The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

An in-depth comparison of the best portable ADS-B receivers for ForeFlight in 2026. See how Stratus 4 compares to Garmin GDL 50 and 52 for weather, traffic, battery life, and long-term value.

Airplane deicing is an important procedure that must be done during winter weather conditions to safeguard your aircraft’s performance. A buildup of ice, snow, frost, or other contaminants, especially on critical areas like the wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizers is dangerous.

For new student pilots, weather reports can be tricky to understand. They use terms that we don't often hear in our everyday lives. One of those terms is "cloud ceilings". This may seem like a strange phrase, but it's actually very important for new pilots to know if they want to read weather reports (METARs) correctly.

In this article, we'll break down what cloud ceilings are and help you understand them better.

Turbulence is caused by changes in altitude and atmospheric conditions and can subject aircraft to a variety of disturbances, requiring vigilance from air traffic control, concern from flight attendants, and raising worries about potential structural damage.

Learn more about the 7 types of turbulences every pilot should know!

If you've ever studied how to read METARs, then you may have noticed an "R" symbol followed by a runway number. That's an RVR and only appears in a METAR when visibility is low. What does this tell us as pilots, why is it important?

In this article, we will discuss what RVR information means for pilots and why it is essential to comprehend them.

Let's get to it!

When you hear "De-Icing Boot," you might picture something for your feet, but in aviation, it's referring to an anti-icing system.

In this guide we’ll cover how they work, why they’re useful, and how to maintain them so they keep doing their job. Let’s dive in!

Are you ready for icy conditions? Winter can bring some unique challenges, but not to worry, we've got you covered. Always make sure to research local regulations and seek advice from seasoned winter travelers before taking off on your journey. Take a look at these helpful tips before you head out into the frosty air.

The first time your flight instructor explains how to perform crosswind landings, you might feel absolutely petrified. Steering an airplane safely onto the runway centerline amidst wind gusts is no easy feat—even for experienced pilots.

But don't worry! In this article, we explore the world of crosswind landing techniques.

You're planning a night trip up north and then it happens—ice begins to form on your aircraft.

Are you prepared? Do you know that to do? Freezing conditions and ice are a serious hazard that can challenge your entire flight.

Let's get into learning about these winter flight weather protection systems.

Visually stunning and filled with deadly power, thunderstorms are one of the most fascinating and dangerous weather phenomena you are likely to encounter as a pilot. An estimated 40,000 thunderstorms pop up around the globe on a daily basis, so your odds of having to deal with one are reasonably high.

While fog may seem harmless on the ground, its different forms can reduce visibility in very different ways. This guide explains the seven main types of fog that affect pilots and how to recognize when they could complicate your next flight.

As a pilot, keeping an eye on the weather is just part of the job, especially when it comes to changing weather fronts. Cold, warm, stationary, and occluded fronts can each bring their own set of challenges for turbulence, icing, visibility, and flight planning.

One of the skills pilots must learn and excel at is meteorology. It is important to be adept at reading weather reports and forecasts then using them to make informed flight decisions. There are multiple reports to consult, and METARs are one of the primary sources for current weather information. Learning how to read a METAR is a key part of being a safe pilot.

You're checking your METARS and TAFs when suddenly you encounter a word you might be unfamiliar with: "SPECI". But knowing what SPECI reports are is very important for pilots. SPECIs are issued whenever attention-worthy changes happen, like a sudden drop in visibility or a sharp shift in wind direction.

Come along, because in this article, we'll explain exactly what a SPECI is and what exactly it means for you as a pilot.

When you encounter wind shear, you’ll deal with sudden changes in wind speed and direction that can drastically affect your aircraft’s performance. These abrupt shifts can make the difference between a smooth approach and a dangerous situation.

Let’s explore what wind shear is, how it puts you at risk, and how you can mitigate its effects.

De-icing boot's are great, but only work after ice has already formed. TKS systems use a fluid-based method to prevent ice from sticking to surfaces like the wings, tail, and even the windshield.

Read on to learn more about this amazing system and get your aircraft ready for winter.