Joel Turpin, Author at Cessna Owner Organization

A Day in the Life of a Professional Pilot

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get paid to fly a multi-million-dollar, turbine-powered airplane?

Pilot in Command Authority

There are two types of authority bestowed by the FAA on the pilot in command (PIC) of every airplane, regardless of its size.

Fate is Still the Hunter

Posted by Joel Turpin | Maintenance

A key lesson learned over the years is that the one thing you skip during pre-flight inspection often goes wrong.

Breaking the Chain: Avoiding a Potential Crisis

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot

Studies showed that the majority of accidents were the result of a smaller chain of events that eventually culminated in disaster.

Playing “What If” versus “I Hope Not”: The One Runway Conundrum

Posted by Joel Turpin | Maintenance, What To Know Before You Go

There are two kinds of pilots in command of an airplane. The one who plans “what if” and the one who plays the “I hope not” game.

How to Read a METAR

Posted by Joel Turpin | What To Know Before You Go

Sometime in the late 1990s, the FAA started using weather terminology used by the World Meteorological Organization.

Electrical System Anomalies and Failures; Or, When the Lights Go Out!

Posted by Joel Turpin | Maintenance

In the previous tutorial, we discussed how your electrical system works. Now we will be discussing how your electrical system might not work.

Planning the VFR Cross Country Flight: And Doing it Right!

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot, Joel Turpin Tips and Tales

The inspiration for writing this tutorial came from when I was a flight instructor at the uncontrolled Skymanor airport.

What Instrument Pilots Need to Know About Flying the Visual Segment on an IFR Approach

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot

We need to define that a visual segment of an instrument approach is the segment between the decision altitude and the runway threshold.

Flying the V+ Glidepath: A Tutorial That Can Save Your Life!

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot

The inspiration for writing this tutorial came from a fatal accident that occurred on April 22, 2022 at Burley, Idaho KBYI.

What Instrument Pilots Need to Know About IFR Alternates

Posted by Joel Turpin | Avionics

One of the most important considerations when planning an IFR flight is whether or not an alternate will be required.

Simulator Trial Results

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot, Joel Turpin Tips and Tales

Using Techniques Suggested in “Engine Failure on Takeoff With a Return to the Field” By Joel A. Turpin, ATP CFI-I FAA Master Pilot Simulation Test Conditions The simulations were flown at Solberg-Hunterdon Airport, N51, with a...

Why You Should Always Use Flight Following

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot, Joel Turpin Tips and Tales

Flight following, also known as traffic advisories, is a service offered by ATC for pilots flying under VFR. A simple radio call to the nearest ATC facility will provide traffic advisories as well as information on weather threats ahead. Pilots may also receive suggested headings to avoid both. In spite of these benefits, many pilots still elect to fly without speaking to anyone, foregoing this free service.

Engine Failure at Takeoff: What To Do Next

Posted by Joel Turpin | Become a Better Pilot, Joel Turpin Tips and Tales

Having an engine fail right after takeoff while flying a single engine airplane is every pilot’s worst nightmare. It requires immediate action along with quick, life or death decision making. Assuming the engine cannot be restarted, the pilot has only two options; land straight ahead, or attempt to return to the departure airport. The objective of this tutorial is to explore the second option, which is the engine out return to the departure airport.