Saturday morning's most interesting reads, with five can't-miss posts every week. Exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events–it's your weekly connection to what's happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.
1. February is IFR Month at Sporty’s.
Throughout February, Sporty’s will be celebrating IFR Month, with a focus on the challenges and rewards of instrument flying. In addition to special savings on pilot gear and training courses, we will offer interactive webinars, articles, videos, and answers to common IFR questions. Our goal is to encourage all pilots to earn their instrument rating, get current, and enjoy more utility from their pilot certificate.
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2. Overcoming the Five Most Common Landing Errors.
Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuition—yet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches.
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3. The NTSB Got It Wrong on TWA Flight 841.
For the event described by the NTSB to have happened, the wing flaps had to be extended at 39,000 feet. This takes hydraulic power which creates a substantial amount of noise from the hydraulic operating pumps. Most passengers have heard this when the flaps are extended during ground taxi. The noise is just as noticeable at high altitudes.
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4. Pilot’s Discretion Podcast, Episode 96: What Young Pilots Want.
Over 40% of active student pilots are under age 30 and Clay Simmons is one of them (he even built a Carbon Cub at age 22). He explains the unique expectations this new generation of pilots has, how the GA industry can be more successful in reaching out, and why mentors are so important. Clay is also an active backcountry pilot, so he shares advice for pilots who want to fly taildraggers and explore off-airport destinations.
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5. Ask Mr. Pilot.
This informative and fun column answers questions from non-pilots and helps them understand the strange world of the “aileron,” the “empennage,” NOTAMs, and even the word “niner” while giving you a laugh or two.
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