July, 2008

Is a engine run up really necessary?

Received a question this morning from Jim:
When flying a piston single (e.g. C172), I’m trained to do a run-up before every leg of every trip. I can understand the value of a runup before the first leg of the trip — you want to be sure the engine is running fine. I’m less clear about [...]

Free Aviation Vbulletin Theme

If you have followed this site for any length of time, you’ll probably recall how Ask a CFI used to be forum based.  In fact, it has had a forum feature on / off since 2001 when I registered this domain.  I have tried out a couple different types of forum software in the last [...]

How many times can I take a FAA written test?

This question comes Michael:
I passed my IFR written nearly two years ago but failed to complete my training due to some  issues. I have to take the written again because the old test will soon go beyond the two year expiration. Is there a limit to the number of times you can take a written [...]

Rule of thumb for figuring distances betweeen two points without GPS

This question comes from David:
How do you find an intersection that is off the airway your on without GPS/loran or a vector from ATC.  For example, let’s say your over PXN (cental california) cleared to the Oakey intersection.  Once I set up my radials to identify the fix, how do I estimate my ETA at [...]

Military Pilot: Do I need a single-engine commercial?

Received a question this morning from Kelly:
Hi. I am a multi-commercial, instrument rated pilot who received my training through the Air Force. I also have a single engine airplane private license which I got before I went into the military. Here’s my question? Do I have to take a checkride with [...]

What is required to fly a high performance airplane?

This question comes from Karl:
I’m thinking about buying a retractable gear aircraft with 250 HP engine from a CFI who lost his medical. I am certified in high perfomrance AC (C-182) but I only have under 2 hrs of retract time.
I’m interested in taking a flight in the AC and he tells me that since [...]

I wish I had a camera.

How many times have you said that to yourself?
Last night was one of those nights. There was an amazing strong thunderstorm that passed through Chicago last night around 7:30 P.M. Right after it passed through, there was an amazing scene that I feel fortunate enough to witness. Picture this…dark clouds on the [...]

Special Use Airspace, RAs, TAs, and close calls

AOPA recently released a video that contains the audio and video showing the radar on March 21 when on March 21, 2008 a F16 pilot apparently tried to successfully scare the absolute living daylights out of two general aviation pilots flying a Pilatus PC-12 and a Beechcraft Premier. Both aircraft were equipped with [...]

Next Page »