Become a Better Pilot Archives

Breaking the Chain: Avoiding a Potential Crisis

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

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

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.

When Weather Turns to Trouble

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot

In 1970, April 4th to be exact per my dad’s logbook, our family had an experience that I wish I’d never had.

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

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!

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.

Flight Simulator Survey: Member Insight & Tips

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot, Columns and Opinions

Flight simulators have been widely used for many years, from desktop recreational use through high-end commercial pilot training.

Preparing for Your Next Flight Review

by Scott Sherer | Become a Better Pilot

It’s my flight review time again, and as I begin to prepare for this event, I have several references that I keep just for this purpose.

The Dangers of Noise Fatigue

by Bill Cox | Become a Better Pilot, Lessons From The Logbook - Bill Cox

Fatigue, noise fatigue in particular, is a special enemy of general aviation pilots, specifically because we’re our own worst enemies. It seems noise suppression, like weight reduction, is one of the industry’s most impossible missions. Engineers simply didn’t know how to build a quiet aircraft cockpit.

What You Need to Know About Air Traffic Control

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot

Andy Watson, author of the recently released book The Pilot’s Guide to Air Traffic Control, is both a veteran air traffic controller and general aviation pilot.

20 Tips for Safe Holiday Flying in Your Cessna

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot, Columns and Opinions

Unbalanced Fuel Draw in 182 With Selector Set to ‘Both’

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot, Maintenance

Q New to the COO forum, having just purchased a 1975 C182. I am having the issue where fuel is...

Simulator Trial Results

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...

Where to Land in an Emergency

by Scott "Sky" Smith | Become a Better Pilot, What To Know Before You Go

Recently there was a news story about a pilot in the Southeast who had engine trouble. That pilot opted for an emergency landing on a busy bridge instead of in the water, resulting in a casualty of an automobile driver, which brought up conversations about land, water, roads … where should you make an emergency landing?

Six Surprising Runway Safety Threats

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot

1. Construction NOTAMS can save your skin
2. Wings or no wings, it’s still a hazard

Why You Should Always Use Flight Following

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

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.

Preflight Preparation Is Like Preparing a Spaghetti Dinner

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot

Why Meticulous Preflight Preparation Saves Time By Richard SherrillCOO Member & 172N Owner The...

Magneto Gone Bad in Flight

by Scott Sherer | Become a Better Pilot, Maintenance

What Went Wrong and What Went Right Thanksgiving started out OK. My wife and I were taking...

The Importance of Preflight and Preparation

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot

Homework in Alaska is Different, and it Teaches Something to Everyone By Jim Gibertoni No one ever...

How to Pick an A&P

by Cessna Owner Organization | Become a Better Pilot, Columns and Opinions, Maintenance

By Jim Gibertoni Over my 40 years of Alaskan flying, I have either hired or been involved with...

Cessna 140

by Bill Cox | Become a Better Pilot, Featured Plane, Lessons From The Logbook - Bill Cox

Despite 65-plus years of attrition, there were enough Cessna 140 aircraft built that there is still a ready supply on the market. Most owners of Cessna’s first, real, entry-level, trainer are justifiably proud of their arrogant, little, fun, tailwheel machines.

Eight Enlightening Travel Tips for the 21st Century Traveler

by Bill Cox | Columns and Opinions, Lessons From The Logbook - Bill Cox

Senior contributor Bill Cox made his first international trip in 1977, flying a new Piper...

Cessna 190/195

by Bill Cox | Become a Better Pilot, Featured Plane, Lessons From The Logbook - Bill Cox

Post-World War II war surplus aircraft may have looked attractive based on purchase price, but operating costs were well out of reach of the average retiring military fighter pi¬lot, lieutenant, or captain returning from the war. Of course, the established general aviation manufacturers and dozens of upstart companies jumped into the light-plane business with enthusiasm. For its part, Cessna introduced a new model known as the 190/195. The new airplane was probably a much better machine than its sales record suggested.