Pilot Shop Blog
Aircraft Squawk Sheet (What Is It and How do You Use It?)
The “squawk sheet, “gripe sheet,” or “aircraft discrepancy log” as it is more officially titled is intended as a communication tool to pass vital aircraft performance concern information between pilots and maintenance engineers.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Education
Temporary Flight Restrictions: Can You Fly Through a TFR?
A temporary flight restriction or TFR is, just as it sounds, is a short-term change to the rules of a given airspace. A TFR tightens the regulations and parameters for flying in that space. TFRs can be issued for many reasons, and the nature of the reason will determine how restrictive the TFR is. In some cases, pilots may still operate within the restricted area, but with more regulations. In other cases, the airspace within the TFR zone is completely off-limits.
- PilotMall.com Editor
Night Flying: 22 Tips You Need to Know for Flying at Night
Flying is flying, but night flying has its own quirks and considerations that are different from daytime. A little extra planning, training, practice, and provisioning make all the difference. Here are some tricks and tips to help you have a safe, enjoyable experience while flying at night.
- PilotMall.com Editor
B-29 Bomber Superfortress: The WWII Game Changer
The aircraft that was chosen to run two of the most pivotal missions of World War II flew higher, faster, and further while carrying a heavier payload than any other bomber. These planes were designed to be just what the U.S. military needed to succeed in the Pacific Theater. Meet the WWII game changer – the B-29 bomber otherwise known as the Superfortress.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aviation History
Grumman Goose G-21 (From Private to Military Plane)
In 1936, Leroy Grumman of Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation was approached by a group of ten wealthy New York aviator-businessmen. These men were looking for someone to design and build a replacement plane for the unwieldly Leoning Air Yacht they were currently using as a commuter aircraft between home and work.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aircraft Aircraft Ownership Education
Aviat Husky (High-Wing Utility Light Aircraft)
"America’s favorite taildragger" is a high-wing, single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft that is value packed and perfect for short fields, bush flying, high altitudes, and landings at unimproved airstrips. The Husky is custom designed to fit the needs of the backcountry adventurer who wants sturdy, rugged, high-quality bush plane performance paired with a generous payload and the fuel capacity to support the journey.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aircraft Ownership
Mooney M20 (Everything to Know on the Low Wing Speedster)
“Make it strong. Make it simple. Make it fast.” These are Mooney Airplane Company’s words to live by as they design their legendary aircraft. The Mooney mentality has developed quite a following with Mooney aficionados - self-described as “Mooniacs.”
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aircraft Aircraft Ownership Education
Rans S7 Courier (Economical Light Sport Aircraft)
“Little planes with big personalities.” This is how AOPA describes the RANS Aircraft family of planes. One of the standout features of the RANS family is the uniqueness of each line. The S-21 Outbound has a different purpose than the S-20 Raven which feels unique compared to the S-19 Venterra or the S-7 Courier.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aircraft Aircraft Ownership Education
Diamond DA20 (Perfect Flight Training Aircraft)
“Sporty. Sleek. Exciting. Yet surprisingly affordable.” This is how Diamond Aircraft Industries describes their DA20 Katana. When student pilots, CFIs, and flight schools consider their choices for trainer aircraft, the list naturally includes traditional time-honored classics like the Cessna 150, Cessna 152, and Piper Cub, but another prime contender for the perfect flight training aircraft is the much newer and currently still in production Diamond DA20. This Austrian-designed tricycle gear plane checks the boxes for the performance and handling characteristics pilots are looking for in a two-place trainer with the added bonus of an attractively sporty style.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aircraft Aircraft Ownership Education
De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 (Best Bush Plane in History)
Canada is home to plenty of rugged wilderness that just begs the adventurous pilot to come explore it. With towering mountain summits presiding over turquoise blue lakes and an abundance of wildlife, the lure of the Canadian wilderness is all but impossible to ignore, so perhaps it is only natural that a Canadian company was the maker of arguably the best bush plane in history – the De Havilland Beaver DHC-2.
- PilotMall.com Editor
- Tags: Aircraft Aircraft Ownership Education
What Kind of Math Do Pilots Use? (Don’t Be Afraid)
The seemingly complex calculations of flight make the concept of “pilot math” sound vaguely terrifying. Prospective student pilots wonder, “What kind of math do pilots use?” and “Do I have what it takes to handle pilot math?”
- PilotMall.com Editor
Class G Airspace: Everything You Need to Know
Unlike the other five classes of airspace, Class G airspace is uncontrolled. It simply exists anywhere that is not designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. Class G airspace will be found bordering Class E airspace which is another type of airspace that often needs a bit of explanation. While IFR traffic is controlled in Class E airspace, once you enter Class G, both VFR and IFR traffic are uncontrolled.
- PilotMall.com Editor
