The Misunderstood Holding Pattern Examined By Michael J. “Mick” Kaufman, CFII In the last issue of BPT TAKEOFF, “Captain’s Corners” covered the topic of procedure turns, and when to do them. In looking at the some of the course reversals in procedure turns, they gave me the topic for this issue, “Holding Patterns”. Holding patterns … Continued
RISKY BUSINESS The What, How and Why of Risk Management by Susan Parson, FAA Safety Briefing “A SHIP IS ALWAYS SAFE AT THE SHORE — BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT IT IS BUILT FOR” — ALBERT EINSTEIN Once upon a time, pretty much everyone involved in aviation took an “accidents happen” view of the … Continued
1. Which of these instruments do you NOT need for an IFR flight? A. Engine oil pressure gauge B. Magnetic compass C. Fuel gauge for each tank D. Vertical Speed Indicator E. Slip-skid indicator F. Directional gyro 2. Seeing which of these things will not allow you to descend below DA / MDA … Continued
The Procedure Turn and When Is It Required? By Michael “Mick” Kaufman I try to stay informed in the happenings in the aviation world, and I read the columns of many aviation journalists in numerous publications. I try to be different from the rest by using my own real-life observances rather than putting my own … Continued
Controlled Flight Into Terrain FAA Aviation Safety General Aviation Joint Steering Committee Safety Enhancement Topic Technological advances have improved pilot situational awareness and have dramatically reduced the number of general aviation (GA) controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents over the past 20 years. Nevertheless, CFIT accidents continue to occur and at least half … Continued
Charles M. “Chuck” Cook ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, A&P with IA BPT TAKEOFF: What first attracted you to aviation – and why? CC: From an early age, I have always been drawn to aviation. Started by building Balsa and tissue models, along with the plastic models of various aircraft. My Grandad would take me … Continued
One of my responsibilities as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Avemco Insurance Company is to review our claims reports each month. I’ve seen a trend of accidents recently, that can be traced back to pilots who are starting to fly again after long periods of inactivity due to the pandemic. … Continued
Concorde Aircraft Batteries: The Heart of Your Aircraft Means Peace of Mind for Pilots You start your mental pre-flight as you walk out to your aircraft. You’ve filed your flight plan, NOTAM’s have been reviewed and the weather is perfect! Looking over your aircraft, there are no abnormalities. Climb in, seat belt latched, turning … Continued
Dan Ramirez CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, 5000 + Training hours As a child, I was always fascinated by airplanes. I often wondered what it would be like to fly like a bird. In 1990, I learned to fly at the Aeroclub at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. My wife was a secretary … Continued
Three Approaches to a Pre-Purchase Inspection By Jason Blair, ATP, CFI-I, MEI-I, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, AGI When it comes to having a pre-purchase inspection done on an aircraft I find there are three basic approaches to determine how thorough of an inspection a buyer may want to incur: Gamble, good enough, and … Continued