Why don’t we use short field takeoff techniques on every takeoff? Should we perform short field takeoffs every time? As aviators, we are all about risk management. We even create terms and acronyms to describe it. Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) are two that come to mind. It seems we eliminate every risk we can, no…
Here’s an interesting one. Apparently when Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo was returning to earth it flew outside of the airspace that it was assigned to. I assume it was a TFR (temporary flight restriction) that delineated their airspace, although I’d have to research that detail. There has been a lot of talk over the past few years about how…
As a diligent pilot you always do a thorough preflight inspection and use your checklists. You “become familiar with all available information concerning that flight” just like the FAA requires. But, how often do you remember to check that all required documents are onboard the airplane? Let’s start with you, the pilot. Have you remembered your pilot certificate, your medical…
The weather is beautiful, so you decide to take the plane up for a relaxing flight. As you’re doing your preflight you discover a piece of equipment that isn’t working. So what equipment is required for VFR flight? Can you legally fly, or do you need to wait until your mechanic can make repairs? A common mnemonic to help you…