The Pre-Flight Briefing - Pilot Shop Blog

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.

The Bose A20 Aviation Headset has earned a widespread fan base among pilots for its amazing sound quality and durable design. Despite newer options being available on the market, like the Bose A30, the A20 headset retains its popularity within the aviation community.

In this review, we'll explore the factors that contribute to its enduring appeal and why it continues to be a top choice for pilots of all skill levels.

Visually stunning and filled with deadly power, thunderstorms are one of the most fascinating and dangerous weather phenomena you are likely to encounter as a pilot. An estimated 40,000 thunderstorms pop up around the globe on a daily basis, so your odds of having to deal with one are reasonably high.

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.

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.

Ask a pilot to name a common single-engine fixed-wing aircraft, especially one that is good to learn on, and the Cessna 172 will quickly rise to the top of the list. From the original first flight in 1955 to its latest model still in production today, the Cessna 172 has been a reliable, dependable, easy-to-fly aircraft that is appreciated by students and seasoned pilots alike.

In a cockpit that is increasingly becoming more and more digital, what apps makes the cut? Electronic flight bags (EFB), aviation calculators, weather, specialty apps – there really is an app for just about everything. Which top your list for best aviation apps? Are you on the lookout for some new favorites?