http://techcrunch.com/2011/12/13/american-airlines-first-to-be-granted-faa-approval-for-pilot-ipads/
Thanks @demmler for the link.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
American Airlines gets FAA Approval to use iPads
http://techcrunch.com/2011/12/13/american-airlines-first-to-be-granted-faa-approval-for-pilot-ipads/
Thanks @demmler for the link.
Monday, December 5, 2011
FAA Administrator Arrested For DUI
The leader of the Federal Aviation Administration get busted for drunk driving.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
New FAA NextGen maps
The FAA has updated their ADS-B Surveillance and Broadcast Services maps and information. It's now a much more readable/usable format.
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/portfolio/trans_support_progs/adsb/broadcastservices/
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/flashMap/index.cfm
Monday, November 7, 2011
Kenmore Air's 66Z DeHavilland Beaver
A well done video by AOPA of a day in the life of Kenmore Air's 66Z DeHavilland Beaver near Seattle, WA. If you've ever flown the DHC mission in Microsoft Flight Sim X, you'll recognize many of the landmarks.
Article on AOPA
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Somewhere Under a Rainbow
I plan to post some more pictures and detail from another flight into and out of DC's Flight Restricted Zone again soon.
Near Latrobe, PA
Monday, October 10, 2011
Amen brother
 |
| "And no avian society ever develops space travel because it's impossible to focus on calculus when you could be outside flying." |
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Toughest Plane Ever Built?
The Toughest Plane Ever Built? Take a Look | Wired Science | Wired.com: "We should never glorify war, for there is nothing more horrid; and World War II was the most horrid of all: slaughter in every quarter, and a world of hurt that still rings loud. Yet I find it hard not to admire the resilience of both the people who fought the war and some of the machines they built. I’m not quite sure how to square the horror and the admiration."
'via Blog this'
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Asli's first flight
My niece Asli was in town visiting from Istanbul a few weeks ago. Asli was interning at a children's school during her visit and was spending some time with us. She even got to meet up with friends she had made who were visiting Istanbul from Pittsburgh and who happen to live nearby. Always wanting to introduce general aviation to people who have not yet experienced the thrill of flying, I asked her if she wanted to try flying one of the days. Charlie, as always, wanted to come along as well. On our first attempt we were rained out and had to wait a week for solid weather. Finally a great day came, a Saturday none-the-less. No wind, lots of sun, and and an early start made for a smooth ride. Asli loved it (at least that's what she told me out loud), and even handled the controls for quite a while. She did a great job!
Asli and Charlie - ready for action
Beautiful Western PA countryside
Self portrait at 3,000'
Turning final for 35 at Zeli
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Presidential TFR in Pittsburgh - June 24th, 2011
Just a heads up for the flying bretheren in Pittsburgh area. Obama's coming to town...----------------------Folks,
Starting at 11.45 PM on Thursday June 23 through Friday June 24 at
1.15 PM there will be a Presidential TFR in Pittsburgh, PA:
http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_9313.html
This TFR is larger than normal – 40 miles radius vs the usual 30
miles radius.
As always check with FSS before flight.
Fly safe!
Henrik Vejlstrup
FPM
Starting at 11.45 PM on Thursday June 23 through Friday June 24 at
1.15 PM there will be a Presidential TFR in Pittsburgh, PA:
http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_9313.html
This TFR is larger than normal – 40 miles radius vs the usual 30
miles radius.
As always check with FSS before flight.
Fly safe!
Henrik Vejlstrup
FPM
Monday, June 6, 2011
Matt's 1st Flight Lesson
Congratulations to Matt Bieber on his taking his intro flight! Matt experienced his first time at the controls of an airplane a few weeks ago and is working with Ace Pilot Training at Lehigh Valley Airport on obtaining his private pilot certificate.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
View of the New
Emel and I recently had the opportunity to get away for the day, no kiddos, and head down to visit a friend who resides part time on the rim of the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, WV. Being that this would be about a 3 hour 50 min drive one way, during Memorial Day traffic, and that there was a little backcountry strip a mile from our friends house, we decided that flying might not be a bad option.
We got to the Zeli Airport around 9:30AM and, after a very thorough preflight (it is the Arrow after all), we loaded up, and headed out. We picked up our IFR clearance and were soon heading south motoring through PIT's class bravo. We were lucky enough to have a massive high pressure system just to the south, winds were calm at the surface and in the 10s-15 kts at around 8,000ft, our cruising altitude. The only downside to the weather was that all of the stability was creating a nice haze layer, so the photo ops were diminished. On the flight we had no real issues on the way down other than Clarksburg and Charleston approaches has trouble receiving our mode C (PIT had no trouble in that regard).
As we approached the New and got down to minimum altitudes for IFR, we cancel about 5 miles out from our destination, a private strip called, appropriately enough, the New River Gorge airport (WV32). We entered upwind for 22 (there were no runway numbers, but pretty much a 220 heading...), and circled to get a better look at the 24 foot wide "roadway" we were going to land on (yes, my wife is an extremely patient and understanding person). Happily, it was plenty long enough at nearly 2,900'. Turning down wind, we could see our friend waiting for us to land. I dropped the gear, added flaps, did a couple of GUMPS and turned final. Short final require a bit of weaving to avoid the tree on the left and the power line nearly above the threshold, but the mains were planted (a bit firmly) and we made the turn off in the middle of the strip.
The New River Gorge "Airfield"
Our friend Carl was there with a local airport hanger-outer (Ferrel I believe), and he shepherded us onto the grass to park. We had a fantastic afternoon with Carl sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the Gorge and Fayetteville. I'd highly recommend the area if anyone is into hiking, mtn biking, and of course all whitewater activities. Fayetteville is a cool, bohemian-esqe town that appeals to the climbers, adventure seekers and guides that inhabit it. Too soon, it was time for us to head back out to the airport to get home in time to pick up the kids. Carl let us take his "airport car" back and we left it there as he often flys in in his 182.
So we were preflighted, and ready to go: brakes held firm, 25 degrees of flaps, and full throttle at the end of the runway. It was 90 degrees and my performance calculations showed that even though we had more than enough room, with the mountains looming ahead and the high density altitude, a short field technique would provide some additional margin regardless. The climb out was, really pretty cool, required a bit of navigating through the valley but we were never in a position where we didn't have options. Upon reaching 4,000 ft we contact Charleston again. Unfortunately this time they were unable to see our transponder at all, and after several attempts at recycling, we decided to continue ahead, but VFR.
Upon reaching about 15miles south of the edge of PIT's bravo I call PIT approach and received flight following and clearance though their airspace. Again PIT has no issues with receiving our transponder and seeing the mode C readout. As the entire day was picture perfect flying weather (aside from the heat) we made good time over the ground back home and before we knew it were entering the pattern at our home airport. After landing, and securing the plane, we were picking up the kids a mere 2.3 hours after leaving our friend Carl in southern West Virginia. Another feather for GA!
Over Pittsburgh International at 5,500' on the way back
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
More women take off as pilots
Nice article from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about increasing numbers of women in flight training.
Gender bias giving way as more women take off as pilots - Pittsburgh Tribune-Reviewand an relevant article from AvWeb
Monday, May 16, 2011
Learn to Fly Day is this Saturday!
Closest venue for Pittsburghers is at Allegheny County Airport, more info here:
| Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | ||
| Learn to Fly Day | ||
| Pittsburgh Flight Training Center (PFTC), West Mifflin, PA, USA | ||
| Established in 1980, Pittsburgh Flight Training Center (PFTC) is Pittsburgh's largest and longest-standing flight school--serving the Pittsburgh area for over 30 years. We are conveniently located just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh at the Allegheny County Airport (AGC). Pittsburgh Flight Training Center, in association with the Community College of Allegheny County, is proud to offer an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Technology. All are welcomed to this event! | ||
http://pghflight.com | ||
Contact: Monica Michna Phone: 412-466-1111, Send an Email | ||
West Mifflin, PA, USA
| ||
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Justice Prevails in SR22 Mishap
Quick post: Hurray for common sense. In this litigious society we live in, seems to be rare.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Learning to Fly
Over the last few years, I have talked to a number of people who have been interested in learning to fly and becoming a pilot. To that end, I had compiled a list of links and information and tended to email it to them when they were in the process of booking their first flight lesson. It dawned on me that I had never posted it to the blog so here's my compilation of links and info on learning to fly for all to see.
------------------------------------
AOPA/EAA
The general links to EAA's (Experiemental Aircraft Association) and AOPA's (Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association) Learn to Fly websites. If you get serious, you should join AOPA or both, it's inexpensive and well worth the annual dues:
http://eaa.org/learntofly/ - the have a nice downloadable PDF booklet called "Reach for the Sky"
http://www.aopa.org/
Introductory Videos
To get started, take a look at these courses, they are free and incredibly well produced.
also UND Aerospace, Sportys and King have some free instructional videos. The UND ones are fantastic.
UND - http://www.undaerocast.com/
Sporty's - http://www.youtube.com/user/
The Process
Here's a link to my blog where I wrote up my initial training (look for the early posts in 2007), but it's a good way to get an overall understanding of the steps. In the blog (you have to read the posts oldest to newest to get the timeline correct). This was for the private certificate but the sport license is a great way to get up in the air much sooner.
http://cld9.blogspot.com/
FAA Handbooks - They are free to download but I preferred to buy them in softcover off of amazon
http://www.faa.gov/library/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/
The FAA has a ton of additional information on their website if you want to check it out:
http://www.faa.gov/library/
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/
Other helpful books
Cessna 152 (A Pilot's Guide)
Visualized Flight Maneuvers Handbook: For High Wing Aircraft
Aviation Weather Services Handbook - another FAA handbook you can download
The Written Exam
You will also need to prepare for the written exam I found this book to be the most help
Private Pilot Test Prep 2008
Also, if you order a set of Sporty's videos (see Video section below), the will include a CD-ROM that has practice questions and lets you take mock exams.
FAA Handbooks - They are free to download but I preferred to buy them in softcover off of amazon
http://www.faa.gov/library/
- Aeronautical Information Manual
- Pilot Safety Brochures
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
- Plane Sense - General Aviation Information (PDF)
- Safety Risk Management
- Student Pilot Guide (PDF)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/
The FAA has a ton of additional information on their website if you want to check it out:
http://www.faa.gov/library/
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/
Other helpful books
Cessna 152 (A Pilot's Guide)
Visualized Flight Maneuvers Handbook: For High Wing Aircraft
Aviation Weather Services Handbook - another FAA handbook you can download
The Written Exam
You will also need to prepare for the written exam I found this book to be the most help
Private Pilot Test Prep 2008
Also, if you order a set of Sporty's videos (see Video section below), the will include a CD-ROM that has practice questions and lets you take mock exams.
I've heard good and bad things about all three major instructional video producers: King, Gleim and Sportys. I purchased Sportys and was very happy with them.
http://www.sportys.com/acb/
Pricey at $199 but very worthwhile.
The Practical Test
Once you get past all of the required flight time and you've past your written, you will then prepare for the practical test with the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The practical test will begin with an hour to two hour "conversation" where the DPE will probe your knowledge of ALL the available material you've learned over since your training began. Everything is fair game from your aircraft systems to weather to FARs to aiport ops, etc. To help prepare for that oral portion, this is a decent book:
Private Oral Exam Guide
If you pass the oral portion, you will then be asked to demonstrate the flying portion, and here are the maneuvers you will be tested on the the performance metrics:
go here: http://www.faa.gov/
and click -> Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airplane (PTS) for the PDF
You will definitely want to read the PTS in the early portions of your training as it will help to make sense of the training and the eventual goals. The PTS, like the FAR/AIM, is another "bible".
Helpful Websites
here's some links to general website I thought were helpful and pertinent
Podcasts
I can't say enough about how helpful many of these were to listen to in the car on the way in, and they're free... I found them and subscribed to them through iTunes which makes managing them easy, search on pilot, aviation, and flying.
Gear
Flying wouldn't be flying without gear. For starters you really do not need anything, just show up and you may be able to borrow a headset from your instructor. If you decide you like it, buy a decent quality one that is relatively affordable (they go up in price to around $1,000...). I purchase a David Clark H10-14.3 which is a classic, passive noise reduction headset. DCs are known for legendary quality and now that I've purchased an active noise reduction headset I have one for passengers. When you and I flew in the 152, my old DC is then one you used.
For gear, charts, and other items I've found SkyGeek to have the best prices, shipping and customer service.
http://www.sportys.com/acb/
Pricey at $199 but very worthwhile.
The Practical Test
Once you get past all of the required flight time and you've past your written, you will then prepare for the practical test with the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The practical test will begin with an hour to two hour "conversation" where the DPE will probe your knowledge of ALL the available material you've learned over since your training began. Everything is fair game from your aircraft systems to weather to FARs to aiport ops, etc. To help prepare for that oral portion, this is a decent book:
Private Oral Exam Guide
If you pass the oral portion, you will then be asked to demonstrate the flying portion, and here are the maneuvers you will be tested on the the performance metrics:
go here: http://www.faa.gov/
and click -> Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airplane (PTS) for the PDF
You will definitely want to read the PTS in the early portions of your training as it will help to make sense of the training and the eventual goals. The PTS, like the FAR/AIM, is another "bible".
Helpful Websites
here's some links to general website I thought were helpful and pertinent
- AOPA Flight Training - Online Library
- Phil Greenspun: Flying
- AOPA Online: AOPA Air Safety Foundation
- AOPA Online Forum - Great place to ask questions
- FAASTeam - FAA Safety Team - Learning Center Courses - Course Catalog
- AOPA Online - Airport Directory
- RunwayFinder - a flight planning tool for pilots
- SkyVector.com - Aeronautical Charts - Flight Planning
- http://www.liveatc.net/
Podcasts
I can't say enough about how helpful many of these were to listen to in the car on the way in, and they're free... I found them and subscribed to them through iTunes which makes managing them easy, search on pilot, aviation, and flying.
- The Finer Points - this is the best one for training by far. I listened to all of them (100+) back to back in my car over the course of a few months and they were very valuable. The annoying part being is listening to the intro music every time... Check out this particular podcast on learning to fly.
- Uncontrolled Airspace - general banter, but I like it because one of the guys is the editor of Flying Safety magazine (which you should subscribe to eventually)
- Airspeed - Another generally cool podcast, this guy is an aviation lawyer as well. Here's a link to a podcast you should check out early on, it's pretty inspiring: http://
airspeedonline.blogspot.com/ 2007/09/why-i-fly.html - http: //media.libsyn.com/media/ airspeed/AirspeedWhyIFly.mp3
Gear
Flying wouldn't be flying without gear. For starters you really do not need anything, just show up and you may be able to borrow a headset from your instructor. If you decide you like it, buy a decent quality one that is relatively affordable (they go up in price to around $1,000...). I purchase a David Clark H10-14.3 which is a classic, passive noise reduction headset. DCs are known for legendary quality and now that I've purchased an active noise reduction headset I have one for passengers. When you and I flew in the 152, my old DC is then one you used.
For gear, charts, and other items I've found SkyGeek to have the best prices, shipping and customer service.
- Headset - http://www.skygeek.com/h10-
134.html - VFR sectional chart for our area (Detroit) - http://www.skygeek.com/sdet.
html - Plotter (VFR) - take your pick, folding ones are nice - http://www.skygeek.com/
computers.html - E6B (electronic) - E6B are slide rule computers, but of course they have electronic ones. You can get the slide rule one if you want to have street cred, or go with the electronic for ease of use:
Good Luck and Have Fun!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Stupid pilot tricks redux
About two years ago, I wrote about stupid pilot tricks. Basically the discussion centered around the high percentage of accidents caused by "maneuvering" (for example buzzing your friends...) as well as just giving general aviation a bad name. Although I would classify the ATC recording of the this "pilot's" (I put pilot in quotes, b/c I'm not really sure he is one) interactions with the controller, humorous, I'd say actually it's rather embarrassing. Really, it is just beyond belief that he actually thought it would be cool to land on a beach...on Long Island!
"ROGAAAAH!"
Thursday, March 31, 2011
RunwayFinder back on line!
This is fantastic news. Unfortunately Mr. Parsons is not able to comment on the resolution, and it appears that they had to accept a "license" from FlightPrep, but it is great to see the site back online.
In RunwayFinder's words:
"RunwayFinder is back on the air! Thanks to your overwhelming support and some great communication sat down with FlightPrep and FlightPrep agreed to dismiss the lawsuit! The exact details of the settlement license are confidential. RunwayFinder doees not ask for or support any further boycott of FlightPrep, its services, products, or owners. This is a big win for RunwayFinder and the pilots who depend on its services! We're back and lawsuit free, come check out www.runwayfidner.com. Again, thanks you for all of your support."
Reported from AvWeb
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/RunwayFinder_FlightPrep_Settle_Lawsuit_204369-1.html
Thursday, March 17, 2011
NavMonster back online!
Big news, and I can't believe I've missed this for over a month. One of my favorite flight planning websites, NavMonster, is back online and operational. I wrote about their issue earlier in dealing with a litigious entity which initially seemed determined to try to exact damages relative to an issued patent, that frankly should not have been allowed. This is just great news, and just in time for flying season! NavMonster, I tip my hat to you for being tenacious and standing up for your rights.
Now we just need to get RunwayFinder back. Looks like Dave is still fighting the good fight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)