The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

So, you want to earn a helicopter license but you’re not quite sure how to go about it? Maybe you have a fixed-wing license and want to branch out into rotor, or you are just starting out and are interested in eventually pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Today we will walk you through the process and what to expect as you acquire a helicopter license.

The pitot-static system is a pressure-based aircraft system that measures and compares ram air pressure and static pressure. That data is then transmitted to aircraft instruments in the cockpit, giving the pilot information on aircraft altitude, airspeed and vertical speed.

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.

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.

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.

Think about this for a moment: who taught the first pilots how to fly? “Ground school” for the Wright brothers may have consisted of studying available information from balloon pilots and other sources, then extrapolating their best theories on how that would apply to fixed wing flight. Their “flight training” was a self-taught process of testing theories and learning from failures.

There is a certain mystique and allure about ultralight aircraft. They are reminiscent of the early days of aviation when would-be pilots built their own aircraft and took to the skies for their own test flights. Ultralights are affordable, exciting and building them from a kit evokes a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Curious about wingtip vortices and how they work? They’re spirals of air caused by pressure differences on an aircraft wing, creating induced drag that affects performance. Winglets, those angled extensions at the wingtips, help reduce these vortices and boost efficiency.

Let’s dive into the details!

For new student pilots, weather reports can be tricky to understand. They use terms that we don't often hear in our everyday lives. One of those terms is "cloud ceilings". This may seem like a strange phrase, but it's actually very important for new pilots to know if they want to read weather reports (METARs) correctly.

In this article, we'll break down what cloud ceilings are and help you understand them better.

As your jet plane turns onto the runway you eagerly anticipate the takeoff. Suddenly, you are startled by a loud bang and flash of fire from one of the engines. What's going on? Is everything alright?

In this article, we'll delve into the world of compressor stalls—what they are, how to handle them, and how to avoid them altogether.

Let's get into a flying maneuver that can make even the most seasoned private pilot break out in a cold sweat: power-off stalls.

These daunting maneuvers require precision and quick thinking, making them an important skill for any student or experienced pilot to master.

Get ready to learn all 13 steps of this nerve-wracking maneuver that keeps us all on our toes.

Pilot students at Part 61 flight schools may begin training on analog instruments in their early days, but as they advance they will likely have the opportunity to experience glass cockpits. Glass cockpits use computer technology with features such as interactive moving maps.

However, some pilots prefer steam gauges because they are more affordable for general aviation aircraft use. In this article, we'll investigate—which is better, analog or glass cockpits?

Let's explore and find out!

Congratulations on completing your flight training and meeting the 1500 flight hours rule! It's amazing how far you've come and now it's finally time for all your hard work to pay off. You've applied for a job as an airline pilot, and they're interested in having an interview with you. While this is exciting news, it also comes with some stress. That's why we have written this article.