The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

Class E airspace may be the most common type of controlled airspace, but is also the least regulated, and perhaps one of the most confusing of the six classes of controlled airspace. With all its variations and complexities, it is no wonder that many pilots could use a little extra explanation on the logic behind Class E airspace. What are the requirements within Class E airspace? What types of Class E airspace are there? How are they designated and displayed on sectionals? At what altitude is Class E airspace found?

According to the Air Safety Institute, unintended stalls are among the leading causes of fatal accidents for pilots. Although pilots must study them, train for them and practice recovering from them, unintended stalls are still claiming too many lives.

It won't take long for you to realize the moment you start your flight training how much of a game-changer winds and crosswind components can be. When it's time to plan your first journey, the thought of having to make sense out of all the information needed for your cross-country flight could seem impossible. But don't worry! We're here to help you master the skills you need as a pilot.

So let's get started and learn how to calculate a crosswind component like a pro!

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 we think of the pilot in command, to us that usually means the person who is actually in the left seat flying the aircraft. This generalization is often true, but the details of who counts as the pilot in command (PIC) and when pilots can log pilot in command time, especially on a multi-pilot crew are not always that straightforward.

Read on to learn more about what it means to be a pilot in command and how pilots can get credit for their PIC hours.

Choosing a career is an important step and shifting careers later on involves major life change. With as much time as we spend at work, it is natural to want to pick a profession that will be fulfilling and rewarding both now and in the long term. Is a pilot that profession for you? Here are twelve reasons why you may want to say yes to becoming a pilot.

As a passenger, going on a journey across countries with different airlines is a thrilling adventure that fuels our wanderlust. As we gaze out the window to enjoy the view, it's easy to forget the intricate planning and calculations that make this extraordinary experience possible.

While a passenger can simply enjoy the ride, those of you who want to become pilots need to know what it takes to be in the pilot's seat when it comes to flight planning. Let's plan ahead for your trip, this article will guide you through the process of calculating flight time.

As a student pilot, you are focused on flight school, pricing, and financing. You may assume that insurance is taken care of, but oftentimes there is a large gap in coverage if you are involved in an accident while training. To protect yourself and others, it makes sense to learn about student pilot insurance to ensure proper coverage.

Don't navigate this complex topic alone - let’s get started by addressing the first burning question new pilots have when it comes to insurance.

So you want to take to the skies? Whether your dream is to become a commercial pilot or you simply want to soar through the clouds, you first have to decide between an airplane or a helicopter. Choosing one isn't just about what looks cool, there are pros and cons to both!

In this article, we'll delve into the advantages and disadvantages that come with each aircraft – so you can make the right decision for you.

Non-pilots may view flight simulators as nothing more than glorified video games, but serious pilots recognize and appreciate the value of the hands-on training opportunity. With flight time at a premium, the ability to build instrument flight rules (IFR) hands-on skills from home can be a powerful career-boosting asset.

Unless they remember their ground school training, new pilots may be surprised at how their aircraft reacts as they engage their ailerons to make a turn. They may be caught wondering why if they were making a turn to the right, the aircraft suddenly seemed to have a mind of its own and pivoted to the left first. Sounds like it is time for a refresher on the topic of adverse yaw.

When you plot your flight route on your sectional chart and begin to fly it, you might find that the aircraft veers off course after a while. You might begin to wonder why the aircraft doesn't follow the same exact path as you had thought it would. The reason for this is found in the True Course, True Heading and Magnetic Heading.

We will uncover the differences between them and their crucial roles in aviation. Let's unearth these mysteries together—read on to learn how they vary and why that matters for pilots.

VFR flight following – everyone tells you how useful it can be and what a great resource it is, but you just don’t use it. You aren’t even entirely sure how it works. You don’t know what to say to set it up and don’t want to sound like a newbie on the radio if you make a mistake. You wish you had a better understanding of what it is plus when and how to use it.

If you’re just starting to toy with the idea of getting a pilot’s license, you may be wondering, “How hard is it to fly a plane?” You’re probably looking for a realistic idea of whether you have what it takes to make it through the training and to master the skills you need to take to the 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.