Book Category: Preflight Preparation and Procedures

Managing Priorities During Emergencies Emergencies are performance events. How the pilot manages pressure and follows procedure often determines the outcome more than the nature of the failure. “Aviate, navigate, communicate” is a phrase used by pilots to prioritize tasks during emergencies: Checklist Usage During Emergencies A well-designed checklist is intended to work under pressure. Even […]

Mechanic and Repairman Certificates References: 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart D, 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart E The FAA issues Mechanic and Repairman Certificates. Mechanics can get an Airframe (A) rating, Powerplant (P) rating, or both (A&P). A mechanic may perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft for which he or she […]

Air Traffic Control System Command Center The Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC), also known as “flow control,” is located in Virginia. It balances air traffic demand at national and local levels by working directly with Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) and Terminal Radar Approach Facilities (TRACONs). Weather is the most common reason […]

The Earth’s Atmosphere The atmosphere fluctuates continuously in pressure, temperature, and humidity. The standard atmosphere is an average condition of these fluctuations. Related: ICAO Standard Atmosphere Atmospheric Layers Troposphere: The lowest layer of the atmosphere. It is characterized by an overall temperature decrease with altitude. Virtually all weather takes place in the troposphere. Troposphere comes […]

Aircraft Flight Manual, Markings, and Placards References: 14 CFR 21.5, 14 CFR 91.9, 14 CFR 45.29, AC 45-2 Flight Manuals: An Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) must be available in the aircraft when operated. For airplanes not requiring an AFM (built before March 1, 1979), an approved manual (POH), markings, placards, or any combination must be […]

Airworthiness Defined References: 14 CFR 3.5, 14 CFR 21.31, 14 CFR 91.7 An aircraft cannot be operated unless it is in an airworthy condition. Airworthy means the aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a condition for safe operation. A type design is the set of drawings and specifications that define the product’s […]

Energy Management Energy management is the process of planning, monitoring, and controlling altitude and airspeed targets in relation to the airplane’s energy state to: The Energy System of an Airplane The three sources of energy available to the pilot are: Airspeed (KE) and altitude (PE) make up an airplane’s total mechanical energy. The airplane’s energy […]

Aircraft Weight Definitions Standard Empty Weight (SEW): The weight of an aircraft, including unusable fuel, full operating fluids, and full oil. Basic Empty Weight (BEW): The standard empty weight plus optional equipment. BEW = SEW + Optional Equipment Basic Operating Weight (BOW): The basic empty weight plus the weight of the items considered standard by […]

Standard Operating Procedures Reference: AC 91-73, FAA Safety Briefing Jan/Feb 2021 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are written policies and practices designed to ensure operational consistency and reduce errors. They encompass normal, abnormal, non-normal, and emergency operations to achieve predictable, safe outcomes across all phases of flight. SOPs = Doing it the right way, all the […]

Aircraft Maintenance Manuals References: 14 CFR 21.50, AC 91-91 An Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) is developed by the manufacturer of a particular airplane that contains the information necessary for that airplane’s continued airworthiness. Aircraft manufactured after January 28, 1981 have published Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICAs). ICAs are the most concise maintenance information for a […]