The list of women pilots who persevered against the odds to make aviation history is long. Since the Wright Brother’s, they have performed, set records, and stepped up to serve bravely in times of need despite sexists attitudes and limits to opportunities. There are dozens whose compelling stories and accomplishments make great reading. Here are … Read more

Amelia Earhart’s is one of the most recognizable names in early aviation history. Famous as the first female aviator to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean (making her only the second nd only other person a to do so after Lindbergh), she went to on break records and achieve many aviation firsts. Her tragic … Read more

Imagine planning a flight where you don’t know what your destination is. All you are given is a sheet of paper with clues in the form of headings, distances, and landmarks. It is up to you to use your pilotage skills to fly the course, identify the landmarks, and reach the mystery destination. Whether you … Read more

A student pilot learns a valuable lesson By Peggy Thompson Thought I’d share this story, since someone posted a question about rough landings and I discovered I was too embarrassed to share this, initially. Then I thought, ‘it’s all about learning and sharing and learning some more!’ During my PPL quest I completed a tiring … Read more

Do you your gear every year or leave the same old stuff in it? It’s good to take an inventory once in a while to get rid of no-longer-useful or expired items. When you are far away from the ground, you want to carry with you the things that will make you comfortable while still … Read more

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, my engine has blown up and my airplane is on fire! By Lane Post Dateline: Wednesday, middle of July. I own 1/2 of a 1961 Cessna 182 which we keep at Palomar (CRQ) in Carlsbad, CA. It’s overcast with about a 1500′ ceiling and with my wife and youngest son, 18 years old, … Read more

Why would a grandmother learn to fly anyway? by Marjorie Johnson “Cessna One Eight Echo, Cleared for takeoff.” My twentieth solo hour. Time off, 9:54 a.m. Nose up, full power, right rudder. I am turning left. More right rudder. Still turning left, I’m not climbing. I’m going to clip someone’s tail! The clock says 10:50 … Read more

Suggestions for Doing Well on Your Checkride Know what is expected of you. Study the FAA’s Private Pilot Practical Test Standards. Talk with others who recently took checkrides with your examiner. Talk with the examiner, some will offer suggestions and advice, others won’t. Use a familiar airplane, such as the one in which you’ve been … Read more

Air Racing 101 A Primer on Cross-country Handicapped Speed Racing By Pat Lowers Here is a basic list of tasks that will need to be performed during a race. Use it as a starting point and add your own items as they occur to you. Assign all tasks Make hotel reservations Bring Extra engine oil … Read more

Air Racing 101 A Primer on Cross-country Handicapped Speed Racing By Pat Lowers Contents: Introduction Flight Planning and Navigation Fuel Management Winds and other Weather Fly-bys Cockpit Resource Management Scoring Attachment A: Race Kit Checklist Dedicated to the two women who have been most instrumental in getting me into racing and keeping it enjoyable for … Read more