Flight Regulations Archives

What is a Squawk Box in Aviation?

A “squawk box” is an essential piece of aviation communications. Its technical name is a transponder. It’s a radio frequency identification (RFID) device that sends a signal, or “squawk,” to air traffic control (ATC) radar systems. The squawk helps controllers identify each radar blip as a specific flight. It is a critical tool that communicates between an aircraft and ATC. The transponder helps identify the aircraft, transmits its altitude, and alerts ATC to emergencies. Both pilots and controllers must understand how a squawk box works and its unique role in maintaining safe flight operations. In this article, I’ll share the origin and functions of a squawk box, the meaning of squawk codes, and practical applications. I’ll also include related aviation … Read more

Oct 16

Let’s Talk About Airspace as We Fly Around the World with Buzz Aldrin… Literally!

So, what exactly is airspace? Airspace is simply the space in the atmosphere controlled by a country above its land and its territorial waters. It comes with rules and regulations that vary with types of airspace and the country that controls it. Imagine flying around the world accompanied by Buzz Aldrin and a stellar crew on an educational mission to teach young people about aviation – including airspace! That’s what we did! Here, I’ll share experiences from our world flight and discuss issues that can arise regarding airspace. Imagine you’re flying a Citation jet with (L-R) Edwin Sahakian, John Friedman, Buzz-Aldrin and me as we fly through all types of airspace! Quick Navigation to Key Topics: Part 1: Security Clearances: … Read more

Apr 27

VFR Pilot Rating vs IFR Pilot Rating

What is the difference between VFR and IFR pilot ratings? The short answer is: VFR pilots can only fly in good visibility. IFR pilots can fly when visibility is poor. What do the terms “VFR” and “IFR” mean? The acronyms VFR and IFR stand for different types of FAA pilot certifications. VFR stands for “Visual Flight Rules.” This means that a VFR-rated pilot must follow specific guidelines when flying using visual references. A pilot holding a Private Pilot License (PPL) must fly in VFR conditions. IFR stands for “Instrument Flight Rules” and allows a pilot who is Instrument Rated (IR) to operate an aircraft by relying almost solely on instruments. Once a pilot holds a PPL, the next step is to … Read more

Mar 20

Captain Judy’s Corner: One Flight Student’s Recipe for Success in Dealing with an FAA Medical Deferral

In this article, Captain Judy Rice spotlights Epic flight student Bryce Dawson‘s recipe for success in navigating challenges with his FAA medical deferral. Captain Judy interviewed Bryce for this inspirational article about one student’s journey to become a pilot. Combine the following ingredients and adjust for best results: Background December 23,1997, Paul Dawson, risk insurance agent, and Paula Dawson, public school teacher, welcomed their firstborn and named him Bryce. Brother Connor came along 23 months later. The Dawsons raised their children with their same high standards for work ethic, determination, and professionalism. The children knew only these standards. Bryce shared, “My parents were always patience and supportive. Looking back, I now realize that we matured at a younger age.” When the brothers were … Read more

Sep 21

Understanding Aviation Approaches: Expert Tips for Pilots

Captain Judy’s Corner: Technological Historical Approach Looking from the Citation jet cockpit, Charles de Gaulle international airport (CDG) was off our right wingtip. The city of Paris was off our left wing. Le Bourget airport (LFPB) was directly ahead. The stunning view took our breath away. We anticipated stepping back in time as we approached this famous airport. Le Bourget conjured up images of 1927 with a lanky, tousle-haired Charles Lindbergh climbing down from his gray monoplane having just completed his historic nonstop flight from New York City to Paris. We were about to make a technological historic approach. Coming into Paris: A Memorable Instrument Approach As we approached LFPB, we could have been on any instrument landing system (ILS) in the world … Read more

Jun 29

Aeronautical Decision-Making: Pilots Making Best Decisions

Early in 2020, our lives changed when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Governors and state agencies issued emergency orders for the temporary closures of businesses and organizations in an effort to reduce the spread of this virus. All segments of the aviation industry have felt the impact. Transportation was listed as one of the l0 essential services permitted to continue operations, which included flight training. The principles of aeronautical decision-making can be applied to this and other situations. Epic Flight Academy took immediate and proactive action to ensure all operations continued without interruption. Epic leadership went beyond the recommended advice provided by the Centers for Disease Control. (Note: The photo above was taken prior to the virus outbreak, … Read more

Jan 2

Captain Judy’s Corner: The Need for Speed – Chasing a World Record!

Citation Mustang flown by Captain Judy Rice

Above: Captain Judy Rice stands next to the Citation Mustang in which she broke a world speed record. An aircraft speed record is no small thing. As the Citation approached Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF), I queried the Air Traffic Controller about their readiness as officiators for my Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), National Aeronautic Association (NAA) World Record Attempt. The controller responded, “Affirmative.” After landing, two airport officials assured the jet was fueled before giving a friendly wave as I taxied to the runway hold lines. After that, ATC cleared us direct to Reykjavik. In a heavy Danish accent, the air traffic controller remarked, “The clock is ready for your record-breaker, N178SF!” Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Reykjavik, Iceland was a total of 727 nautical miles. I leveled … Read more

Aug 28

Once Upon a Time: Filing a Flight Plan

Captain Judy Rice found the ICAO International Flight Plan form beneficial during her world flight. This fairy tale began long before the FAA announcement for change to the form used by United States pilots when filing a flight plan. The purpose of a flight plan might be compared to going on a long drive to visit a relative. You let your relative know the overall anticipated travel arrangements, and you include approximate time of arrival. An overdue arrival would likely cause concern, and your relative will likely call you to make sure you’re alright. A flight plan is much like having your relative on the other end of your destination. What is the history of filing a flight plan? Long … Read more

Jun 30

Captain Judy’s Corner: Go-Arounds? That is the question!

To Go-Around or not to Go-Around, that is the question. However, there are some questions pilots should ask themselves before making this decision much sooner than the final approach. Safe pilots should ask themselves, “Is the landing checklist complete?” and “Is the approach stabilized?” Pilot go-arounds are common and essential to safety. A good, safe landing begins before entering the airport environment with continued evaluation throughout the entire phase of landing. What are some examples of go-around situations? One go-around I recall, after having completed the appropriate landing checklists and while on a stabilized approach, was when a sudden gust of wind lifted my airplane into the air over the runway threshold. This destabilized my approach so the decision was … Read more

Apr 30

Mastering Attitude Flying: Avoid Hazardous Flight Behaviors

Is it important to verify checkpoints? Hazardous flying attitudes can occur at any time. I knew myself fairly well when I started flying lessons at age 40. Or so I thought. The long solo cross-country was when I discovered what I did not know. During that flight, I had not properly timed or verified checkpoints resulting in becoming completely off-course. My drive home from this particular flight provided reflection on how to be a better pilot. I’d replayed each skill set. I flew the airplane well and used the checklist regularly but was consistently lost. What surprised me was how many times I said to myself, “That check point is only slightly off course.” I then recalled reading something about … Read more