General
What is Mach number and why do jet aeroplanes use it?
True, if you are flying a low powered, single engine piston aeroplane, then Mach is not something you often consider, however, it is a really cool sounding aviation word, and understanding what it is all about, will certainly expand your knowledge base.
Can you carry out a repair on your aeroplane?
On landing you discover your aircraft has a flat tyre, or, during your pre-flight you find a loose aileron bolt – can you fix it yourself? Let’s explore what you can and can’t do…
Runway Illusions – How you can conquer any runway
Having a keen sense for identifying the illusions that some runways, and surrounding terrain can present, can really help you improve your approaches, which in turn, could turn your landings into good, safe ones.
How CRM can benefit you as a single pilot
While it is not yet a compulsory part of PPL training, the benefits of single pilot CRM to safety are unquestionable, so here are some pointers for you to practice yourself.
What is a ‘Raked’ Wingtip?
Just when you thought winglets would be around forever, it seems innovation is alive, with ‘raked wings’ being the flavour ‘du jour’…
Can you land safely on water in an emergency?
However, common sense will tell you, that unless you are flying a seaplane, the design of your aircraft could significantly affect the success rate, and survival rate of your landing…
Airmanship – 10 Ways to be a Better Pilot
Displaying good airmanship, will not only impress your examiners along your path in aviation, but it will certainly earn you respect from your passengers and fellow pilots.
Seaplane flying – Why you should try it!
There are a few things that have fascinated me about seaplane flying. Firstly, there is no runway, and they usually take off from areas where there is a lot of other activity on the water i.e. boats, kayaks, tourists pottering around in electric boats…
Why you should check tyre pressure every flight
While it might just be a little laziness, or a seemingly less important part of your pre-flight, when fuel and oil take precedence, it seems that checking tyre pressure is often accomplished with an eyeball and quick kick. So how should you check the tyre pressure, and what happens if your tyre pressure is too low or too high?
Is there more you can do to prepare for an emergency?
If you think that frequently practicing your precautionaries, and forced landings, is good preparation for the unlikely event that you find yourself in an emergency situation, you would be correct. However, is there anything else you can do to prepare adequately for an emergency?
Interview – Frank Versteegh former Air Race and Air Show Pilot
Like most aviators, you have probably watched countless air races and shows, and wondered what it takes to be one of those pilots. For me personally, I have always been curious as to what type of character would do that crazy-ass sh*t, and what drives them to do it. Last week I had the immense privilege of attending a talk by Dutch former Red Bull Air Race and airshow pilot Frank Versteegh.
True Life Story – When a forced landing happens
This past week, the unexpected happened. It did not happen to a super experienced airline pilot, nor a super skilled aerobatics pilot, but rather an ordinary, but incredibly present flight instructor with his student. What you will read below is the account of events (unedited), as written by Dutch former Red Bull Air Race pilot Frank Versteegh, who went out for a flight earlier in the day in the very same aircraft…
The ‘SIM’ – Befriending the Sweatbox
I believe that there are two kind of pilots – those that love simulator training, and those that don’t. My experience has never been with the state of the art kind of simulator, but rather more of the old flight school rattle box kind, with seats that smell of stale man sweat and controls that beg for a wipe over with anti-bacterial wipes.
Impossible to pass the Instrument Rating Exam?
The introduction of a single theoretical exam for the IF rating seemed like a good idea, especially for those who did not have the time to study for, and pass virtually all of the CPL subjects. However, as is evident from the large number of frustrated students, it is not exactly a win…
Set new goals and challenge your flying skills!
Perhaps you have been flying for some time, and apart from sweating through a revalidation, or a jaunt to a new breakfast spot, you haven’t really challenged yourself, or your flying skills for some time. As it is a new year, it seems appropriate to set yourself new goals which will not only spice up your flying, but will make you a better a better pilot. Here are a few things you may want to try…
Flying to your holiday? Think before you go…
Ahhhh…. December holidays are upon us and the beach is calling. If you are planning to fly, afterall, why drive if you can fly, then we have some tips for you to remember before you get caught up in the distractions of the silly season:
The New CX3 Calculator is approved!
If you are mathematically challenged, or could not be bothered with pfaffing with old school whirly-wheel thingies, then this is a holiday gift you must put on your list!
True Life Rescue Operation – Why you should note those numbers!
If you have never attended a safety campaign meeting, or have no idea just how valuable these meetings are, or how important filing a flight plan is, then you should read on, and relive Adrienne’s experience with South Africa’s super talented aerial rescue team headed by Santjie White..
Hydration vs Inconvenient calls of nature
We have all been there. The urgent call of nature while flying a single-engine that is not ‘loo’ equipped…
…considering I was going to need to be fully focused for 150NM I thought it a good idea to have a few glugs from my ever-present water bottle before starting up the engine.
Smoking – Worth ending your career before it takes off?
Some members of the young crew still think it is ‘cool’ to smoke. Stress is a ridiculous excuse, as what could be more stressful than fighting in a war where every day you stood a 50/50 chance of returning to base? Already, there is a pilot shortage predicted in the near future, yet many of these new recruits do not seem to have the foresight to see how smoking now could end their careers prematurely.
Why sleeping more will improve your flying
Here is a little something I learnt in my years as an elite level athlete – how much you sleep will determine how well you perform, and this definitely also applies to flying.
About Gyrocopters
This week we bring you an interesting option if you are thinking of getting into aviation, but costs are a limiting factor. Modern gyrocopters are not only just cool to look at, but really fun to fly and won’t break the bank!
President’s Trophy Air Race 2017 – A Virgin Experience
Doing your first President’s Trophy Air Race (PTAR) is a bit like going on a blind date – you know it could be good, but you have no idea what to expect! Sometimes it is best not to ask too many questions, and just go forth…
Class D airspace in SA
You may be quite surprised to know that South Africa has indeed got five classes of airspace and not four! It may not have been brought to your attention, but indeed, Grand Central Airport in Midrand is the proud owner of South Africa's only Class D airspace. Not a...