Book Category: Flight Operations

Setting Up an Instrument Approach Instrument approach setup should begin before starting the descent or accepting vectors to the approach. The Build It, Bug It, Brief It technique provides a simple method for preparing the airplane, avionics, and navigation references for the procedure to be flown. Build It, Bug It, Brief It How to Conduct […]

What is an Airspeed/Configuration Demonstration? During an airspeed/configuration demonstration, the flight instructor flies the aircraft in various configurations and airspeeds to demonstrate their effects on aircraft performance. This exercise helps identify the power required at different airspeeds and configurations. After each change, the performance is noted and compared to other configurations. How to Perform an […]

Stall-Related Definitions References: 14 CFR 23.2110, 14 CFR 23.2150, AC 61-67, AC 120-109 Stall: An aerodynamic condition that occurs when smooth airflow over the airplane’s wings is disrupted, resulting in a loss of lift and an increase in drag. The wing does not entirely stop producing lift, but it cannot sustain level flight. A stall […]

What are the Basic Flight Maneuvers? Basic flight maneuvers consist of straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, descents, and combinations of these elements. These maneuvers are performed primarily through attitude flying techniques and require proper coordination of pitch, bank, power, and trim. Attitude Flying Attitude flying means controlling the airplane by reference to the natural horizon and […]

Definition of VMC Reference: 14 CFR 23.2135 VMC is the calibrated airspeed at which, following the sudden critical loss of thrust, it is possible to maintain control of the airplane. For multi-engine airplanes, VMC must be determined, if applicable, for the most critical configurations used in takeoff and landing operations. Directional control has been lost […]

What is an Airspeed/Drag Demonstration? During an airspeed/drag demonstration, the aircraft is placed in various configurations and airspeeds with one engine inoperative (OEI). The purpose is to demonstrate their effect on aircraft performance. After each change, the performance is noted and compared to the other configurations. How to Perform an Airspeed/Drag Demonstration Pre-Maneuver Checks and […]

What is an Emergency Descent? An emergency descent is a maneuver used to rapidly lose altitude in response to an emergency situation, such as an onboard fire, a sudden loss of cabin pressurization, or another critical event that requires an immediate descent to a lower altitude. How to Perform an Emergency Descent Note: The following […]

How to Evaluate Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Note: This process can serve as a practical decision-making model for evaluating system and equipment malfunctions as they occur. It incorporates the basic principles of aeronautical decision-making. Related: Urgent Landing Types Note: These actions may be defined differently in the AFM/POH. Land Immediately: The urgency of the landing […]

What is an Unusual Attitude? An unusual attitude is any unintentional, unanticipated, or extreme aircraft attitude. It can result from many factors, including turbulence, instrument failure, distractions, or a lack of proficiency. The recovery priority is to regain straight-and-level flight, followed by gradual adjustments to return to the original altitude and heading. Abrupt changes should […]

What are the Basic Instrument Maneuvers? Basic instrument maneuvers consist of straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, descents, and combinations of these elements performed solely by reference to the flight instruments. These maneuvers are performed primarily through attitude instrument flying techniques. Attitude Instrument Flying Attitude instrument flying means establishing and maintaining the airplane’s attitude by reference to […]