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

Oct 25

Epic and WINGS

Captain Judy’s Corner: Flight Training Safety Factors Is flight training safe? Yes! Many factors impact the answer to this question. For example, pilots must pass vision and physical exams, and aircraft must be regularly inspected and maintained for safety. Epic and WINGS are synonymous with safety. The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 91.3 states clearly it is the responsibility and authority of the pilot in command. (a) The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. The pilot is responsible for the safety of flight. Student pilots with limited experience sometimes are unsure on where to begin this safety process, especially when choosing a flight school. A few considerations to determine if a school meets … Read more

Aug 17

Epic Red Tails In The Sky

Safety First “Aircraft on final for runway 9, winds favor runway 27. Red Grumman departing runway 27.” Over 25 years ago, and I still vividly recall the departure at this Class G, uncontrolled airport. The incoming white aircraft never acknowledged my radio call. Every year, runway incursions, traffic conflicts, mid-air collisions, and near misses occur. The FAA FAST Team reports an average of 30 mid-air collisions in the United States each year. Mid-air collisions are generally reported below 8,000 feet AGL, within 30 miles of an airport, and involving aircraft with communication equipment. Radios are not required equipment in Class E, Class G, or at uncontrolled airports. The FAA advises playing it safe and making radio calls if equipped. The … Read more

Jun 12

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

Apr 25

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

Feb 7

What is turbulence, and why is it so scary?

Turbulence is the drink-spilling, bag-tossing, heart-racing jolt that every traveler dreads. This bumpy ride happens when an airplane encounters powerful wind currents that push or pull it in unexpected ways. While most commercial jets cruise at altitudes designed to bypass these rough patches, gusts can strike at any altitude. From clear-air turbulence to mechanical and thermal varieties, there are several types of turbulence that can shake up your flight experience. Does turbulence shake you up? It shouldn’t! Pilots experience different types of turbulence during flight. Understanding turbulence can help you better respond when you face this situation. What is the definition of turbulence? Flight turbulence is something most passengers hate. What is turbulence? The meaning of turbulence is a sudden, … Read more

Aug 29

Summer Internship

A Sneak Peek of My Summer Internship at Epic Flight Academy By Cilia Salam Finding an Internship During the summer of 2021, I had the opportunity to do a summer internship with Epic Flight Academy. I had been trying to earn some work experience in the new normal of COVID-19 before I graduate with my master’s degree in the fall semester. At the beginning of the spring semester, I started applying and looking for internship opportunities. Like any other ambitious and enthusiastic ERAU aviation student, I was looking forward to an internship at a major airline. With uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the airlines had little to no availability for an intern. I ended up looking at local flight schools upon … 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

Aug 23

Pilots as Mechanics: Should You Become Both?

Becoming an aircraft mechanic is a rewarding career. So is becoming a pilot. So, why would anyone go to the trouble of becoming both? After all, you’ll likely choose one or the other for a career. There are many good reasons why people choose to train in both fields. For example, a professional pilot who has become trained as an aircraft mechanic is more likely to notice if something seems ‘off’ during flight. This is a safety issue. Just as an auto mechanic would notice a problem while driving, an A&P would notice a problem with flying. Likewise, a professional mechanic who is also a pilot knows exactly how the controls should feel or how the engine should sound. The … 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