Explore airplane flying techniques, flight training procedures, and practical aircraft operations. Learn about basic flight maneuvers, flight controls, ground operations, takeoffs, approaches and landings, performance maneuvers, night operations, emergency procedures, and upset prevention and recovery. Discover the operating characteristics of different airplane types, including complex, multiengine, tailwheel, turbopropeller-powered, and jet-powered aircraft. These resources provide pilots and student pilots with essential knowledge and practical guidance for developing flying skills, improving aircraft handling, and conducting safe and efficient flight operations.
To prevent these illusions and their potentially hazardous consequences, pilots can: Anticipate the possibility of visual illusions during approaches to unfamiliar airports, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions. Consult airport diagrams and the Chart Supplements for information on runway slope, terrain, and lighting. Make frequent reference to the altimeter, especially during all approaches, … Read more
The following general discussion applies to airplanes equipped with flaps. The pilot may use landing flaps during the descent to adjust lift and drag. Flap settings help determine the landing spot and the descent angle to that spot. [Figure 1 and Figure 2] Flap extension during approaches and landings provides several advantages by: Producing greater … Read more
Safety Considerations In the interest of safety and good habit pattern formation, there are certain basic flight safety practices and procedures that should be emphasized by the flight instructor, and adhered to by both instructor and learner, beginning with the very first dual instruction flight. These include, but are not limited to, collision avoidance procedures … Read more
Sources of Flight Training The major sources of flight training in the United States include FAA-approved pilot schools and training centers, non-certificated (14 CFR part 61) flying schools, and independent flight instructors. FAA-approved schools are those flight schools certificated by the FAA as pilot schools under 14 CFR part 141. [Figure 1] Application for part … Read more
This section is designed to equip aspiring pilots with the foundational knowledge and skills required to begin their journey in aviation. Whether you’re just starting your flight training or working toward advanced certifications, this section serves as a reliable resource to support your progress. A Resource for Every Stage of Pilot Training This section is … Read more
This section contains information on dealing with non-normal and emergency situations that may occur in flight. The key to successful management of an emergency situation, and/ or preventing a non-normal situation from progressing into a true emergency, is a thorough familiarity with, and adherence to, the procedures developed by the airplane manufacturer and contained in … Read more
The light-sport aircraft (LSA) concept broadens the access of flight to more people. LSA have been defined as a simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft; however, “simple-to-operate” and “easy-to-fly” do not negate the need for proper and effective training. This post introduces the light-sport category of airplanes and places emphasis on transition to a light-sport airplane. Even though … Read more
This section contains an overview of jet powered airplane operations. The information contained in this section is meant to be a useful preparation for, and a supplement to, formal and structured jet airplane qualification training. The intent of this section is to provide information on the major differences a pilot will encounter when transitioning to … Read more
This section is devoted to the factors associated with the operation of small multiengine airplanes. For the purpose of this section, a “small” multiengine airplane is a reciprocating or turbopropeller-powered airplane with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. This discussion assumes a conventional design with two engines—one mounted on each wing. … Read more
A high-performance airplane is defined as an airplane with an engine capable of developing more than 200 horsepower. A complex airplane means an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller, including airplanes equipped with an engine control system consisting of a digital computer and associated accessories for controlling the … Read more