Radek Wyrzykowski provides insights into the process of flight instruction by blending his personal flying experience based on real-life events with his flight instructor’s experience, as well as his beliefs and philosophy on how he thinks it should be done.
Pilot misjudges length of backcountry airstrip
The pilot’s failure to accurately assess the available runway for the takeoff, which resulted in impact with a gravel berm.
Picture of the Day: Beach day
Ben Carlson submitted this photo and note: “On the beach in Washington.”
Full circle to a dream fulfilled
In 2014, Vlad Prostakov traveled from Russia to SUN ‘n FUN, where he enjoyed his first ride in a seaplane, a 1969 LA-4 Lake Amphib. In June 2021, Vlad, now a CFI, will work on his seaplane rating, coming full circle from his first seaplane ride to certification.
Accident Case Study: Faulty assumptions
In a new video from the AOPA Air Safety Institute, a pilot’s mistaken beliefs and faulty assumptions leads to a disastrous outcome for him and his five passengers.
National WASP WWII Museum slates homecoming fly-in
Museum officials are hoping to set a one-day record for the number of Vultee BT-13s — the WASP’s basic training — on one airfield. To encourage attendance, partial fuel reimbursement will be available to BT-13 owners.
Remote Pilot Certification Standards updated
The Remote Pilot ACS provides the aeronautical knowledge standards for remote pilot certification in the small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) category. This ACS incorporates and supersedes the previous Airman Certification Standards FAA-S-ACS-10A.
Student hits runway marker during touch-and-go practice
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway marker.
Picture of the Day: Curiosity, joy and confidence — there’s a row for that
Ryan Barker submitted this photo and note: “Ryan Barker of Livingston, Texas, began building his Bearhawk Model 5 ‘Family Truckster’ soon after receiving the kit in March 2021. His family was eager to assist. “The kids were just helping me get a feel for the interior layout, and more specifically, how high/thick the seat cushions should be,” said Ryan. “They’ve all been flying since birth (actually before birth).” For each, their expressions say a lot, he adds.