The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

As a pilot, keeping an eye on the weather is just part of the job, especially when it comes to changing weather fronts. Cold, warm, stationary, and occluded fronts can each bring their own set of challenges.

Let’s covers what they are so you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way on your next flight.

Can you tell the difference between the Cessna 172 and the 182? It’s okay if you can’t.

At first glance, they look pretty similar. Both are reliable, single-engine airplanes with fixed tricycle landing gear. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find they each offer something unique.

When you hear "De-Icing Boot," you might picture something for your feet, but in aviation, it's referring to an anti-icing system.

In this guide we’ll cover how they work, why they’re useful, and how to maintain them so they keep doing their job. Let’s dive in!

De-icing boot's are great, but only work after ice has already formed. TKS systems use a fluid-based method to prevent ice from sticking to surfaces like the wings, tail, and even the windshield.

Read on to learn more about this amazing system and get your aircraft ready for winter.

If you've never heard of adverse yaw, it can catch you off guard during a turn when the plane’s nose pulls in the opposite direction, making the aircraft feel like it’s fighting against you.

It's alarming at first. But no sweat, we've got your covered. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how adverse yaw works and how it affects your ability to control your aircraft.

Let's get started!

If you've ever wondered how does a jet engine work, in this article, you’ll learn about the workings of jet engines, explore how they have evolved, and take a look at the different types powering planes today.

Lets get started!

Logging each flight correctly and consistently makes the difference between a polished, professional record and a cluttered mess that can raise eyebrows when you're aiming for the next step in your aviation journey.

Let’s dive into some practical tips for keeping your logbook pristine and organized.

In aviation, if you can understand the differences between a visual approach and a contact approach, then you know how it can affect how your landings in different weather conditions.

If you're flying in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) or transitioning to VFR (Visual Flight Rules), you'll need to know about these approaches. In this guide we'll walk you through this process.

Flying a traffic pattern at a non-towered airport can require more awareness and communication with other pilots than at an airport with an operating control tower.

Without air traffic controllers guiding you, it’s up to you and other pilots to manage the flow of traffic. But how exactly can you do that?

Don't worry! Because here’s a step-by-step guide to flying a traffic pattern.

We'll get you from base to final like a pro!

So you've made the decision to pursue your private pilot license. Maybe you took a discovery flight, or perhaps you have a family member who is already a pilot. Either way, the aviation bug has bitten you and now you're eager to dive into everything aviation has to offer.

And while there are different options available, some people want to fast-track their training so they can focus on more advanced skills for a career as a pilot.

Don't worry, we'll help you!

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.

Figuring out the right headwind setup doesn't need to be a complicated process.

In fact, with just a few simple steps, you can figure it all out in minutes!

Pilots know how important it is to have accurate wind data, but not everyone is clear on how exactly to get that info without performing some pretty heavy calculations.

If you're one of those people, don't worry! This guide will walk you through it.