aviation terms Archives

Understanding Ailerons: What are they and how do they work?

Ailerons are essential flight control surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of an airplane’s wings. Their primary function is to control the aircraft’s movement along the roll axis, which allows the aircraft to bank left or right. Whether flying a Cessna Skyhawk here at Epic or a Boeing 737 for the airlines, understanding how they work is fundamental to aircraft operation and maintenance. Quick Navigation to Ailerons Basic Functions Types and Designs Training Issues General Information What do ailerons do? The function of ailerons is to manage roll control by creating differential lift on each wing. When the right aileron deflects downward and the left aileron upward, the airplane rolls to the left, and vice versa. This movement is coordinated … Read more

What is a checkride for pilots?

Think of the checkride as a final exam for pilots! Read on to learn what they are, how to prepare, and what to do if you need to retake the checkride. Quick Navigation to Checkrides Checkride Overview Checkride Performance Logistics & Preparation Checkride Success Practical Pilot Exam For a pilot, few events are more satisfying than passing a checkride and earning that certification! A pilot checkride is the FAA practical test required to receive a specific pilot certificate or rating, such as the Private Pilot License (PPL) or Instrument Rating (IR). This practical evaluation serves as a final exam following months of flight training. Under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), pilots practice maneuvers, prepare study materials, and … Read more

What is a Pitot Tube?

A simple definition for a pitot tube is a device used to measure the speed of a fluid, usually air. Pitot tubes are crucial for aircraft. They feed data to the airspeed indicator, which informs pilots as to how fast they’re flying relative to the surrounding air. A blocked or malfunctioning pitot tube can lead to incorrect readings, which can create serious flight safety risks. Pitot tubes are an important part on every aircraft. Quick Navigation to Pitot Tubes The Basics of Pitot Tubes: Exploring and Understanding Venturi Maintaining the Pitot-Static System More on the Pitot Tube Understanding How a Pitot Tube Works Understanding the Two Key Openings in a Prandtl Pitot Tube: Front-facing (impact) opening (hole): Also known as … Read more

Aircraft Lighting: Types, Importance, and Regulations

Aircraft lighting plays a critical role in aviation safety and operation. Lighting helps pilots navigate and communicate. Proper lighting is required to comply with FAA and ICAO regulations. From anti-collision lights to position lights, each system serves a unique function. Proper lights on aircraft ensure both commercial pilots and military aviators can fly safely in all conditions. In this guide, I examine the history, importance, and aspects of aircraft lighting while providing a guide for aviation enthusiasts, mechanics, and pilots. Quick Navigation to Aircraft Lights The Basics: Types and Regulations Functions and Safety Past, Present, and Future Types of Aircraft Lights and Their Roles There are two main types of aircraft lighting: interior and exterior. Interior lighting improves visibility inside … Read more

Ultralight Aircraft: Planes You Can Fly Without a Pilot License

What is an Ultralight Aircraft? A true ultralight aircraft is a lightweight, small, and typically single-seat airplane designed for recreational flying. People like these aircraft for their affordability, ease of use, and the fact that many models do not require a pilot license. However, in the USA, ultralight aircraft must meet specific FAA regulations. For example, a true ultralight cannot exceed the maximum empty weight of 254 pounds or a top speed of 63 mph (55 k/ph). Although we don’t train ultralight pilots here at Epic, I am often asked about them and thought it would be helpful to address them in this article. Under FAA Part 103 regulations, ultralight aircraft are subject to specific requirements to qualify as true … Read more

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

VFR Pilot Rating vs IFR Pilot Rating: What is the difference?

The short answer is: VFR pilots can only fly in good visibility. IFR pilots can fly when visibility is poor. Quick Navigation to Understanding VFR and IFR Definitions: 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 be Instrument … Read more

Decoding NOTAMs: Hanoi to Hong Kong

The Citation jet was ready for departure at Hanoi, Vietnam (VVNB) with a destination Hong Kong (VHHH). Weather was agreeable along our entire route. The NOTAMs were an issue. Acquiring the most current weather and NOTAMs can be challenging when flying international. For example, each country will have a different responsible agency to contact for this information. Once the pilot locates the agency, they must often pay a fee and apply for ramp access to the facility. Airlines provide this information to the crew. General aviation pilots can pre-purchase this information through a commercial contractor or locate the agency on their own. During our 2015 World Flight, we pre-purchased these services. The weather, Notices, and filed instrument flight plan were … Read more

Weather Insights From Captain Judy: The Role of PIREPs

Captain Judy’s Corner: Cross-Country Adventure with PIREPs Sunrise brings the promise of perfect flying weather! Today is a satisfying day to apply your knowledge to practice with the long solo cross-country. Therefore, your private pilot check ride prep will follow. You arrive at Epic Flight Academy obtaining a final review on weather before departure. There are ample computers in the flight planning area connected to Aviation Weather. The METeorogical Aerodrome Report (METAR), Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), graphic weather, radar and satellite imaging, prognostic charts all indicate departure, enroute weather, and destination are visual flight rules (VFR). There are currently no pilot reports, also called PIREPs, along your route. A call to 800-WX-BRIEF Flight Service Station (FSS) briefer verified the VFR online … Read more

What is an Airfoil? A Beginner’s Guide

The definition of an airfoil (or aerofoil in the UK) is a structure with curved surfaces, such as an airplane wing, fins, and horizontal stabilizer, designed to provide the best ratio of lift to drag during flight. The meaning of airfoil is the same for all aircraft. Let’s consider the stubby, short wings of my Grumman compared to the long, flowing wings of the Epic Flight Academy’s Cessna 172SP. You may wonder how my little bird would have enough wing to leave Earth’s gravity. You can compare this to an egret flapping frantically to rise a few feet from the sand. Its tiny wings are capable of supporting what appears to be an oversized body. However, a hawk’s strong wings … Read more