The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

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!

Flying is flying, but night flying has its own quirks and considerations that are different from daytime. A little extra planning, training, practice, and provisioning make all the difference. Here are some tricks and tips to help you have a safe, enjoyable experience while flying at night.

Are you looking to inspire and support a family member or friend who is embarking on the exciting journey of becoming a licensed pilot? Whether they're a student pilot or a passionate aviation enthusiast, you have the perfect opportunity to make their dreams take flight with a thoughtful gift.

In this article, we present a curated selection of 15 exceptional gift ideas that will not only delight but also empower those who aspire to conquer the skies.

Clouds are a very important indicator of aviation weather conditions. Kids enjoy finding bunnies and dinosaurs in the puffy white clouds on a summer day, but for pilots, clouds have a different story to tell.

Join us for a fun refresher on cloud categories, families, types, and what you need to know about each of the twelve most important kinds of clouds.

Picture this, you have your IFR rating and you're on an IFR flight plan down to Florida for some sun and relaxation on the beach. You're not too far from your final destination, and you decide to get in touch with ATC, but you notice that something isn't quite right—you've lost comms. In this article, we’ll cover what to do if communication is lost during an IFR flight plan. We will discuss lost comm procedures and more!

What do airline pilots and limo drivers have in common? Both do everything possible to give their passengers a smooth ride. While limo drivers are busy avoiding potholes in the streets, we pilots do our best to skirt invisible bumps in the sky.

That’s why today we’re covering turbulence, including the different types, causes, and severities plus how turbulence impacts aircraft and what we can do to avoid the bumps or smooth out a rough ride.