The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

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.

Perhaps you, like many other pilots, have been on the fence about whether you should get a multi-engine rating. You may be wondering what the advantages are and if it is worth it. Maybe you don’t know how long it takes to earn a multi-engine rating and are unfamiliar with the process.

We may adore soaring through the skies, but our bodies are made for an existence on land. This means that our brains are not engineered to process the stimuli we experience when we're airborne. It is this discrepancy that brings about spatial disorientation.

But how can we tell when this is happening and even more importantly, what can we do to cope with it? We will answer these questions in this article, so read on to find out!

The Beechcraft Bonanza, our beloved six-seat, single-engine aircraft, is still being manufactured by Beechcraft today, making it the longest continuously produced aircraft in history. If you aspire to fly or own this remarkable machine though, it's important to note that a high-performance endorsement is required.

In this guide, we will explain what exactly this extra endorsement involves, how to get it, and why it's worth obtaining. Let's go!

In the wonderous domain of aviation, pilots depend on the magnetic compass as a steadfast guide through the boundless skies. While this instrument may appear uncomplicated, it conceals a tapestry of intricate errors that demand our scrutiny.

Within this article, we'll unravel the enigmas of compass errors and empower you with the wisdom to enhance safety and precision during your flights.

Join us as we navigate through learning about the various errors, and pave the way towards mastery and precision in aviation.

Encourage a love of flight in the children in your life with an aviation-themed gift. From plush swings and stuffed animals for infants and toddlers to die cast models and puzzles for young children, plus radio control planes and cobi blocks models for older kids and teens, there is something for every kid on your gift list. Here are our suggestions for the top 10 gifts that will inspire the next generation of pilots:

You approach the runway, feeling success close. Your heart races; soon you'll touch down and complete your journey. But suddenly the aircraft starts to float!

You're not alone in this experience; it's a phenomenon known as ground effect that most pilots encounter at some point in their career.

In this article, we'll explore why understanding ground effect is so important for all aviators.