11 keys to safer instrument flights

Let’s look at some of the things we can do to minimize the chances of hurt while instrument flying. All along the way, remember that an important part of the operation is to continually ask yourself what comes next and what comes after that, and on and on.

The first US Air Meet, 1910

Fans attended the first major International Air Meet at Reims, France, in August 1909, with close to 500,000 spectators. It set the standard for all future air shows of the time, and inspired a group of American aviators to stage their own Air Meet. Here is the story.

An old story that happened yesterday

If you have read many aviation stories, you will suffer no harm by ignoring this one. It is an Old Story that happened yesterday. I’m sure you have heard it all before. I would find it only mildly interesting were I not the protagonist, the antagonist and the jester.

Brighter days ahead? Depends on how bright you want it…

Those first rays of sunshine after a storm passes are a welcome sight indeed. There is hope and the promise of better things ahead. Is there any chance that general aviation could be about to fly into clearer weather?

Continental Motors – betting big on diesel

Any discussion of general aviation's future must include light airplane engines and the fuel they burn. While avionics get a lot of press, it's the engine technology that really determines how reliable, affordable and useful an airplane is. And trouble is brewing.

ForeFlight’s CEO on iPad and aviation

One of the most revolutionary devices in aviation right now was never even designed for pilots--the iPad. In our latest Special Report article, ForeFlight's CEO shares his thoughts on how a consumer device just might help general aviation grow.

Van’s Aircraft – how to keep the water flowing

Van’s Aircraft, Inc. may be the biggest aircraft manufacturer that nobody mentions when the subject comes up. Over 8,300 completed airplanes – an average of one every other day since Richard VanGrunsven founded the company. Still, being a big fish in a small pond is of little value if the pond’s drying up.

Flying clubs, old and new

Flying clubs have been around since the beginning of aviation, but they are receiving increased attention lately. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has spent a lot of time investigating the flying club model, and it seems clear that, when done properly, clubs can reduce the cost and increase the fun of learning to fly.

A customer-centric approach to pilot training

Much of the blame for general aviation's current weakness falls on flight schools. But while miracle cures abound, we thought we would check in with a flight school that is successful. Sporty's Academy President Eric Radtke says his school is busier than ever, and it doesn't require huge investments or gimmicks.

Looking for sunshine – general aviation’s future

"GA is dying." We hear this statement so often that it's become accepted wisdom among many pilots. But it's wrong. Our new Special Report will highlight the aviation organizations that are innovating in the face of a declining industry.
Cessna 140

From the archives: Wolfgang Langewiesche flies across Africa

Today we are pleased to republish “140 in Africa,” a delightful article that will take you back in time. Legendary author Wolfgang Langewiesche shares the simple pleasures of flying low and slow across a vast continent. This originally appeared in the March, 1951 edition of Air Facts magazine.

Real Life Go/No Go: Air Facts reader shares his decision

A long time client in Leavenworth, Kansas, has invited you to a meeting to show your newest product. The key decision-makers are only available from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. You scheduled a flight in your Cessna Turbo 182RG, equipped with a Stormscope, XM weather and S-TEC 55 autopilot.

7 instrument approaches you have to see to believe

In spite of what new instrument students might think, not all IFR approaches are straight-in ILSs to 200 and 1/2. Some airports just don't lend themselves to an approach. But one look at the examples in this article shows that where there's a will, there's a way.
Ercoupe flipped over

Hands off another pilot’s airplane: always the case?

As I tied my light sport airplane down, I couldn't help noticing the Ercoupe sitting adjacent to me. Not only is an Ercoupe a rare craft, this one was notable because it wasn't tied down--it just had two straps hanging loose from the wings--as if someone started to tie it down and stopped mid-process.

The Hungry Pilot: Annie Okie’s Runway Cafe

For our latest "Hungry Pilot" feature, regular contributor Will Eifert takes us to Oklahoma City and Annie Okie's Runway Cafe. The restaurant is right on the runway at the busy Wiley Post Airport, with great views of departing airplanes.

Renie – and the Block Island Wedding

I’m pretty sure the bride-to-be sent my mom the invitation just as a courtesy, never dreaming she’d actually be there. After all, it was a midweek wedding--on Block Island. Even the “local” East Coast guests had to carve at least a few days out of their calendars for travel. And my mom lived in Kentucky. It was just too far.

10 questions for new AOPA President Mark Baker

From time to time, we ask a particular aviation personality to answer some random questions. Today it's Mark Baker, the new president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). We asked him about his background and his vision for the future of GA.

Crash of the B-23 Dragon Bomber

The afternoon I spent at the crash site of the B-23 “Dragon Bomber” was far different than what the eight crew men aboard the plane experienced when they went down on a routine training mission on January 29, 1943. As I sat in the shade of a pine by the lake next to one of the sheared off wings, I tried to imagine what they had gone through.
Hudson River flight

The moment I felt like a pilot: the Hudson River exclusion

In our latest Young Pilot article, high school senior Ben Conlin shares a memorable flight up the Hudson River. He says the flight was "a fresh breath to flight and reminder of why many pilots began flying in the first place."

The Great Debate: do you have to have an instrument rating to travel by GA?

"If you really want to use your license, better get an instrument rating." This is fairly common advice given to new pilots--the implication being that you can't really travel in a light general aviation airplane very effectively without an instrument rating. Is it really essential?