Towered airports are a little more complex than non-towered airports, so it's important to know what you are looking for on a sectional. Entering the tower's airspace without all the proper information and communications is a big deal and may get you in trouble. This lesson will teach you what you need to know to stay safe and legal. First, we can tell whether the airport has … [Read more...] about Towered Airport Diagrams – Sectional Chart
Changes and New Content
It's been a while since we last posted a video. Today's update is the first in a few months, but I promise, not the last. New videos are now a priority and hopefully you'll start to see at least one or two new lessons every week. In addition, more text based content will be available. I am also working on creating some quizzes that will allow you to let me know how effective … [Read more...] about Changes and New Content
Uncontrolled Airport Diagrams – Sectional Chart
Most airports in the United States don't have a control tower. Looking at the FAA Sectional there are hundreds of airports and knowing what services are available and what to expect when you get to the airport is important. First, we can tell whether the airport has a control tower or not, just by looking at the symbol. A magenta symbol indicates that an airport is non-towered, … [Read more...] about Uncontrolled Airport Diagrams – Sectional Chart
How To Intercept and Fly DME Arcs
Note: This lesson uses a 2-4 degree rule of thumb for adjusting heading and radial. I know that the often taught method is "twist 10 turn 10" but for this lesson I chose to use the method outlined in the Instrument Flying Handbook just for standardization. DME Arcs may seem scary to new instrument pilots, but given a few quick and easy tips they can be as easy as tracking any … [Read more...] about How To Intercept and Fly DME Arcs
How Much Ice Will it Take?
A light drizzle was falling from the low overcast layer. The Charleston, West Virginia tower was reporting VFR, but it was a day no one really wanted to be out flying. Our pilot had just flown his Cessna 172 in from Upstate New York and was making a quick fuel stop on his way down to Memphis. The next leg of his journey was about 4 hours and he was eager to be done for the … [Read more...] about How Much Ice Will it Take?