Category: Private

Hot Weather and Performance

Hot Weather and Performance

 

AOPA recently blasted out a good article on hot oil. Most of us are out flying this time of year and it’s down right hot. Not only are we uncomfortable in those old, non air conditioned aircraft, but so is our aircraft. During these summer months and depending on the time of day, where you are in the country and the field elevation your taking off from, your aircraft can work hard, very hard and very hot. Oil is the life blood of our engines and it is critical that you inspect in during pre-flight. Low oil pressure and high temps = potentially dangerous operating situations. Would you continue to drive your car with low oil and the temp gauge creeping up? Remember, you can’t “pull over” in the plane if the engine overheats.

What is your climb angle? A higher airspeed/lower angle of climb will help for a cooler engine but sacrifice rate of climb. Check your EGT, and adjust mixture if need be to keep a cooler operating temperature. A lean mixture will run your engine hot while a rich mixture will help cool the engine. Something you may need to know if you see your temperature increasing during flight.

Another option is to consult your mechanic to see if they can suggest appropriate oil for your particular plane. Some oils will provide better protection in hot operating environments. It is a time of year to be vigilant (as always) during the pre-flight inspection and ensure you have proper levels of oil. Be aware of your climb angle and fuel mixture so can adjust as necessary to fly a cooler and happier plane.

 

http://www.intermountainflightservices.com

 

 

 

Aviation Weather Resources and Web Links

Here is just a good all around source of web links courtesy of Jeppesen CFI refresher course. Thanks to those guys over there and the AOPA Air Safety Institute!

 

The National Weather Service (NWS) site has official forecast products including graphic weather products, SIGMETs, and NOTAMs.

NWS’s Aviation Weather Center is becoming an increasingly important source of preflight weather information for pilots. Through this FAA-sanctioned site, you can obtain reports, forecasts, charts, including nearly real-time NEXRAD radar, and all weather information for a standard briefing.

Intellicast offers a number of graphic weather products, including advanced radar data from various sites.

Unisys provides an archive of graphical weather products on its weather site, which are helpful in identifying trends and historical weather patterns.

The Weather Channel is one location to obtain recent radar data for a particular region, as well as general forecast information.

NOAA posts a site with information from wind profiling systems across the nation.

The Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS), sponsored by the National Weather Service, provides graphics depicting winds, turbulence, PIREPs, and other aviation weather data.

The National Weather Association is a good site to obtain educational materials relevant to weather.

Other Resources

AOPA gives access to certain Jeppesen weather services for its members.

Jeppesen provides weather services to pilots and flight departments on a fee-for-service basis

Source: Jeppesen CFI Renewal Online-Weather for Pilots

Air Traffic Control

ATC

Air Traffic Control provides a valuable service to all pilots of all levels. At some point in our training or piloting careers, we have to talk ATC. For many students as well as pilots that normally fly out of non-towered airports, communicating with ATC can be awkward, maybe even scary. Keep in mind that on the other side of the radios is a human being who is there to help.
For student pilots, ATC can be a huge asset if you are unsure of things like location, airport layout or simply didn’t understand the last set of instructions. For the private pilot, ATC is there to help you if lost, confused or you simply need progressive instructions. Sure it’s possible that a pilot’s ego may be bruised but as PIC, you are responsible for the safe operation of your aircraft and if that means you need to call ATC for some clarification or to say you’re lost, then do so and worry about your ego when your safely on the ground. Don’t be afraid to speak up!

Part 141 vs. Part 61 Flight School

As student pilots, you have two basic school structures or training curriculum to choose from. You can choose to learn under a Part 141 school or a Part 61 school. So what’s the difference and which one is better?

Part 141 flight schools must follow a structured training program. This means they will use a syllabus to ensure all necessary training is provided in order through lesson plans. Students need to attend a formal ground school as well. They will utilize stage checks to monitor the progress of students done by the Chief Flight Instructor or assistants, keep accurate/detailed records of the student’s progress for FAA review and provide instructor standardization. Part 141 schools must also undergo FAA inspections of facilities, aircraft and training equipment. In a nutshell, Part 141 flight schools are very regimented and structured, “by the book”.

Part 61 flight schools provide more flexibility in that the student does not have to have to follow an approved training syllabus. Instructors can re-arrange lessons to suit the student’s needs but they still must adhere to the FAR requirements that are needed to train their students under Part 61. The flight student does not need to attend a formal ground school and can complete an approved home study course, use a ground instructor or attend a formal ground school.

Ideally, Part 141 schools would take less hours (35 for a private pilot vs. 40hrs under Part 61) to complete the private pilot training thus costing the student less money. Regardless of the type training chosen, the student needs to pass the FAA Knowledge and Practical exams in order to receive their certificate. Some schools choose not to obtain their Part141 certification in order to provide the flexibility to the local student population while others want just the opposite. In my opinion both formats offer great training, it’s simply a matter of what environment the student is most comfortable in and what works for he/she. If a student needs formality in their training but also flexibility in their schedule, they are welcome to follow a syllabus with their instructor under Part 61 as I don’t know any CFI that would turn down an opportunity to teach. I’ve learned in both environments and believe both to be sufficient. The most important thing a student can do is to interview instructors, find one they are comfortable with and study hard and train hard. Most students will go well over the required hours to obtain their private pilot certificate so it’s important to make sure, as a student, that you are most efficient with your dollars. Have fun!

Aviation Weather

Aviation Weather

You want to go fly and need to find out what the weather will be like. There are numerous sources you can turn to check on the weather regardless if it’s a local flight or a cross country trip.

Your local news forecast can be possible give you an idea of what could be expected but in my opinion is better for those wanting to know if they will be able to mow the lawn tomorrow or not. The aviation community has great weather resources designed just for pilots and flying; use them.

  1. My personal favorite is ADDS put out by NOAA’s National Weather Service. It has just about everything a pilot needs.
  2. DUATS can provide you with crucial weather briefings for those cross country flights while simultaneously filing a flight plan.
  3. Jeppesen also provides a weather page full of resources for pilots.
  4. Universal Weaher.com has an aviation page tailored for professionals that broadcasts weather that may impact flights and commercial travel.

If you’re planning a flight, know your weather forecast. It may look good outside now but things can change in a matter of minutes and us pilots don’t have the luxury of “pulling over to the side of the road” when things get rough.