Changing weather conditions, air traffic control (ATC), the aircraft, and the pilot are all variables that make instrument flying an unpredictable and challenging operation. The safety of the flight depends…
Inadvertent Thunderstorm Encounter A pilot should avoid flying through a thunderstorm of any intensity. However, certain conditions may be present that could lead to an inadvertent thunderstorm encounter. For example,…
Preventing aircraft system malfunctions that might lead to an inflight emergency begins with a thorough preflight inspection. In addition to those items normally checked prior to a visual flight rules…
Analog Instrument Failure A warning indicator, or an inconsistency between indications on the attitude indicator and the supporting performance instruments, usually identifies system or instrument failure. Aircraft control must be…
Avionics equipment has become very reliable, and the likelihood of a complete communications failure is remote. However, each IFR flight should be planned and executed in anticipation of a two-way…
Procedures for accessing the nearest airport information vary by the type of display installed in an aircraft. Pilots can obtain information relative to the nearest airport by using the PFD,…
Situational awareness is not simply a mental picture of aircraft location; rather, it is an overall assessment of each element of the environment and how it affects a flight. On…