What is a Pitot Tube and What does it do?
Named after it’s 18th century inventor, French engineer Henri Pitot, this marvelous invention is still in use today…
Draining the fuel tanks – What to do if you find water?
Draining the fuel tanks is one of the first things we are taught to do in the pre-flight routine, but what do you do the day you discover a bit of water at the bottom of your fuel drainer?
What is Pressure Altitude?
Pressure altitude is the altitude in the standard atmosphere at which the pressure is the same as the existing pressure…
Downdrafts – What should you do?
The trouble with downdrafts, just like wind, is that you usually cannot “see” these things coming, but only the effects. Downdrafts can cause pants-wetting moments, or even be lethal if you are unprepared or have little idea of what is happening.
Take-Off V-Speed Sequence Explained
V-speeds are simply, important speeds for aircraft. While commercial pilots are well aware of V-speeds, these are also translated for general aviation aircraft, with different coloured arcs on the airspeed indicator.
Take Off Limitations – What are they?
Can you take off? A question which can only be answered after considering a number of factors, such as temperature, airfield elevation, runway length, aircraft mass, aircraft acceleration, climb performance, and obstacles in the climb-out path…
10 Marshalling Signals You Should Know
If you fly out of a smaller, general aviation airfield, you are probably convinced that you will never be faced with the prospect of following the instructions of the seemingly mute, Visi-vest clad, baton wielding persons called marshalls.
What is Dead Reckoning?
Dead Reckoning. Sounds like a very apt name for the latest scary movie, I have absolutely no idea why the word ‘dead’ is used…
Which is better – Yoke or Stick Control?
A recent debate with a fellow pilot friend has led to this topic, so I do hope that all of you reading this will leave your comments down below. I must start with a confession, no pun intended, that I am a stick girl!
How to Calculate Distance and Time using Co-ordinates
Well, for some of you, it is necessary to be able to calculate the distance and time from co-ordinates for exam purposes. For the rest of you, who rely on that magnificent invention called GPS, quite frankly, I don’t blame you, but it is useful to use your grey matter, and know how to work it out the old fashioned way, just in case…