An instrument student asked me how fast to scan the instrument for straight and level flight. It was a good question. I took a best guess of an answer (~10 seconds per scanning cycle in straight and level flight) and though that seems about right, it also raises a bunch of other questions. Having a… Continue reading Straight and Level IFR Scan
Category: Proficiency
Rust-Shaker: Short Field Landing
Every landing should be planned like a Short Field Landing. Though I certainly would not advocate maximum breaking once firmly on the ground, a well-planned Short Field Landing touches down at a predetermined point with a precisely planned speed and firms up the landing by unloading the wings onto the main landing gear. Why? The… Continue reading Rust-Shaker: Short Field Landing
Rust-Shaker: Soft Field Takeoff
Even if you never want to take off or land at a turf runway in your tricycle gear airplane, the Soft Field Takeoff is a great exercise to refine your technique and re-build confidence. In addition, it is fun! Why? The Soft Field Takeoff involves a balancing act requiring precise inputs in pitch and rudder.… Continue reading Rust-Shaker: Soft Field Takeoff
Rust-Shaker: S-Turns
S-Turns Across a Road Few pilots appear to perform this Ground Reference maneuver much after getting their private pilot license, but perhaps they should, as it is an excellent rust shaker and can be very useful in every pilot’s Rust-Shaker Maneuver collection. Why? S-turns help rebuild proficiency in at least two ways: They require the… Continue reading Rust-Shaker: S-Turns
Rust-Shaker – Steep Turns
The Steep Turn is a go-to Flight Proficiency Maneuver (FPM) of pilots and flight instructors alike, and for good reason. Few other maneuvers so efficiently shake off the rust of proficiency degradation as do Steep Turns. Why? In Steep Turns, we deliberately bring the airplane into an attitude in which it doesn’t fly itself, which… Continue reading Rust-Shaker – Steep Turns
Why Not Make It A (B)FR?
Besides working on a new pilot rating, checkout, endorsements or mandatory flight reviews, there are many reasons to fly with a CFI: Regain proficiency after a pause in flying Preparing for a flight that is outside your comfort zone Practicing a skill that has been neglected (when is the last time you flew under the… Continue reading Why Not Make It A (B)FR?