Articles

The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

• The 10 Best Flight Simulator Yokes, Pedals & Controls (Updated for 2026)
• Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR): A Pilot’s Guide
• 12 Pilot Flight Bag Essentials You Should Always Be Carrying
• 9 Low Time Pilot Jobs for Pilots With Less Than 500 Hours
• 10 Gifts that Will Inspire the Next Generation of Pilots
• Best Flight Simulators & Equipment Money Can Buy
• The Best Sunglasses for Pilots
• 15 Amazing Birthday Gift Ideas for Aspiring Pilots
• The Best Flight Bag for Any Budget
• Aircraft Transponders: Which Type do You Need (And What’s the Difference?)
• Airplane Deicing: Why It’s a Crucial Step Before You Take Off
• Understanding the Slow Flight Technique
• Easiest Planes to Fly For Anyone (With a Pilot License)
• Sailplanes vs Gliders: Key Differences Explained
• Why Every Pilot Should be a Member of AOPA
• Dutch Roll: Everything You Need to Know About It
• Class E Airspace: The Logic Behind It (Guide)
• 11 Best Aviation Headsets to Kill the Noise
• GPS & ADS-B Portable Buyers Guide
• How to Read an Altimeter (Complete Guide)
• The 4 Types of Airspeed: How Each Works (Complete Guide)
• How to Acquire a Helicopter License (Step by Step)
• Pitot-Static System: How does it work?
• 8 Reasons Why Getting the Multi-Engine Rating is Important
• Randolph Aviator Sunglasses: The Ultimate in Military-Grade Eye Protection
• The Pros and Cons of Renting Versus Owning an Aircraft
• What is a Pilot in Command (PIC)?
• Adverse Yaw: What Is It and How Do You Prevent it?
• Flight Instructor: How to Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Best Ultralight Aircraft for the Money 2026
• How Winglets and Wingtip Vortices Work
• How to Decide if Being an Airline Pilot is Right for You
• Cloud Ceilings: What Pilots Should Know (Complete Guide)
• Compressor Stall: What It Is, How to Recover + Prevention
• Power-Off Stall (13 Steps): Complete Recovery Procedure Guide
• Analog Cockpit vs Glass Cockpit: Which is Better? (Pros & Cons)
• 20 Airline Pilot Interview Questions & Answers (+ Preparation Tips)
• Getting Your Drone License: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
• Contact Approach: What It Is, Requirements & How To Fly It
• 7 Types of Turbulence Every Pilot Should Know (What Causes It)
• Magnetic Compass Errors: How Pilots Identify & Correct Them
• Cessna 150 vs 152: Differences Between the Aircraft Models
• Aircraft Stability: 3 Types of Static + Dynamic Aircraft Stability
• IFR Clearance: How To Request & File (Examples / Requirements)
• Runway Visual Range (RVR in METAR): What it is, How it Works
• Discover the Best Flight Schools in the United States
• How VOR Works: VHF Omnidirectional Range
• Visual vs Contact Approach: Key Insights for Pilots
• Fast Crosswind Calculation For Pilots (In 3 Easy Steps)
• Lost Comms on IFR Flight (What to do & Procedures to Follow)
• From Cockpit to Closet: 10 Stylish Gifts for Pilots
• Bounced Landing: How to Recover (& Avoid Porpoise Landings)
• How Gliders Work: What Keeps Them In The Air (Complete Guide)
• Bingo Fuel Meaning (Why The Term Isn't Used In Civilian Aviation)
• Mach Tuck Explained: What Pilots Need to Know
• Landing on the Edge: The 8 Most Dangerous Airports in the World
• High-Performance Endorsement: How To Earn One (Requirements)
• Vans RV-8 / RV-8A Airplane: Specs Of The Most Popular Kit Plane
• How to Become an Air Traffic Controller [Do You Qualify?]
• Pneumatic De-Ice Boots (Key Features and Benefits)
• True Course vs True Heading vs Magnetic (How Are They Different?)
• 1500 Hour FAA Pilot Rule in Aviation (& How Long it Takes to Get)
• World's Safest Aircraft (Top 10 In Each Category!)
• Understanding the 4 Types of Turbine Engines
• Why VASI Lights Are Essential for Pilots & How They Work
• Reinventing Experimental Aircraft with Veloce Planes
• Winter Flying Tips and Tricks for Cold Weather Operations
• 10 Best Single Pilot Jets Available in 2025
• Cockpit Lights: How to Choose the Right Set for Flying at Night
• Affordable Personal Aircraft to Fit Your Budget
• 6 Functions of Oil Used In Aircraft Engines
• Training to Become a Professional Airline Pilot: Commonly Asked Questions 2025
• The 8 Best (Authentic) Bomber Jackets for Men
• Wake Turbulence Avoidance: All the Details to Keep in Mind
• Airplane Stall: The Dangerous Truth About It
• Are Private Jets Safer Than Commercial (The Honest Truth)
• What is the Bose A30 Headset? Why should you consider an upgrade?
• Acquiring an FAA Dispatcher License - Learn What it Takes
• Technically Advanced Aircraft - Helping Shape Modern Aviation
• Aircraft Propeller Fundamentals: Key Concepts & Principles
• Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) - Explained In Detail
• The Important Role of Wing Washout in Aircraft Stability
• Optimizing Your Aircraft’s Descent Profile
• How To Listen To Air Traffic Control On A Scanner (Guide)
• How To Fill Out A Pilot Logbook (Tips & Best Practices)
• Pop-up IFR Clearance: 7 Tips On How To Properly Request One
• VFR vs IFR Explained: Differences Between The Flight Rules
• Microsoft Flight Simulator: The Definitive 2025 Pilot Skills Update
• Is 5G Aircraft Interference a Threat? What You Need to Know.
• How Much is it to Rent a Plane? (Get the Best Deal)
• What Aircraft Maintenance Can You Do Yourself?
• What To Look For In A Flight Suit: A Pilot’s Guide
• How to Master Airport Traffic Patterns for Student Pilots
• Fixed Wing vs Rotary Wing: Advantages & Disadvantages
• Crosswind Landing: How to Perfect Your Technique in 3 Easy Steps
• 7 Types of Pilot Licenses: Learn Their Differences & Requirements
• Aircraft Wing Design: 10 Types of Aircraft Wings (Complete Guide)
• PAPI Lights: How They Work and Why They Matter
• 7 Best Airline Pilot Luggage Options For Durability And Style
• Adverse Yaw: Impact on Aircraft Performance and Control
• 3 Reasons the Bose A30 is My Ultimate Aviation Headset [With Video]
• Pre-Departure Clearance Guide (PDC): What it is & How it Works
• IMSAFE Checklist Acronym For Pilots: Are You Fit To Fly?
• Dangers Of Spatial Disorientation (Causes, Symptoms, Prevention)
• No Flaps: How To Fly A No-Flap Landing (Is It Dangerous?)
• 6 Aircraft Anti-Icing and De-Icing Systems: Your Guide to Staying Safe in Winter Skies
• Understanding Bernoulli’s Principle: Key Concepts Explained
• The Best Student Pilot Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide
• Turboprop vs Piston Engine Differences: Efficiency + Safety
• Helicopter vs Airplane Differences: Safety, Speed, Ease of Flying
• How To Calculate Flight Time Manually (Or With A Calculator)
• How To Fly Turns Around A Point (Complete Guide + Lesson Plan)
• The Best Flight Bags And What To Pack Inside
• Breaking Down Everything in the Cessna 172 Cockpit
• Flight-Proven: The Best Pilot Watches Tested by Aviators
• 15 Aviation Acronyms & Abbreviations Every Pilot Should Know
• The Ultimate Checklist for Selecting the Right Flight School
• Coffin Corner: Reaching Beyond the Limitations
• How to Land a Plane Safely Step-By-Step (Video)
• Vortex Generators: How They Improve Aerodynamics
• Understanding Mixture Control in Carbureted Engines
• How to Identify Pitot-Static System Failures During Flight
• 5 Private Pilot Currency Requirements You Need Before Flying
• Icom A25 Radios - Common Features and Differences Between the Models
• Does the Complex Plane Requirement Matter?
• Flying in Thunderstorms (What to Do & What Not to Do)
• Requirements to Get Your Student Pilot Certificate
• Fast-Track Your Private Pilot License (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Best Aviation Headsets 2025: Buyer’s Guide (ANR vs PNR, Plugs)
• Best Airplane Cameras, Mounts, and Accessories
• 6 Books That Will Make You a Better Pilot
• Bose A30 Holiday Promo: Free Speaker + 10% Off Additional Headsets (Nov 26-Dec 24, 2025)
• Night Flying: The Definitive Guide to Safe, Legal, and Professional Night Flight Operations
• 7 Types of Fog That Could Complicate Your Next Flight
• Weather Fronts: Essential Insights for Every Pilot
• Temporary Flight Restrictions: Can You Fly Through a TFR?
• Love Your Aircraft: Maintenance & Care 101
• Top Aviation Ball Caps & Trucker Hats Every Pilot Will Appreciate
• Fly in Style: Aviation Apparel & Gear Guide
• Inspire the Next Generation: Kid’s Aviation Corner — Holiday Edition
• The Two Types of Reliability Every Pilot Needs
• The Essential Student Pilot Checklist (2025): Your Ultimate Guide to Buying the Right Gear
• The Pilot’s Guide to Modern Flight Bags: Must‑Have Features & Top Picks
• From Student to Private Pilot: The Definitive Step-by-Step Journey to Earning Your Wings
• The Complete Guide to Aircraft Radios and Communication Etiquette
• Best Portable CO Detectors for Pilots (2025): Tested Picks, Panel Placement & Care
• How to Pass the FAA Written Exam: The Ultimate Guide
• Top 10 Aviation Museums in the U.S. Every Pilot Should Visit
• How to Read METAR Aviation Reports (Complete Guide)
• Best Pilot Watches of 2025: Features, Reviews & Buying Guide
• Bose A30 vs. Lightspeed Zulu 4: A Pilot's Guide to the Latest Aviation Headsets
• The Ultimate Aviation Headset Resource: Expert Reviews, Pilot Insights, and Everything You Need to Know in 2025
• Aviation Headset Plug Types Explained: GA, U174, LEMO, XLR & More
• Beginner’s Guide to Using AI in General Aviation
• Best Crew Cooler Bags for Flight Attendants & Pilots (2025 Guide)
• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025: Your Ultimate Packing and Planning Guide
• Active vs Passive Noise Reduction: Which is Best for Pilots in 2025? - Pilot Mall
• 25 Must-Read Aviation Blogs (Updated for 2025)
• Piper PA-46 M350 (Malibu Mirage) – The Pressurized Single Evolves in 2025
• Pilot Math Skills: What Kind of Math Do Pilots Use (and Why It’s Not Scary)
• David Clark JET-X Headset Lineup Review: Ultra-Lightweight Headsets for Commercial Jet Pilots
• Best Aviation Documentaries to Watch in 2025: Must-See Aircraft Films & Series
• The Ultimate Student Pilot Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need to Buy for Flight Training
• The 11 Best Flight Schools in the USA (2025 Edition)
• Bose A30 vs. Lightspeed Zulu 3 (2025 Review): Which Premium ANR Headset Should You Buy?
• How to Choose the Right Flight Bag: A Pilot's Guide to Size, Style & Features
• Best Pilot Sunglasses for 2025: Clarity, Comfort & Style Guide
• Comprehensive Guide to Travelpro Gear for Professional Pilots and Airline Crews
• Turtle Beach VelocityOne vs. Thrustmaster Boeing Yoke: Best All-In-One Sim Control System for PC & Xbox?
• David Clark H10-13.4 vs. Faro G2: Best Passive Pilot Headset Comparison for Value & Durability
• Garmin GDL 50 vs GDL 52: Portable ADS-B Receivers Compared
• The Coolest Gadgets for Pilots: Upgrade Your Cockpit Today
• Bose A30 Aviation Headset In-Depth Review (2025): Worth the Investment?
• Starlink in the Cockpit: Is High-Speed Internet Ready for General Aviation?
• Radial Engines Simplified (What Are They & How They Work)
• SUN 'n FUN 2025 Aerospace Expo Travel Guide
• Engine Vapor Lock in Aviation: Symptoms & Prevention Strategies
• How to Become a Private Pilot: Step-By-Step Guide (Updated 2025)
• Best Aviation Handheld Radios 2025 – Ultimate Guide for Transceivers
• Pilot Kneeboards 2025: Best Picks & Buying Guide
• ANR Aviation Headset Comparison & Buyer’s Guide (2025 Edition)
• Pilot Training Guide 2025: Essential Tips for Success
• 10 Fastest Single-Engine Planes in 2025: Top Speeds, Specs & Expert Reviews
• FAA WINGS Program 2025: Your Complete Guide to Pilot Proficiency & Flight Reviews
• Pilot Sunglasses 101: Ensuring Eye Comfort at Altitude
• What is SPECI & When Are They Issued?
• How Low Level Wind Shear Poses Risks to Pilots
• Bell Ranger 206: Features, Specs, Performance & More
• 15 Practical and Remarkable Gifts That Every Pilot Needs
• Aviation Handheld Radios: Which Are The Best?
• Guide to the Best Aviation-Themed Christmas Ornaments 2025
• Passive Headset Comparison: Best Comfort and Value
• Cessna 172 vs 182: Performance, Cost & Features Compared
• TKS Ice Protection Systems (What Are They & How They Work)
• How Jet Engines Work: A Comprehensive Guide
• How To Fly A Traffic Pattern At A Non-towered Airport
• Fast Headwind Calculation For Pilots (In 3 Easy Steps)
• Flight Outfitters Flight Bags Ready for Adventure
• Prepare for Flight: New Pilot Supplies Cleared for Takeoff at PilotMall.com!
• Raising the Bar - Next Gen Sound Silencer ANR Headset with Bluetooth
• Why the Bose A20 Was the #1 Selling Aviation Headset
• Cessna 172 (10 Things You Need to Know)
• 25 Best Aviation Apps You Shouldn’t Fly Without
• Ways to Combat Motion Sickness in Aviation Training
• Father’s Day Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts
• How to Become a Helicopter Pilot (Step-By-Step Guide)
• Creative Aviation Themed Décor for Your Home [or Hangar]
• The 9 Largest Aircraft in the World: How Many Can You Name?
• How to Actually Use the Gear in Your Pilot Trauma Kit
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?
• The Ultimate Aviation Themed Office Accessories to Give Your Pilot Office a Lift
• How to Become a Commercial Pilot (Step-By-Step) Guide
• Aviation Alphabet: Learn the Phonetic Alphabet for Aviation (A to Z)
• Best Aviation Scholarships for 2024 & How You Can Get One
• How to Upgrade Your Flight Skills With an iPad
• Top 10 Flight Training Tools You Can’t Afford to Be Without
• B-29 Bomber Superfortress: The WWII Game Changer
• Passive Aviation Headset Buyers Guide
• The 11 Fastest Planes in the World [#11 Hasn’t Been Produced Yet]
• Aviation Risk Management (Learn from The Pros)
• 10 Items Every Pilot Needs to Carry In Their Survival Kit
• What is eVTOL?: The Electric Future of Aviation Explained
• Grumman Goose G-21 (From Private to Military Plane)
• 10 Ways to Fight Pilot Fatigue
• Airspace Visibility Requirements: Why are they Mandatory?
• Special Use Airspace: How to Stay Out of Trouble When Flying in and Around It
• FAA Drone Rules: How to Register a Drone and Legally Fly in the US
• Aviation Survival Equipment: A Buyers Guide
• The 21 Most Produced Aircraft of All Time (Take a Guess)
• How to Get your Aircraft Compliant with ADS-B Requirements
• Aircraft Inspection: Guide to Keeping Your Plane Safe
• In This Digital Age, Should You Still Carry Paper Charts?
• GUMPS Check: Checklist that Every Pilot Needs (Crucial)
• How Do Helicopters Fly? (The Aerodynamics Explained)
• 7 Mid-Air Collisions That Changed Aviation History (w/ Pictures)
• How to Quickly Calculate Your Rate of Descent
• Aircraft Fuel System Design: The Breakdown
• Space Force: Understanding the Newest Branch of the Military
• Unique Pilot Ornaments to Decorate Your Aviation Christmas Tree
• Ground Reference Maneuvers: How to Ace Your Checkride
• Aircraft Renter’s Insurance: What Pilots Need to Know
• Constant Speed Propeller: How Does it Work? (Basics)
• AIRMET vs SIGMET: Everything You Need to Know (Guide)
• Bahamas Flying for Beginners
• The Complete Guide to Aircraft Instruments [More Than Just the 6-Pack]
• Aviat Husky (High-Wing Utility Light Aircraft)
• Class A Airspace and How it Differs from All Other Categories of Airspace
• Turn Coordinator Guide: What It Is and How to Use it to Avoid Slips and Skids
• Why do you Need a Portable Aviation Radio?
• Restricted Airspace: What You Should Know