Hydroplaning Explained

Hydroplaning is a very dangerous situation that could cause a pilot to lose control of the aircraft extremely quickly. Having the knowledge and understanding how hydroplaning occurs is the first step to preventing it in the future.

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Understanding Weather Reports

WEATHER FORECAST FREQUENCY AND VALID TIMES

Weather is a constantly changing variable.  Here's just a little brush up on some of the weather reports to keep you in the know with the most update weather information:

     

Instrument Cockpit Check

Before blasting off into "the soup," one should perform an instrument cockpit check to make sure that all instruments are functioning correctly and reading accurately.  It would be a much better situation to catch a problem while on the ground instead of in solid IMC.  The latter would make for a very stressful flight, and would probably give you a few more grey hairs if you ended up making it back at all.

Flight Instruments: Attitude Indicator (left) and Altimeter (right)

But that is why we perform checks for the most vital instruments to make sure everything is functioning 100% before entering solid IMC.  Here are the steps you should take before every instrument flight.

1. While stationary, make sure the Airspeed Indicator reads 0.  Having an ASI that displays otherwise is a good indication that the pitot tube is malfunctioning.  This would be an excellent time to turn around and evaluate the problem.
2. Make sure the Attitude Indicator is upright, erect, and stable (no more than 5 degrees of bank while turning on the ground after a 3 minute period).  A lazy Attitude Indicator could signify either a bad gyro or a weak vacuum system.  Either option does not bode well for instrument flying.
3. Verify that the Altimeter is within 75 ft of field elevation.  IFR flying relies heavily on maintaining prescribed altitudes by ATC.  If your Altimeter is off, your altitude is going to be off, and ATC will be none to happy with you.  
4. Check the Turn Coordinator. The airplane should bank into the turn, and the ball should swing to the outside of the turn.  This will help make sure those standard rate turns are actually standard rate.
5. Verify the DG matches the Compass and turns in the correct direction.  This just ensures that the gyro in the DG is functioning properly.  It would also be wise to check the amount of procession of the DG between startup and runup.  If the gyro is processing too much, it might be better to hold off on that flight.
6. Check that the VSI shows 0.  On the ground your static pressure should not be changing, therefore your VSI should show zero.  An indication otherwise may suggest a malfunctioning static source.
7. Verify that the Compass is floating freely, full of fluid, and that the compass card is present and readable.  This is just a backup for when that DG decides to fail.
8. VOR receiver check conducted within last 30 days.  It is under Federal Regulations that you must have done a VOR recover check within 30 days of the flight.  Making sure the test is within date will make sure you are legal and will keep you safe.  I will post an article dedicated to explain VOR checks.
9. Make sure the Clock is set to current time and is not frozen.  That would be unfortunate right?  Getting a holding clearance and not being able to time your hold.  Or worse, having to use time to determine your MAP and not noticing the clock is frozen.  Save yourself the trouble and just check this before every flight.

Always be sure to take all the necessary preflight action, and be safe out there!

The Instrument Rating

     Out of all the things that pilot should have when going out for a flight on the friendly skies, there is one item that stands out above the rest.  Sure, those new pair of Ray Bans keep the sun out of your eyes on a beautiful VFR, and even make you look like a super stud.  But, what happens when the gorgeous VFR day starts to fade while you're out and about?  Marginal conditions are challenging for a strictly VFR pilot, and anything less than less is seriously dangerous.  VFR into IMC is one of the leading causes of general aviation accidents.  Even that state-of-the-art glass cockpit may not be enough to get you out of trouble when the visibility fades and the ceiling drops closer to the surface.  So what can you do to save yourself from being another statistic?  That's an excellent question!

In my opinion, that best training a VFR pilot can have is instrument training.  I know, that sounds completely backwards, but hear me out.  Going through an instrument training course will improve your skills in my different areas that will transfer over to VFR flying as well.  Most importantly, interment training will help you develop an instrument scan inside the cockpit.  Your eyes will be trained to move faster than a heavily caffeinated cheetah, scanning and cross-checking each primary and secondary instrument.  This will translate to better altitude and airspeed control, coordination, and a better overall awareness in the cockpit.  And when the weather unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst, you have a way out.  Having an instrument rating is a great way to keep yourself safe while flying VFR.  At the very least, it may be the best insurance policy you could ever hope to own.  So, how does one go about earning this potentially life-saving rating?

    The requirements for an Instrument rating can be found HERE, as written in Section 61.65 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

These are the requirements as listed for an Instrument rating under Part 61.  One may consider doing their training in a Part 141 environment to reduce some of the required time.

In conclusion, I could not be more supportive of pilots earning an added Instrument rating.  Have fun out there, and safe flying! 

Looking Down at Skyscrapers

 

It's that moment when you do something that takes your breath away.  I have always been mesmerized by the miracle that is flight, however certain experiences definitely outweigh others.  This experience was particularly memorable.  I had the chance to take a flight along the Chicago skyline with my flight instructor.  It's one thing to fly over cornfields and wheat farms, but to fly over Lake Michigan with the skyscrapers of Chicago right out your window is something completely different.  It's one of those moments that leaves you with a big dopy grin on your face that you just can shake.  Then suddenly you're cackling with laughter like a three-year-old on Christmas, and all the hard work you put into getting to that moment was all worth it.  This is a milestone in my flying career that made it all worth it to me.

It's the Thrill of It All

Many people don't understand what it feels like to be an aviator.  The feeling you get when you hop in a plane and climb into the blue skies with a whole world of opportunity waiting for you,  all at your disposal with your machine at full power.   The possibilities are endless, and it all starts with the first moment you decide to experience the miracle of flight for yourself.  My story is just beginning, and I am pleased to share my experiences, thoughts, and adventures.   One thing is for sure,  it's gonna be one heck of a ride!