Tag: Commercial Pilot

Hot Spots

Hot Spots

Here’s a great reminder about “hot spots” at busy airports. And no I’m not talking about free wi fi in the terminal. As a local flight instructor that has been training primarily out of my Class E airport that underlies Class B airspace, it’s easy for me to forget that a short distance away lies a very bust Class B International airport, complete with tower, lots of runways and lots or airplanes. Not to mention a busy Air National Guard as well (don’t accidentally taxi into their ramp, they tend to great with armed MPs).

This article courtesy of AOPA outlines the importance of referencing your airport diagrams carefully, especially at busy airports and making note of any “hot spots” that may be present. The FAA’s definition of a hot spot is “A runway safety related problem area on an airport that presents increased risk during surface operations.”

Enjoy: http://bit.ly/1udokM5

Spacing

Spacing

We’ve all been in the air on a busy Saturday morning or when the winter weather turns to a nice spring day. It certainly can be frustrating, intimidating and sometimes scary when we’re “bumper to bumper” or nose to tail in the traffic pattern.

I really liked this article put out by AOPA this month in their ‘Training Tips’. It’s called Proper Spacing is Critical and you need to read it. Enjoy!

Proper Spacing is Critical

Face lift for AOPA’s website

Face lift for AOPA’s website

Many of you already are aware that AOPA is beta testing their new site. It certainly is a nice face lift to the original version. The drop down tabs make it easier to navigate or even “pre navigate” a category without actually leaving the page you are on. I’m a big fan of this feature as I get rather impatient when I go to a new page only to have to go back and keep searching for the desired link.

Flight planning tools are well organized and easy to find. Keep in mind that some links will take you into the original website format. I found a few glitches when I did this such as screens not loading, which by the way, they’d like you to squawk any flaws. Overall I think it will make navigating their site more friendly and if nothing else more pleasing to the eye. Have fun and explore.

http://beta.aopa.org/

Density Altitude

It’s hot and DA is up! Plan to lighten the loads on those hot summer months. We are hitting density altitudes of 8,000ft from a 4,200 field elevation here in the Salt Lake City area. Ouch! Ask your self a few questions; “Do I need to take that? Do I need full tanks? Should I schedule morning flights vs mid day flights?” As the density altitude climbs, our air craft’s performance declines so consider all of the factors of performance and weight before you make a “go” decision.