STARs are like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’ll get. Some arrival proedures are elegant and well-designed. Others? Not so much. Read more →
Tag: IFR
Instructional Techniques: Reinventing the Wheel
The techniques we use to teach instrument flying are sometimes panned as old, inefficient, or boring. I take exception with that viewpoint. Read more →
To Pull or Not to Pull
Simulating partial panel used to be so easy: slap a cover over one or two of the instruments and let the fun begin! In an era of integrated glass panel avionics, however, it’s not always so simple. Take the G1000 for example. The FAA doesn’t like us pulling circuit breakers, so they ask instructors and examiners to use a method that’s far less realistic. That might be better for the electronics… but what about the pilot? Read more →
The Key to Good IFR: More VFR
The most common landing procedure used by IFR airplanes is the visual approach. It’s fast, efficient, and simple. So why did the crew of Asiana 214 have such a hard time with it on a good clear day? Because quality IFR flying starts with a solid VFR background — and VFR flying is something ab initio pilots see very little of. Read more →
“Unable”: Your Ace in the Hole
Father may always know best, but air traffic controllers don’t. Yet 14 CFR 91.123 requires compliance with all ATC instructions. So when you’re asked to do something kooky, what do you do? Read more →
Circle-to-Land Complications
The FAA is adding new circling radii for some (but not all) approaches. Sounds good on paper, but I can foresee some unintended consequences that might not be too pleasant. Read more →
Climb/Descend Via
The FAA is introducing a new IFR instruction which will — in theory — make the system more efficient. But for it to work, pilots have to clearly understand the phraseology, meaning, and proper read-backs. Read more →
Better or Worse?
Eighty two years after Jimmy Doolittle invents instrument flying, French pilots finally get access to a viable instrument rating of their own. A brief comparative look at the state of aviation in the Eurozone. Read more →
Are Needle, Ball, and Airspeed Obsolete?
I teach glass panel. I’m a fan of glass panel. But we need to stay proficient on the steam gauges, too! Here’s why. Read more →
I Love Days Like This
Recent flights prompt some thoughts about the weather. The rain has been welcome on the ground, but in the air, it’s making life challenging for pilots. Read more →