Truly superior pilots are those who use their superior judgment to avoid those situations where they might have to use their superior skills.
Lesson Category: Written Prep
Lesson 16: Weather Charts and Services
Charting Your Best Course Around The Weather In this LESSON we’ll cover the basic weather charts that you’ll be using to help plan your flights. Whether it’s checking the weather a day or two out for a planned flight, or seeing what is happening in the sky right now, we’ll go over charts and services… Continue reading Lesson 16: Weather Charts and Services
Lesson 15: VFR Charts and Navigation
Charting your path to success! There are many different charts or “maps” pilots use to find their way through the sky. You’ve already had a glimpse at what the sectional chart looks like, and some of its basic features. Over the next few TOPICS, we’ll take a closer look at it again, and some of… Continue reading Lesson 15: VFR Charts and Navigation
Lesson 13: Luck with Weather
Lucky Weather Probably not two things you’ll hear associated much in aviation. Generally, when it comes to weather, Murphy’s Law is in full effect and what can go wrong will go wrong. Check out the video above for a nice intro to weather and clouds, and then kick back and peruse through the TOPICS below… Continue reading Lesson 13: Luck with Weather
Lesson 12: Weight and Balance, Navigation Systems
Not as heavy as you might have thought While weight and balance is a very important topic, it’s not as difficult as many pilots make it out to be. You’ll need to know basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, that’s it! In the next few TOPICS you will learn how to calculate weight and balance… Continue reading Lesson 12: Weight and Balance, Navigation Systems
Lesson 11: Start Your Engines: Engines, Systems, and Instruments
Knowledge is Power! Well, knowing about your engine is power anyways. And knowing about your aircraft systems and instruments is even more power! What we’re covering: Aircraft Engines Fuel Systems Electrical Systems Hydraulic Systems Instruments Inside Your Aircraft Everything About the Instrument Panel Explained The propeller is just a big fan in the front of… Continue reading Lesson 11: Start Your Engines: Engines, Systems, and Instruments
Lesson 8: Class A, B, and C Airspace: The Busier Side of the Sky
Class A, Class B, and Class C Airspace Class A, B and C airspace are all controlled airspace. Although it is designated as such because the sky is a little bit busier in those areas with air traffic, you shouldn’t be intimidated to fly and operate in this type of airspace. To give you an… Continue reading Lesson 8: Class A, B, and C Airspace: The Busier Side of the Sky
Lesson 7: The Less Busy Airspace: G, E, D
Class G, E, and D airspace: Luckily whether you have a GED or PHD, you can learn the layout of the different airspace that makes up the NAS (national airspace system). We’ll start off covering just a basic overview of class G airspace, class E airspace, and class D airspace, and leave the busier types,… Continue reading Lesson 7: The Less Busy Airspace: G, E, D
GFA, Graphic Forecast for Aviation
Graphic Forecast The GFA has replaced the FA for the lower 48 United States. Watch the video above on how to use the new tool and interpret the information from the Graphic Map. Below is a chart to decipher the symbols displayed on the map. Weather Symbols Symbol METAR Code Description Dust or sand FU… Continue reading GFA, Graphic Forecast for Aviation
FB – Winds Aloft
Check out the video above to learn how to decode a “FB” or winds aloft forecast. You’ll need to use this forecast to account for the different wind above the surface when you start flying longer distances (cross country planning) and at higher altitudes. This is also helpful to predict windshear and turbulence as calm… Continue reading FB – Winds Aloft