The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

An ultimate pilot guide to True Course, True Heading, Magnetic Course, Magnetic Heading and Compass Heading complete with the full formula chain, drift/WCA explanation, GPS track vs heading, a worked example, quiz, and FAQs.

Flying beyond cell coverage? The new Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus gives pilots a powerful safety edge with satellite voice messaging, photo sharing, and global SOS connectivity. In this in-depth review, we break down what’s new, how it compares to the Mini 2 and ZOLEO, and why it belongs in every pilot’s flight bag.

For 2026 the best flight sim controls are the Logitech G Saitek Pro Flight Yoke ($179.99) plus Saitek Rudder Pedals ($179.99) for PC; the Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X ($49.99) is the best budget starter and the HOTAS One ($99.99) is best for Xbox.

If you've ever wondered how air traffic stays so organized, STARs and SIDs are where it all begins. These routes might seem invisible from your seat on an airplane, but they're the reason flights smoothly transition between the ground and cruising altitudes, or from cruising to landing.

If you're just curious or gearing up for your next flight, understanding SIDs and STARs gives you a peek behind the curtain of air traffic control's balancing act.

As aviation continues to embrace technological advancements, the contents of a pilot's flight bag have evolved over time. No longer burdened by stacks of paper, modern pilots rely on an assortment of gadgets and essentials to ensure smooth and safe flights. In this guide, we'll dive into the essential items every pilot should have in their flight bags, from cutting-edge devices to time-tested tools.

You put in the time to earn a commercial pilot certificate. You brushed up on the privileges and limitations that come with it, and now you are ready to go land that first job. The only problem is you have less than 500 hours, and many of the job listings require more experience.

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.

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.

A number of important considerations are involved in choosing the right flight bag. The intended use, budget, length of trips you plan to take, amount of gear you plan to carry and preferred carrying method should all be considered. If you are in the market for a new flight bag, we’ve unpacked some of the best flight bags on the market with something for every budget.

Transponders have been a hot topic over the last few years, especially with the 2020 implementation of the FAA’s ADS-B airspace rule. Many of us reviewed our transponder configuration in 2019 and upgraded our systems as needed.

Airplane deicing is an important procedure that must be done during winter weather conditions to safeguard your aircraft’s performance. A buildup of ice, snow, frost, or other contaminants, especially on critical areas like the wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizers is dangerous.

There has been a subtle but important shift in the definition of slow flight since 2018. Prior to 2018, the FAA considered slow flight to be an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor or a reduction in power would result in an immediate stall.

Before we get into our list of the easiest planes to fly, it is only fair to point out that the concept of ease of flying is inherently subjective. Yes, there are certain characteristics that most pilots will look for and most designers will incorporate on an aircraft that is easy to fly, but there is no universal checklist. We are all different and our perceptions of the relative ease of flying a given aircraft will vary.

Gliders and sailplanes may seem alike, both flying without engines using wind and air currents. But they have key differences in design and performance. In this article, we'll explore what sets them apart and help you understand the unique features of each. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of general aviation pilots in the United States. The association was established in 1939 and has since become one of the largest aviation organizations in the world, with over 470,000 members.

A Dutch roll, it sounds delicious, but in aviation a Dutch roll is very different. In this article we'll touch on everything you need to know about a Dutch roll including what it is, how it got its unique name, and how to get out of a Dutch roll should you inadvertently find yourself in one.