The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

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.

During flight, VFR pilots can simply look outside the cockpit at the wings and the aircraft’s cowling’s relationship to the horizon, then use that visual as their unofficial “attitude indicator.” For IFR pilots flying on instruments, however, the AI is critically important.

But don’t tune out yet, VFR pilots. Keep reading for a refresher on what the AI gauge is, how it works, how to read it, and potential instrument errors to watch out for.

When a student pilot is told by their flight instructor that they will be executing a no-flap landing, it can initially feel like a challenging task. However, understanding the significance of this maneuver and how it can be incredibly helpful in certain situations is crucial.

In this article, we will explore the art of executing a no-flap landing.

“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.

Consider the need for life rafts and life vests. On extended overwater flights, you’ll want to carry one life vest per person and a raft (or rafts) with enough room and buoyancy to fit everyone on board.

“One becomes indifferent. One thinks neither of the perilous situation nor of any danger,” French balloon pilot Gaston Tissandier wrote after narrowly surviving the first documented aviation-related hypoxia event at 28,000 feet.

Regardless of what altitude we usually fly at to understand the types of hypoxia, its symptoms and effects, plus what to do if we find ourselves sliding into the dangerously peaceful grip of low oxygen levels. Let’s jump right in.

The Van's RV-8 is a two-seater, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt plane that has become quite popular in the aviation community. Developed in 1996, it is admired for its tandem seating and lengthy range of flight.

Come along with us as we investigate the timeless charm and unforgettable legacy of the Van's RV-8/8A!