Newsroom
Choosing a floatplane
Which airplane is suitable for floats?
This Article goes from conversations with experienced floatplane pilots about the 150 on floats—okay, but not great—into what makes a good floatplane, what to look for when buying one
Spatial Disorientation
New AOPA Safety Letter
AOPA Germany’s latest Saftey Letter deals with the subject of spatial disorientation. It’s a known fact that humans are “VFR beings“ only. . The senses we use to keep our balance, that
The Robinson R22 Helicopter
Like wearing a Backpack
In the early 1970s, Frank Robinson had a vision of business executives commuting between their homes and workplaces in small, light, affordable helicopters. The skies were going to
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
Mitigating Risk
Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) is essentially the mental process of gathering and evaluating information pertinent to a flight; listing the options and their attendant risks; and
The Cub
A replica of the Piper Super Cub
Since the day I first showed up at the airport many years ago I have heard about Piper Cubs. Everyone described them as a great airplane that was fun to fly. Even non-pilots recognize
Buying a Used Homebuilt
What to look for?
There are many reasons why you might want to buy a used homebuilt instead of building. Those who have built their own airplanes know the satisfaction of spawning a flying machine with
Short Field Takeoff
How to make a great short field takeoff
Taking off from a short runway? Does your runway have trees or buildings at the end of it? Then it's time for you to dust your short-field takeoff skills. Here's how you'll do it.
How
Flighttraining tips
An Ace Flight Instructor
Two student pilots who carpooled to the airport are getting ready to head for their respective flight schools. As one student is gathering up his gear, he is surprised to see the other
Perfect Crosswind Takeoff
Take account of all factors
Crosswind on takeoff might not seem like that big of a deal, but if you don't add correction you could end up skipping down, or off, the runway. And nobody wants that to happen.
Wind
Electrical failure
Don't Panic!
The first time I had a total electrical power failure in an aircraft was at dusk in a tired old Cessna.
Its alternator gave up the ghost, and a few minutes later, the battery signaled
