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.

“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.

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.

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.

You've held the dream of taking to the skies for as long as you can remember, and your ambition is burning brighter than ever. You start researching flight schools and contacting them, and as you begin studying for the written exam, you realize that the FAA expects you to be aware of the regulations listed in Part 91.

Breaking through the aviation jargon can be intimidating, but don't worry—we'll help guide you through each of these parts in this article!

If you're a fan of heart-stopping aerial combat or stories of courage and adventure high above the clouds, this list is sure to remind you of some classics while introducing you to a few hidden gems.

Grab the popcorn and your remote as you settle in for your next pilot movie marathon. Did your favorite film make the cut? There’s only one way to find out.

Listen: We get it – none of us enjoy looking in the mirror and analyzing our potential shortcomings, but with the FAA estimating that 75% of all aviation accidents are caused by human factors, it’s time to rip off the bandage and get honest. Let’s face the music, and find out what hazardous – and potentially deadly – attitudes we too may be unwittingly bringing to the cockpit.

Get ready to cozy up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and embrace the warmth of the holiday season! Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the aviation enthusiasts and pilots in your life can sometimes feel like navigating through turbulent skies.

But fear not, because we're here to make your gift-giving journey a smooth and delightful one. With our carefully curated list of 20 must-have Christmas gifts for pilots, you'll find options that fit every budget and are guaranteed to light up your favorite pilot's face with joy.

What in the world is “scud running?” If you are asking this question you are not alone. It may sound like something a Tusken Raider would do in a Star Wars landspeeder, but human pilots have been known to engage in scud running their rotary and fixed wing aircraft with mixed results.