The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

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!

Are you in the market for a private or business jet? While you’ve been reviewing your options, you’ve probably noticed that many jets require a two-person crew. Of course, that second pilot increases your operating expenses. Imagine the savings of being free to hire just one pilot rather than two for your travel needs.

If you aren't familiar with the word "Mach Tuck", don't worry. In this guide, we will explain what Mach Tuck is, why it happens, and how pilots can recognize and mitigate it before it becomes a serious issue.

Let’s explore the key points that, as a pilot, you need to know.

When you're approaching an airport for landing, visual aids matter for experiencing a safe touchdown. Among the most useful tools are PAPI lights (Precision Approach Path Indicator lights). PAPI provides instant feedback to pilots on their approach angle.

Let’s get into how PAPI lights work, why they matter, and how they compare to similar systems.

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!

Bernoulli’s Principle is important for many reasons; airplanes wouldn’t sail through the skies, carburetors wouldn’t deliver fuel as well, and your favorite soccer player’s iconic curve shot wouldn’t bend the way it does.

Bernoulli’s Principle is the cornerstone of how fluid dynamics shape the world we live in. Let’s take a look into this principle to understand why it matters so much both in and outside of aviation.

The Bell 206 Jet Ranger is a well-trusted workhorse for several pilots around the globe. The bell helicopter has a rich history, and interesting facts regarding its performance capabilities.

If you are wondering what makes it a favorite for both civilian and military use, this guide has you covered.

Let's explore what makes the Jet Ranger a true legend.