Archive for February, 2009

When to Declare Minimum Fuel

By | February 21, 2009 | Flight Training | 1 Comment

The Pilot / Controller Glossary in the AIM defines minimum fuel as an indication that an aircraft’s fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching the destination, it can accept little or no delay. It is important to keep in mind that a minimum fuel advisory is not an emergency; it is only an advisory that an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. But when should you declare minimum fuel? Read more…

Icing Induced Tailplane Stalls: A NASA Study [video]

By | February 19, 2009 | Advanced Flying | 3 Comments

Several years ago, NASA produced a video for pilots detailing their research in tailplane icing and tailplane stalls. Produced by the Imagine Technology Center at NASA’s Lewis Research Center, the video describes signs indicative to the onset of a tailplane stall, aerodynamics and recovery techniques. The video was produced as a result of insights gained from the NASA/FAA Tailplane Icing Program. Read more…

Six Tips for Perfect Landings

By | February 17, 2009 | Flying Tips | No comments

As pilots, we all strive for that perfect landing. Sometimes we grease it, sometimes we don’t. Even after thirteen years of landing these airplanes, I still embarrass myself with the occasional sloppy approach or disgraceful landing. I think a lot of the reason we fail to make a clean landing is because we tend to forget the basics. Keep these six tips in mind next time you turn base to final. Read more…

How to Compute Your Reciprocal Heading

By | February 16, 2009 | Flying Tips | 2 Comments

“Twin Cessna 543MT, fly present heading, join the Graham 230 radial direct Graham.”

In order to fly the 230 radial inbound, you will need to tune your CDI needle to the opposite of 230°.¹ How do you compute the opposite heading? Read on. Read more…

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