpoint 16, altimeter 30.22

Sky [...]

How to File an ICAO Flight Plan

I am sure you have heard by now but on June 29, 2008 the FAA is mandating that all pilots who plan on using RNAV departures and arrivals must file an ICAO or international flight plan. Now, you don’t HAVE to accept the RNAV arrival or departure. In fact, you can keep using the [...]

At what point do you fire your flight instructor?

This question comes from Mike:
I am a 60 year old comercial pilot with instrument rating with over 1200 hours. I have been a teacher and I have been working on my CFI for a year. My instructor keeps putting off my check ride for one reason or another. At what point do you fire your [...]

Cessna 150 Takes Off from I-95

I just saw this video and had to share it. Apparently, a Cessna 150 landed on a highway in Florida after one of it’s cylinder’s seized up. After making repairs, the owner got FAA permission to take off on the highway! The owner told police that he would need 600 feet for [...]

Glider Written Test or Private Pilot Written Test? Which one should I take first?

This question comes from John:
My 17 year old son, who last summer was working on his glider license, is now thinking about his private pilot airplane certificate. He didn’t get his glider certificate yet because he hasn’t taken the written knowledge test. Should he take the written for the glider first, or should he [...]

True Course, Magnetic Course, Magnetic Heading, Compass Heading…Help!

This question comes from Josh:
I’ve had a little confusion with cross-country planning. It is with the magnetic and true courses. Can you tell me if this is right. When I plot the route and use my plotter, the course I get is a TRUE heading. I then add or subract the variation degree which converts [...]

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