Pro Tip: Use the Edge of the Checklist

An airplane’s propeller is a vital component, without it you’re not going anywhere… When it comes to the preflight inspection there are multiple inspection items related to the propeller. As much as flying requires dedication and commitment, it shouldn’t take … Continue reading

The Silent Pre-Flight

In 1981, the FAA enacted 14 CFI 121.542 and 14 CFR 135.10.  These new regulations that effect Part 121 and Part 135 operations, limited, among other things, nonessential communications in the cockpit, as you can see from the excerpt below: … Continue reading

The Pickup Preflight

Pickup lines don’t usually work out too well, unless they’re extremely clever and delivered “on point”. The “pickup preflight” works in much the same way. Every now and then a flight doesn’t really start when we board the aircraft. As … Continue reading

The Pressure is on: Aircraft Wheels

It’s winter now, whether you’re in New England, the midwest, the plains, the West Coast or even in Florida! The temperatures are decreasing and the cooler to frigid winter weather is upon us for the next few months (okay, maybe … Continue reading

3 Things Every Pilot Needs to Know About… Inspecting the Prop

There are only a few airfoils on each aircraft… The wings, the horizontal stabilizer/elevator or stabilator, and the propeller blades. The majority of small general aviation aircraft operate with a two-bladed proper. However, for a variety of reasons, a good … Continue reading

Flying is SAFE and Airports are Friendly!

Recently, the USA Today wrote a true hatchet-piece on general aviation. My questions include, what was the motivation for this piece? Why is the USA Today out to get general aviation? Who paid for the research and content creation?   … Continue reading

Where are your Headsets?

While I usually aim to provide thought-provoking content, rich with information, details and explanation, there are also some topics that don’t require quite as much… Basically, some simple concepts I learned by being “dumb.” Now I can share these for … Continue reading