clearance Archives

Understanding Airspace Classes: Lessons from Captain Judy Rice’s Flight Around the World with Buzz Aldrin

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! Part 1: Security Clearances: You Have to Get Permission … Read more

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

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

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

Captain Judy’s Corner: The Importance of Visas for Pilots

“I did what I could, and it’s out of my control…” I’d been asleep about two hours before being awakened by the call. We had a long day and an early departure in the morning for Saudi Arabia. “I did what he could, and it’s out of my control,” said the heavily accented voice on the other end of the call. Our landing permit was denied due to a visa issue, according to our caller. What happens when you don’t have a visa? The Saudi Arabia visa office had now denied our entry for the third time. I was in the United States for the first two denials, allowing time to visit the Embassy and locate Prince Sultan. And now, … Read more