Do Drones Pose a Threat to Pilots and Aircraft?
Dr. Mary Ann O’Grady The allowance of widespread drone ownership and operation in the United States through the clearance of approximately 60 organizations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised the level of concern for military, commercial, and private pilots alike. As concerns escalated, there were plans to construct six test ranges for these […]
Exploring Avgas Alternatives For General Aviation
Amber Berlin For Part 1 of this discussion, click here. The health hazards, loss of IQ points, and associated costs of lead (Pb) fuel emissions leaves only one option for the General Aviation (GA) fleet: stop using leaded fuel. In order to accomplish this task, GA has several options to consider, including Avgas alternatives such […]
Why General Aviation Needs To Stop Using Leaded Avgas
Amber Berlin The Clean Air Act, last amended in 1990, established a higher standard of environmental responsibility in the United States. In order to meet this standard, several initiatives were undertaken to reduce air emissions deemed harmful to human health. One such initiative was a close examination of the hazards presented by lead (Pb) fuel […]
Rules of Thumb That Make Flying Planes Easier
You can make flying planes a little easier by applying a few different rules of thumb provided below. Vern Weiss There’s a lot of minutia and head work involved in flying planes and sometimes a pilot can get bogged down with the calculations and mental gymnastics required. “East is least and West is best” and […]
A Simple Way For Pilots To Combat Aviation Fatigue
Unsolved Issues: Part V, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here, Part 2, click here, Part 3, click here, and Part 4, click here. Are you tired? Maybe you need a nap. Naps decrease the homeostatic drive for sleep by reducing the number of hours continuously awake, which results in a greater ability to focus. […]
Can You Fly For Compensation With a Private Pilot Certificate?
A Private Pilot Certificate doesn’t necessarily preclude earning money in aviation. Vern Weiss “No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an […]
When To Declare an In-Flight Emergency
Declaring an in-flight emergency is not something to take lightly. Play this trump card if you need it but only if you need it. Vern Weiss What is an emergency? The FAA defines it as a “distress or urgency condition.” H-m-m-m…so would “I have to get home because the Super Bowl starts in ten minutes” […]
Looking at Stress and Fatigue in Aviation
Unsolved Issues: Part IV, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here, Part 2, click here and Part 3, click here. Think you wouldn’t drink and fly a plane? You might be doing something similar without even realizing it. This article reveals the exact hour limit when your long day becomes intoxicating, and why you wouldn’t […]
Adjusting to the High Intensity Schedule of Airline Careers
Airline careers necessitate long hours of crushing boredom punctuated by short periods of intensity. The unique demands placed on airline pilots, crewmembers and mechanics can be met with lifestyle and attitude adjustments. Noah Timmins Aviation distinguishes itself from other industries as one that eschews the traditional “nine to five”, “clock in, clock out” work schedule. […]
Working to Address The Problem of Fatigue in Pilots
Unsolved Issues: Part 3, Amber Berlin To read Part 1, click here, and to read Part 2, click here. In order to achieve a viable solution for fatigue in pilots, we must consider the current beliefs, opinions, and assumptions in the science of fatigue and fatigue management. There is a general consensus in the scientific […]
Why a Pre-Flight Discussion With Passengers Is Important
Don’t forget to take the Dramamine before you fly… not after. Shawn Arena This article highlights the importance of a dialogue with your first time and even seasoned passengers before flying, a sort of pre-flight discussion. You should be prepared to inform them of all aspects of the upcoming flight, and don’t forget to ask […]
Dealing With Lost Communications on an IFR Flight Plan
John Peltier A communications failure can be a scary thing – even on a beautiful VFR day. But throw in some clouds, limited visibility, and mountainous terrain, and suddenly this can be absolutely terrifying! As a pilot, maintaining a cool head and knowing your procedures will ensure this situation doesn’t get any worse. Scenario ATC […]