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This is a summary of a fairly detailed post. Controlled Airspace A generic term that covers the different classification of airspace (Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E airspace) and defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided to IFR flights and to VFR flights in accordance with the […]

I just read this post at JetCareers.com and it started me thinking about how to think about airspace.     My student today told me there are "7" types of Class E Airspace:        1) Class E Surface        2) Class E starting at 700'        3) Class E starting at 1200"        4) Class E with […]

Search the AIM Pilot Controller Glossary FAA.gov Searching the FARs is a bit more complicated. The FARs search will look in Code of Federal Regulations Title 14: Aeronautics and Space for the term. Many of the sections are extremely long, so finding the term on the page can be difficult. I’ve been using two part […]

NOTAMs Notice N JO 7930.85 amends FAAO 7930.2K NOTAM MANUAL effective January 28, 2008 www.FAA.gov Nov 29, 2007: NOTAMs Notice N JO 7930.85 amends FAAO 7930.2K NOTAM MANUAL effective January 28, 2008. Nov 27 This notice provides policy and procedural guidance and interim operating procedures to Federal Aviation Order (FAAO) 7930.2 Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). […]

Some of the speeds you need to know are marked on the airspeed indicator but many are not. VS1, VS0, VFE, VNO, and VNE are almost always color coded on the ASI because they are required by the FAA. (Airplanes weighing 12,500 pounds or less, manufactured after 1945, and certificated by the FAA, are required […]

Departure procedures can often involve changing radios and radials several times in less than 10 minutes. Setting up the GPS and radios in advance can make the process much easier. I’m still learning so I like to write out the entire departure procedure and think through what happens at each altitude and turn. If you […]

VORs operate within the 108.0 to 117.95 MHz frequency band and have a power output necessary to provide coverage within their assigned operational service volume. They are subject to line-of-sight restrictions, and the range varies proportionally to the altitude of the receiving equipment. Range also depends on the class of the VOR—Terminal, Low Altitude, or […]

If a VOR is to be used for navigation under IFR flight rules—regardless of weather conditions—it must be operationally checked within the preceding 30 days. The check can be done with any of the following six methods: 1. VOR test signal at a certificated repair station. ±4° bearing error. 2. FAA VOR test facility (VOT). […]

14 CFR §91.175 Takeoff and landing under IFR. (c) Operation below DA/ DH or MDA. Except as provided in paragraph (l) of this section, where a DA/DH or MDA is applicable, no pilot may operate an aircraft, except a military aircraft of the United States, below the authorized MDA or continue an approach below the […]

ATC Climb or Descent Clearance – IFR and VFR AIM 4-4-10 d. When ATC has not used the term “AT PILOT’S DISCRETION” nor imposed any climb or descent restrictions, pilots should initiate climb or descent promptly on acknowledgement of the clearance. Descend or climb at an optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the […]

The KSBP Crepe3.PRB departure is fairly straightforward so we’ll start with that. The NACO chart is shown below. Click here for PDF version or here for a larger version in a new window. The first thing to note about this departure is that it has a minimum climb gradient (275′ per nm to 1700′ with […]

Some of the symbols on the chart stick in my mind but I have trouble remembering others, especially the ones that are not as common. Before throwing away a chart, put it to use refreshing your memory on the symbols. Pick a grid section and highlight the different symbols. If you can’t name it, look […]

Update 2017-01-04 Many of the links on this page are broken but I’m leaving it up in case you want to track them down. Some of them like the Aviation Weather page have just moved to another location on the site. Others are no longer in existence. Here is a great place to start—the Standard […]

Roll over each instrument to see it labelled. Beginning students should name and roll until the names become second nature. Adjusting the Kollsman altimeter. Here are some examples of real aircraft that you can do the same thing with.  Commanche  Cessna T210  Cessna T182RG

The Federal Government has lots of good stuff on its web sites. Most of it is easy to find with a quick search if you’d even think of looking for it. This page is a collection of pages you might not even think to look for. You can search on their site with the search […]

A vertical stabilizer provides lateral stability to minimize yaw. The vertical stabilizer is sometimes referred to as the fin. There is a part of the airplane that extends along the top of the fuselage and connects to the vertical stabilizer. In some airplanes, like the Pilatus and Cessna 150 below this part looks like it […]

Communication between ATC and aircraft is facilitated by the use of a phonetic alphabet to refer to numbers and letters. This avoids confusion between similar sounding letters (p/b, t/d, m/n) and numbers (3/t, 9/5). From the FAA site. Phonetic Alphabet Letter Pronunciation Letter Pronunciation Letter Pronunciation A Alpha J Juliett S Sierra B Bravo K […]

Once you have your pilot certificate it never expires but there are things you need to do to exercise all of the privileges associated with your certificate. I thought I’d put all of the currency rules in one place and annotate them. Biennial Flight Review §61.56 A pilot needs a Flight Review every 24 months. […]

The winds along the Central Coast of California are sometimes strong, but usually onshore so runways are pretty much lined up with the wind. When they vary in direction it is usually because of thermal activity so they are fairly light. In the fall the Santa Ana’s can be very strong and from directions where […]

The night before she gave me a cross country assignment (Mojave) and four problems to work out. Weight and Balance, Crosswind component, Takeoff distance, and density altitude. We started out looking at the documents. She wanted me to show her that we were legal to fly. She needed to see the AR(R)OW docs and the […]

There are all kinds of cool airplanes out there and sometimes when I see one I want to ask someone what it is. That’s not always possible but you can always find out if you know the N number. Go to the FAA registry and type in the N number. Suppose you put in N7290J […]