cross-country Archives

Spatial Disorientation in Flying: Understanding Causes, Types, and Prevention

Instrment Panel to Avoid Spatial Disorientation

Spatial disorientation is a leading factor in numerous aviation accidents and continues to challenge pilots despite technological advancements. Defined as a condition in which a pilot’s perception of direction does not agree with reality, spatial disorientation often arises in conditions with reduced visual references, such as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) or at night, and can lead to loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Definition and Meaning In aviation, spatial orientation is the pilot’s ability to correctly perceive the position, attitude, and motion of the aircraft in three-dimensional space. Spatial disorientation occurs when that perception is impaired, causing dangerous misjudgments. The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) and Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH) define this as a … Read more

Recipe for Success: How to Study to Become a Pilot

Coordinating my hands and feet while manipulating the flight controls, rudder pedals, and at the same time focusing on flying the airplane was a big challenge. Forty years of life experiences had not prepared me for the intense focus and dexterity required while learning to fly. My first training airplane was a tired Cessna 150 with basic analog instruments. In fact, we navigated with a magnetic compass and heading indicator. The communication radio was an old tube-style with a hand-held microphone. Headsets were not an option. The instructor had to yell guidance over the loud engine noise. Math was not my strength. Cross-country flying was a nightmare. I was alway lost as check points, headings, altitudes eluded me. I was … Read more

Love at First Flight: Handling Characteristics Make Every Aircraft Unique

Captain Judy in her AA1A (above) Maneuverability and handling characteristics vary from aircraft to aircraft. Aircraft handling characteristics are important. I initially trained in a docile Cessna 150 (C150) and a spunky Piper Tomahawk. I appreciated the C150’s stability and enjoyed the Tomahawk’s maneuverable handling characteristics. Shortly after completing my private pilot check ride, I noticed a cute little airplane practicing take-offs and landings. Looking to increase my experience, this looked to be a fun airplane to fly. I inquired at the airport office regarding this mysterious airplane. Three pilots owned the Grumman AA1A. One of the owners offered a flight and mentioned it was for sale. The AA1A’s light controls and quick responses proved love at first flight! Any more than a … Read more

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

Density Altitude: Do Airplanes Feel It?

How does hot, humid air affect flying? The cockpit felt like a sauna in the Arizona heat. I wasn’t the only one enduring the summer weather. My airplane was, too. In aviation, changes in air temperature, humidity, and pressure directly affect performance. To understand why, pilots use calculations, equations, and even a density altitude chart or calculator to determine how their aircraft will behave. On a cool Florida morning, you’ll notice a short takeoff roll and a quick climb. By contrast, a hot, humid afternoon produces a very different result: more runway used, slower acceleration, and less climb performance. The difference comes down to air density, which changes constantly with weather and altitude. Quick Navigation to Density Altitude What is … Read more

Aviation Movies: Can Watching Films Help You Learn to Fly?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could sit down and watch a long list of entertaining aviation movies starring your favorite actors, and, as a bonus, you would learn how to fly? Well, we can’t say that will happen, but if you’re a flight student who is learning English, you just might want to check out this list of aviation movies. Although the movies were not made to teach you how to fly, they can definitely help you improve your English listening and comprehension skills, especially if you watch the film in English with English captions. (That way, you can hear a word and see it on the screen, which can be a great help in building your English comprehension.) … Read more

5 Must-Read Aviation Books for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

When you can’t climb into the cockpit and experience the thrill of flying, read about it! After all, you can still curl up with a good book and live vicariously through the exploits and adventures of other aviators. There are so many great aviation books that it’s impossible to choose a favorite. However, here are five works that stand the test of time. Furthermore, they meet our criteria for excellence. Four are memoirs and one is biography. If you’ve already read them, you’ll likely agree they are worth reading again. If this is your first time to read them, we know you’ll enjoy them. These historic accounts of the thrills and challenges only happen when slipping “the surly bonds of … Read more