Runway Incursions

In the USA where big aircraft and little aircraft are more likely to be found
at the same airport, it is important that taxi procedures and clearances be
clearly understood. One of the things that I find particularly coming from a UK background, flying from small airports and grass strips is that the airport signage (is that [...]

Check Not Do

Checklists are not Do Lists! I’ve heard that a lot recently. Especially from American instructors. What the heck do they mean? You have a checklist. It has a list of items on it. You go down the list and make sure you’ve carried out all the items right? Don’t misunderstand me but the last time [...]

London Calling

“London Information. Algie, here. Put the kettle on, looks like I’ll be back in time for afternoon tea”

“Glad to hear you’re back Algie. I’m putting the kettle on now.”

G1000 Traffic Alerts

With the G1000 system becoming ever more capable and with it being fitted to more and more aircraft, it’s probably time that you got the glass cockpit conversion! I’ve mentioned the Synthetic Vision system in a previous month (http://www.flyingfamilies.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=320&Itemid=1). This is the display you can overlay on the PFD, but there is a wealth of [...]

CAA vs FAA Mayday

Those three words, the prefix to an emergency radio call, are often practised both in the USA and the UK. Despite the fact that the ICAO language is English this is based on a French phrase (”Me” “aidez” – contracted to M’aidez – help me) and even though Britain and the USA share a common [...]

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate

As pilots we hear this a lot from instructors and other pilots, but what does it actually mean in the air? The first part, Aviate, is adequately described by the joke about Prince Philip being take for a joyride in a De Haviland Moth. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about look up “Have [...]