pilotscafe

GPS and RNAV approach terminology can be very confusing since modern RNAV procedures usually accommodate more than one type of navigational equipment (such as basic GPS, WAAS, LAAS or multi-sensor FMS) on the same chart. With older types of approach procedures, the specific equipment required is stated in the chart title. For example, you could only fly a “VOR RWY XX” approach with VOR equipment, or an ILS approach with ILS equipment.

There's no one-fit-all method to perform an approach briefing. A commercial operator may have a specific way to do it. But if you don't work for one, you need to develop your own approach briefing technique. The key is to set the aircraft and review all important information in advance, so the workload won't overwhelm you.

Morse code has been around for many years. In today's aviation it's primary use is for identifying radio navigation aids such as VORs, ILSs, DMEs or NDBs. The FAA and FCC no longer require you to know Morse for pilot training. In fact, it has been off the syllabus for decades. So, why learn Morse Code to begin with?

Has this ever happened to you?

You receive a holding clearance from ATC, and only have a couple of minutes, sometimes only a few seconds, to choose the correct entry. By the time you've figured out what's going on, you've already passed the fix and don't know what to do next.

If you know what I'm talking about, you're not alone. This scenario happens to practically every instrument student. Even instrument-rated pilots occasionally have the same problem — when they don't get to practice often enough.

The secret to mastering holding entries is simply to practice as many scenarios as you can, as often as you can, so you don't lose proficiency

The following is a program I created that teaches you holding pattern theory and then drills you, with computer-generated scenarios, on recognizing the correct entry to the hold. (You'll need the latest version of Adobe Flash Player in order to run it.)

The Cessna 172 is the most popular general aviation training airplane. This document is a summary of technical information about the SP model of the aircraft.

One-engine-inoperative aerodynamics is one of the major areas students struggle with when first learning how to fly multiengine airplanes. In this article I will address the principles of flying a multi engine airplane when one of its engines fails.