It is interesting how electrical systems have changed over the 100-plus years of flight, and especially in recent times. It’s something for traditionally-trained pilots to think about when stepping into newer airplanes, because even today’s Cessna 172, well, it isn’t your father’s Cessna 172.
Questions from the Cockpit
Questions from the Cockpit: Take time to tap the ‘break’ pedal
Tami, a student pilot in Arizona, writes: I’m in an accelerated flight training program to become an airline pilot. The entire thing is supposed to take a year. I’m only a couple of months in and I’m already starting to burnout. There’s just so much to read, so many videos to watch, so many things to memorize — and for most of it I’m pretty much on my own. Do you have any advice on how I should organize what I’m doing and how can I avoid burnout?
Questions from the Cockpit: Where’s the end of the TFR rainbow?
Henry, a private pilot in Pennsylvania, writes: So with the election coming up, it seems like TFRs are popping up like mushrooms. Those VIP ones are BIG. But here’s my question: I know if you have a TFR over your airport, and you are a GA pilot, you are pretty much grounded — but what about taxiways? Are the movement areas and ground operations also affected by the TFR?
Questions from the Cockpit: U know it now
Elijia, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I’m confused about how private airports are shown on sectional charts. Most of them just show a circle with the letter R inside — why not the more logical P for private? And others have the more standard symbol, but then after the name of the airport it says (Pvt).
Questions from the Cockpit: Sailplane vs. glider
Kenny, a flight instructor in Florida, asks: What’s the difference between a sailplane and a glider?
Questions from the Cockpit: Old(er) vs. new(er)
Adam, a private pilot in Georgia, writes: I’m tired of the hassles of renting to feed my passion. It’s time to pony up and become an airplane owner. I’ve read up on everything and think I know what I’m in for. But I do have one item that I’m getting differing opinions on, so I’d like your wisdom: Should I go for a good deal on an older airplane and have some money left over to make it nice, or should I go for something newer, basically buying all the airplane that I can afford? My budget is more in car-buying territory than in house-buying territory.
Questions from the Cockpit: Fake weight
Becky, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I’m fully caffeinated and working my way through Chapter 10 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge to get my head around this weight and balance stuff. I just encountered “standard weights.” The good book says that standard weights are “established weights” and “should be used if actual weights are not available.” Then the first thing on the list is gasoline at 6 pounds per gallon. Huh? How can the weight of gas be a mystery? It weighs what it weighs…right?
Questions from the Cockpit: Crash course
Jessica, a CFI in Arizona, writes: Is it possible to crash an airplane on a checkride and still pass the exam?
Questions from the Cockpit: Not to be taxing, but…
Fredrick, a private pilot in Wyoming, writes: What are the origins of the words “taxiing” and “taxiways” in aviation?