The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

In general aviation, speed epitomizes the pinnacle of engineering and performance innovation. Our comprehensive review, "10 Fastest Single-Engine Planes in 2025: Top Speeds, Specs & Expert Reviews," delves into state-of-the-art models from industry leaders like Mooney, Cirrus, Piper, and Cessna, showcasing how breakthroughs in aerodynamics, turbocharged engines, and advanced avionics are redefining single-engine performance. Whether you're a seasoned pilot seeking your next high-speed aircraft or an aviation enthusiast eager to explore the latest trends, this guide provides detailed specs, expert insights, and side-by-side comparisons to help you navigate the evolving skies.

If you examine the wings on almost any aircraft, you’ll first notice the aerodynamic shape that help all aircraft to have lift. But something you might not notice as easily is a design feature called “wash out”.

The purpose of wash out is to help make the aircraft more stable during a stall. But what does it look like and how exactly does it work?

We’ll answer all of those questions and more in this article!

Pilot proficiency, ongoing training, and accident prevention remain top priorities for the FAA in 2025, and the WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program exemplifies this commitment by using a modernized, scenario-based approach to mitigate the most common accident causal factors. By blending web-based coursework with in-flight instruction, WINGS participants continually refine their aeronautical decision-making skills, maintain a higher standard of competency, and foster a culture of excellence among general aviation pilots. Whether practicing crosswind landing techniques or advanced IFR procedures, the program’s targeted activities help keep pilots current and confident, ultimately reducing the rate of preventable incidents in the national airspace.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is now available, redefining realism with advanced AI, photo-real graphics, and real-time data. Discover how its robust tools and immersive features can take your piloting skills to new heights—all from the comfort of your home cockpit.

Wearing sunglasses definitely looks cool, but as a pilot, it's important for you to protect your eyes. They're extremely valuable and keeping them healthy is important for a successful and long-lasting flight career. 

The type of sunglasses you wear can impact the health of your eyes, so it's vital to choose the right ones. 

Let's take a look at what to keep in mind when searching for your next perfect pair.

You're checking your METARS and TAFs when suddenly you encounter a word you might be unfamiliar with: "SPECI". But knowing what SPECI reports are is very important for pilots. SPECIs are issued whenever attention-worthy changes happen, like a sudden drop in visibility or a sharp shift in wind direction.

Come along, because in this article, we'll explain exactly what a SPECI is and what exactly it means for you as a pilot.

You're planning a night trip up north and then it happens—ice begins to form on your aircraft.

Are you prepared? Do you know that to do? Freezing conditions and ice are a serious hazard that can challenge your entire flight.

Let's get into learning about these winter flight weather protection systems.

It's important to make sure that your flight operations are both economical and safe, a big part of that is planning your descent. Modern procedures like the Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) give you the power to manage your descents in really innovative ways.

Want to learn more? Well, read on and elevate those keen descent planning skills.

Today, gas turbines are the most widely used form of propulsion, but there are different types and variations of this engine.

Modern gas turbines can generate tens of thousands of pounds of thrust or mechanical horsepower, allowing aircraft to travel faster, farther, and better than ever before.

In this article, you'll learn about the four main turbine engine types: turbojet, turboprop, turbofan, and turboshaft.

The mixture control is what can help to maximize the performance of your aircraft. Learning more about carbureted engines can help if you trying to manage your fuel economy, and avoid engine damage.

In this guide let’s explore how mixture controls impact your engine’s performance and what you need to know about fine-tuning the fuel-air ratio for various conditions.

Aircraft engine oil is a powerhouse. It cushions moving parts, manages heat, seals combustion chambers, cleans contaminants, and guards against corrosion. These six functions are fundamental to keeping engines performing in tip-top shape.

Let’s get to the details behind the purpose of engine oil.

The Pitot-static system powers critical flight instruments like the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and VSI, but in general aviation aircraft, it's more prone to failure due to limited redundancy. Failures caused by ice, debris, or human oversight can lead to misleading readings and dangerous situations. This article explores how to identify and prepare for these scenarios.

Maybe you are a student pilot in training or you just have an interest in aviation. No matter what your goals are, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to listen to ATC on a scanner.

When you encounter wind shear, you’ll deal with sudden changes in wind speed and direction that can drastically affect your aircraft’s performance. These abrupt shifts can make the difference between a smooth approach and a dangerous situation.

Let’s explore what wind shear is, how it puts you at risk, and how you can mitigate its effects.

Becoming an airline pilot offers a unique blend of adventure, challenge, and reward. From the thrill of flying to the opportunity to explore the world, it's a career like no other. Plus, the compensation and benefits can be highly competitive.

Let's explore the frequently asked questions that arise when it comes to being an airline pilot.

Are you curious about how pilots line up their aircraft perfectly with the runway? Or maybe you're starting your own aviation journey towards becoming a pilot. Either way, learning all about the different runway lighting systems will benefit you greatly.

In this article we'll explore everything there is to know about VASI lights.

Let's start learning more about them!