The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

It's important to make sure that your flight operations are both economical and safe, a big part of that is planning your descent. Modern procedures like the Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) give you the power to manage your descents in really innovative ways.

Want to learn more? Well, read on and elevate those keen descent planning skills.

Being a pilot is so much more than just steering a plane, it means that you are committed to safety, preparedness, and meeting the strict pilot currency requirements. You want to ensure that you're not just capable, but fully equipped to navigate the skies and provide a danger-free experience for those onboard.

Pull out your logbooks, because it's time to check if we're set to take on the responsibility of carrying passengers, and reignite the passion for flight.

Shall we begin?

Ace your FAA Written Exam on the first try with our ultimate guide. Go beyond simple memorization and master the material with a proven 30-day study plan, a checklist of essential gear, and the top 10 mistakes to avoid. Walk into the testing center with the confidence to succeed.

The FAA bills ADS-B as, “an environmentally friendly technology that enhances safety and efficiency, and directly benefits pilots, controllers, airports, airlines, and the public.”

On the other side of the fence are those who see ADS-B as a complex, confusing, and expensive alternative to standard radar.

Keep reading for ADS-B answers and more, plus we will share our recommendation for an easy, low cost product solution that will have you ADS-B compliant.

While driving, a simple call to roadside assistance can easily solve any car troubles. However, with airplanes, even minor mechanical or electrical failures have the potential to be catastrophic.

Unlike cars, there is no breakdown lane in the sky, making aircraft inspections invaluable for preventing and addressing airworthiness issues before they become dangerous.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about aircraft maintenance and inspections for your plane's airworthiness. Get out those aircraft logbooks and get ready!

You've held the dream of taking to the skies for as long as you can remember, and your ambition is burning brighter than ever. You start researching flight schools and contacting them, and as you begin studying for the written exam, you realize that the FAA expects you to be aware of the regulations listed in Part 91.

Breaking through the aviation jargon can be intimidating, but don't worry—we'll help guide you through each of these parts in this article!

You can’t fly an aircraft that’s not airworthy — it’s the law. This rather black-and-white statement about safe aviation makes sense. But, in reality, the world is not black-and-white. Situations arise that may require you to move a plane that does not meet the legal definition for airworthy. 

A ramp check, or ramp inspection as the FAA officially refers to it as, is something many pilots dread. Of course, we all need to remember that flying is a privilege, not a right, so you can be questioned by authorities within reason. Most inspectors won’t harass you or draw out the inspection. A standard ramp check should be relatively quick and straightforward.

Imagine you’re a freshly minted commercial pilot. Congratulations! One thing on the mind of many newly certified commercial pilots is, “How can I use this new certificate to earn some money?”