I suppose it is theoretically possible to navigate the airspace without talking to anyone on the radio, but why would I put myself under that kind of stress and strain when I can simply dial in a frequency, wait my turn, then ask for someone at ATC to hold my hand and guide me through this mass of blue lines and altitude restrictions listed on the sectional chart?
Opinion
If only…
Get-home-itis was the biggest link to the faulty judgment in this tragedy. It is a powerful force, so powerful that both men aboard were willing to risk single-engine flying over unlit mountainous terrain. In the middle of the night. Without an instrument rating. In smoke, clouds, and turbulence. With the moon adding all sorts of visual illusions — and with embedded thunderstorms along their route.
Tips to get the most out of aviation grease
Our expert offers tips on everything from the best way to extend the storage life of aviation grease to how to store wheel bearings to the best way to wash your plane to prevent rust.
A tale of new scissors
An 800 nautical mile trek home without a complete flight bag is a no go, so Jamie goes in search of some essential items.
Airparks: The ultimate aviation lifestyle
Airpark living, for an aviator, is the ultimate aviation lifestyle. Start your search at Living With Your Plane.
Time to increase residential hangar size limits
Current code limits residential hangars to 2,000 square feet. Increasing that limit will allow for needed flexibility.
The only thing to fear…
Fear is often what keeps many people from making that initial visit to the airport where there is a flight school. The erroneous belief that flying is dangerous keeps more than 99% of us grounded.
One Pilot’s View: Proof of concept
A backup camera, like those used in today’s cars, could be a boon to pilots who fly taildraggers. A camera could add an extra layer of safety, especially at busy airports.
Questions from the Cockpit: Doing a barrel roll on ADM
The FAA tells us that learning effective aeronautical decision making (ADM) is critical. But how can CFIs do that? William E. Dubois suggests CFIs do a half barrel roll and look at things differently.