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Flying Tips

Home » Flying Tips

January 29, 2025January 30, 2025

Common Sense

Flying Tips
By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the December 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. While I was sitting at the ... Read more
January 23, 2025January 28, 2025

Fuelish Behavior

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Robert N. Rossier, EAA 472091 This piece originally ran in Robert’s Stick and Rudder column in the December 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Unfortunately, for nearly all ... Read more
December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

An Uphill (and Downhill) Struggle

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Robert N. Rossier, EAA 472091 This piece originally ran in Robert’s Stick and Rudder column in the November 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. For a newly minted ... Read more
November 21, 2024November 21, 2024

Frustrations and Questionable Training

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the October 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. AirVenture is a time for me ... Read more
November 13, 2024November 13, 2024

Bad Choices

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Robert N. Rossier, EAA 472091 This piece originally ran in Robert’s Stick and Rudder column in the October 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Every now and then ... Read more
November 7, 2024November 7, 2024

Wishful Thinking or Great Ideas?

Flying Tips, Homebuilding
By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the October 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. The history of flight is rooted ... Read more
November 5, 2024November 5, 2024

Zenith: My Very Limited History With the Company

Bits and Pieces, Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Mike Davenport, Vancouver, British Columbia A recent flight in the Zenith company’s best-selling aircraft to date, the CH750 STOL, reminded me that I have had a small involvement with ... Read more
October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

Maintenance for Reliability

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Vic Syracuse, EAA Lifetime 180848 This piece originally ran in Vic’s Checkpoints column in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. I know there’ve been a few ... Read more
October 17, 2024October 17, 2024

Target Practice

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Robert N. Rossier, EAA 472091 This piece originally ran in Robert’s Stick and Rudder column in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. A long time ago, ... Read more
October 10, 2024October 11, 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Propeller Inspections

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. I left the FBO and walked ... Read more
September 19, 2024September 20, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Ontario Bowers Fly Baby Biplane

Flying Tips, Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Scott Knowlton takes us through the rebuild of a derelict Fly Baby biplane.

Read more
September 19, 2024September 24, 2024

A New Set of Factors

Flying Tips
By Robert N. Rossier, EAA 472091 This piece originally ran in Robert’s Stick and Rudder column in the August 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. We don’t have to ... Read more
September 12, 2024September 16, 2024

Buying a Flying Homebuilt: The Top Five Mistakes

Flying Tips, Homebuilding
By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the August 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. An unexpressed thought sometimes hides like ... Read more
August 29, 2024August 29, 2024

Safe Flight … or Not!

Flying Tips, Member Stories
By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the July 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Would you consider yourself a safe, ... Read more
June 19, 2024

Fading Into Darkness

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the impacts aging can have on vision and how that affects you as a pilot.

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June 4, 2024

Engine Failures During Cruise, Part 1

Flying Tips, Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray talks about concepts to review and practice prior to a potential in-flight engine failure.

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May 30, 2024

Crosswinds and Light Turbulence Cause Stomach Aches

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses how to regain your confidence in performing crosswind takeoffs and landings.

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May 22, 2024May 22, 2024

One Last Look

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the importance of scanning for traffic in the pattern prior to lining up for takeoff.

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May 8, 2024May 8, 2024

Expecting the Unexpected

Flying Tips
In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses a recent situation in which he was very glad he knew the emergency procedures associated with his Hummingbird ... Read more
May 2, 2024May 7, 2024

Carburetor Heat

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses how the carburetor heat system works in an aircraft and why it’s important to understand carb icing.

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April 24, 2024April 24, 2024

A Banner Day

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses traffic pattern safety and a lesson he recently relearned.

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April 4, 2024April 4, 2024

Checklists Are Necessary

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the importance of not simply going through the motions when using a checklist.

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March 28, 2024March 28, 2024

A Winter Chill

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses hypothermia and the effects it can have on pilots.

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March 20, 2024March 20, 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Yearly Inspections

Flying Tips, From The Hangar Floor

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner shares some anxiety-saving tips regarding the yearly inspection required for your aircraft.

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March 7, 2024March 12, 2024

Bounce, Bounce, #$%&*

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses bounced landings and how to handle them.

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February 29, 2024February 29, 2024

The Bigger Picture

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the importance of examining the airplane as a whole during the preflight.

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February 7, 2024February 8, 2024

Checkrides

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses some of the issues designated pilot examiners are coming across during checkrides.

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February 1, 2024February 1, 2024

Into Thin Air

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses high-altitude flying and how to combat the dangers it can pose.

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January 11, 2024January 16, 2024

Poor Training, Lost Skill, or Lax Attitude

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses some of the observations he’s made while flying with his tailwheel students over the summer.

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January 4, 2024January 4, 2024

A Simple Flight

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the amount of planning needed for what might be considered a simple flight.

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December 14, 2023December 14, 2023

Got Logbooks?

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses some of the top problems found with logbooks during annuals and audits.

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November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

Be a Part of the Solution

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the concept of bringing experienced commercial pilots back into the general aviation flight training world.

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November 21, 2023November 22, 2023

A ‘Fowl’ Weather Day

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the dangers of bird strikes and how to avoid them.

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November 2, 2023November 6, 2023

Incursions and Deviations

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses incursions, both on the ground and in the air, and how to prevent them.

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October 26, 2023November 1, 2023

Bumps in the Blue

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses tips for avoiding turbulence.

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October 19, 2023October 20, 2023

Kick the Tires

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses tips for keeping the tires on your aircraft in good condition.

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October 10, 2023October 12, 2023

Performance Checklist

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses some important maintenance observations he’s made in the last few months.

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October 5, 2023October 9, 2023

Tailwheel Training

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the importance of receiving proper and adequate tailwheel training.

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September 28, 2023October 4, 2023

Avoiding the Unseen

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses balloons, drones, and other aerial phenomena to avoid while flying.

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August 31, 2023

The Splendor of the Night

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the “black holes” associated with night flying.

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August 3, 2023August 9, 2023

If It Fits, It Will Haul It!

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses weight and balance issues.

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July 20, 2023

Unintentional Gliding

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses tips for avoiding fuel exhaustion.

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June 14, 2023June 14, 2023

Musings of a Salty Old Flight Instructor

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog reflects on his decades of flight instructing experience.

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June 7, 2023June 8, 2023

Sudden Impact

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the factors that can lead to controlled flight into terrain.

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June 2, 2023June 2, 2023

Paper Charts – Remember Those?

Flying Tips

Bits and Pieces Mike Davenport discusses his preference for a more traditional version of flying, without the latest high-tech gadgets.

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June 1, 2023June 6, 2023

Ready to Fly?

Flying Tips
In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses the importance of making sure your aircraft is ready to fly in the spring after a winter in ... Read more
May 18, 2023May 19, 2023

What Leads to a Bad Landing?

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses complacency and distractions — two components that can contribute to a poor landing.

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May 10, 2023

Working Communication Problems

Flying Tips

What was supposed to be a simple flight for EAA member William Bennett turned into a bit of an adventure when his airplane’s push-to-talk switch began having issues.

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May 10, 2023May 10, 2023

Losing Control

Flying Tips
In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses some of the common reasons pilots lose control of their aircraft and strategies for avoiding those incidents. ... Read more
May 4, 2023May 9, 2023

Those Pesky Details

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses the importance of planning for maintenance, performance, and safety.

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April 19, 2023

Where Does a Good Landing Begin?

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the steps needed to execute a safe landing.

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April 11, 2023April 11, 2023

Spring Cleaning

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses scraping the rust off your flying skills.

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April 6, 2023April 11, 2023

The Information Advantage

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses the value of keeping proper documentation for your aircraft.

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April 4, 2023April 4, 2023

Ruffled Feathers: The Big Picture

Bits and Pieces, Flying Tips

Bits and Pieces contributor discusses key points to consider to “stay ahead of the airplane.”

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March 15, 2023March 20, 2023

Tempting Fate

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses a number of common scenarios in which good pilots can make poor decisions.

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March 2, 2023March 7, 2023

Alaska Lessons

Flying Tips
By Vic Syracuse, EAA Lifetime 180848 This piece originally ran in Vic’s Checkpoints column in the January 2023 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Many of you have read the ... Read more
February 22, 2023February 23, 2023

Never Too Old to Learn

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the dangers associated with “the normalization of deviance” and how to stay sharp as a pilot.

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February 16, 2023February 16, 2023

Nightfall

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses dealing with in-flight emergencies after dark.

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January 25, 2023January 25, 2023

POH or No POH

Flying Tips
In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the importance of referring to your aircraft’s pilot’s operating handbook while also becoming familiar with abnormal procedures not ... Read more
December 13, 2022December 15, 2022

Complacency

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the dangers of becoming complacent as a pilot.

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November 15, 2022November 29, 2022

Always Strive To Be Better

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses the importance of remaining proficient in the cockpit.

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November 8, 2022November 22, 2022

Fit for Flight

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses health considerations to be aware of prior to flying.

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October 6, 2022October 10, 2022

Contemplating the Unthinkable

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses tips for survival in the event of an aircraft emergency or off-field landing.

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October 5, 2022October 7, 2022

Why We Follow the Rules When Hand-Propping an Aircraft

Bits and Pieces, Flying Tips
I have hand-propped many aircraft over the years. There have been Kinners, Franklins, Lycomings, and Continentals, and while some were easier than others there was never a moment when I ... Read more
September 14, 2022September 16, 2022

Last Resort — Downwind Takeoffs and Landings

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses downwind takeoffs and landings and the factors that need to be considered before executing the maneuver.

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September 7, 2022September 12, 2022

Emergency Egress

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the importance of preparing for emergency egress scenarios.

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August 23, 2022August 23, 2022

Trip Preparations — Part 2

DIY, Flying Tips
In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses some of the things to think about when it comes to the maintenance of your aircraft prior to ... Read more
August 9, 2022August 9, 2022

Almost IFR

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the dangers inherent with near-IFR weather conditions.

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July 19, 2022July 22, 2022

Trip Preparations — Part 1

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses some of the things to think about prior to departing on a cross-country trip.

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July 7, 2022July 7, 2022

The Sum of All Factors

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the impact of density altitude on aircraft performance.

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June 24, 2022

The Value of Transition Training

Bits and Pieces, Flying Tips
I encourage every pilot to consider some form of periodic transition training. Because different aircraft require one to acquire different skills, transition training serves to make your toolbox of skills ... Read more
June 13, 2022June 13, 2022

Entering the Traffic Pattern

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses different methods for entering the traffic pattern and when each is appropriate.

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June 7, 2022June 13, 2022

A Different Angle

Flying Tips, Member Stories

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses tips for a safe approach in challenging conditions.

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June 6, 2022June 6, 2022

Ruffled Feathers: Airmanship

Bits and Pieces, Flying Tips

What is the meaning of “airmanship”? Bits and Pieces contributor John Wyman explains.

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May 10, 2022May 10, 2022

Training for the Unexpected

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses how to prepare and train for emergency flight situations.

Read more
May 4, 2022May 6, 2022

Broken Trust

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the dangers of overreliance on technology in the cockpit.

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April 14, 2022April 14, 2022

What Are We Not Teaching Students Today?

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses aspects of flight training that aren’t generally being taught to student pilots today.

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April 6, 2022April 7, 2022

Lost in the Air

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses getting “lost in the air” and tips for unusual attitude recovery.

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March 31, 2022March 31, 2022

Top Traps

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses some of the most common preflight procedure errors in homebuilt aircraft.

Read more
March 15, 2022

What Are We Not Teaching Student Pilots Today?

Flying Tips

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Steve Krog discusses aspects of flight training that aren’t generally being taught to student pilots today.

Read more
March 7, 2022March 7, 2022

Sizing Up the Pattern

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the key elements of entering the pattern in a recent column.

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March 2, 2022

Prelude to a Preflight

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Lisa Turner discusses the key elements of developing a preflight checklist for your homebuilt aircraft in a recent column.

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February 24, 2022March 1, 2022

Bits and Pieces — Ruffled Feathers

Flying Tips, Member Stories

Seasoned airline pilot and EAA member John Wyman discusses some of his thoughts on pilot training and technique when it comes to approach and landing.

Read more
February 16, 2022

Straight-Ins

Flying Tips

Are straight-in approaches to land acceptable? The answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no. EAA Sport Aviation contributor Steve Krog discusses in a recent column.

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February 7, 2022

Getting Lost in the Details

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the dangers of simply going through the motions in a recent column.

Read more
February 3, 2022

Blueprint for a Condition Inspection

Flying Tips, From The Hangar Floor

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Lisa Turner discusses some tips for preparing your aircraft for its condition inspection in a recent column.

Read more
January 25, 2022

When Weather Changes Its Mind

Flying Tips, Vintage
EAA Sport Aviation contributor Vic Syracuse takes us through his journey to the National Stearman Fly-In and the weather challenges he faced along the way in a recent column. ... Read more
January 18, 2022

Density Altitude

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Steve Krog discusses the importance of understanding and accounting for density altitude in his latest column.

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January 11, 2022

Preflight Pointers

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Robert N. Rossier gives some tips for performing preflight inspections on your aircraft during the winter in his latest column.

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December 14, 2021

Bush Flying Lite

Flying Tips, Why We Fly

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Budd Davisson writes about backcountry flying in a feature story that originally ran in the June 2021 issue of the magazine.

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December 7, 2021

Emergency Landings

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Steve Krog discusses emergency landing best practices and procedures in his latest column.

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December 2, 2021

Planning an Escape

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses some of the common items that we should avoid flying with in his latest column.

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November 15, 2021

Lessons Learned

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Vic Syracuse discusses some of the lessons he’s learned over his many years of flying.

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November 11, 2021November 11, 2021

It’s the Little Things

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Steve Krog discusses some of the subtle, but important techniques that can help pilots improve their skills in the cockpit.

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November 3, 2021

Feathery Thoughts

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Robert N. Rossier goes over tips for avoiding bird strikes in his latest column.

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October 18, 2021

Starting Woes, Part 2

Flying Tips, From The Hangar Floor

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Vic Syracuse finishes up his discussion on aircraft engine starting problems in his latest column.

Read more
October 13, 2021

What Do You Do to Improve Your Confidence and Proficiency?

Flying Tips
Flying, especially general aviation flying, should always be safe, fun, and challenging. Otherwise, why do it? There are days, though, when we are a bit lax. We need a challenge ... Read more
October 6, 2021

Planning to Survive

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the importance of flight planning in a recent column.

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September 22, 2021

Airplane Camping

Flying Tips, Why We Fly

Thinking about going camping with your airplane? EAA Sport Aviation writer Budd Davisson talks about everything you need to know prior to your trip.

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September 22, 2021

Pilots, Start Your Engines!

Flying Tips, From The Hangar Floor

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Vic Syracuse discusses engine starting problems and gives some advice on the topic in a recent column.

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September 9, 2021

Too Close to Call

Flying Tips, Member Stories
Anyone who has been flying for very long recognizes the potential for a midair collision. No matter how careful we are, there is always a chance that we’ll miss something ... Read more
August 31, 2021September 7, 2021

Denied

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Lisa Turner takes us through the top five reasons for airworthiness certification failure.

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August 26, 2021

A Newbie’s Guide to Sport Aviation

Flying Tips, Homebuilding, Learning to Fly, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds

Are you looking to get started in aviation? EAA Sport Aviation magazine writer Budd Davisson gives some advice on how to do just that.

Read more
August 17, 2021August 19, 2021

Stalls Revisited 2.0

Flying Tips

They must be respected, but don’t need to be feared. Steve Krog takes a closer look in this column from the July 2021 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

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August 12, 2021August 12, 2021

Forgotten Factors in Performance

Flying Tips

Tipping the scales of safety.

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July 8, 2021July 15, 2021

Gray Areas

Flying Tips
There are times when pilots experience those gray areas where VFR and IFR flight operations can overlap. Regardless of how we might interpret such a situation — who was right ... Read more
June 15, 2021

Lessons Learned: When Not to Fly

Flying Tips, Member Stories
A summer thunderstorm in Tennessee quickly turned a very nice sunset flight into a landing nightmare. Crazy wind gusts on final approach with very poor visibility through the windshield made ... Read more
June 15, 2021

To Go Around or Not Go Around

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly
By Steve Krog, EAA 173799 This piece originally ran in Steve’s Classic Instructor column in the May 2021 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. During the past several months, I ... Read more
June 9, 2021

High and Dry

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Robert N. Rossier discusses the dangers of flying dehydrated in his latest piece.

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May 18, 2021

Operating at Unimproved Airports — Part 2

Flying Tips
In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, we discussed a situation where an acquaintance asked a pilot friend to make a flight to an unimproved airport. We reviewed a ... Read more
May 10, 2021May 10, 2021

Keep It Simple

Flying Tips
Flying can be unduly complicated when we consider the infinite number of variables that can come into play. To keep aircraft management simple, we can narrow the parameters down to ... Read more
May 6, 2021May 6, 2021

EAA’s The Green Dot — Tips From Your Neighborhood CFI, John Dorcey

Flying Tips, Podcast

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, we welcomed local CFI John Dorcey to the show to give his best tips for both students and instructors.

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April 29, 2021

What’s Wrong With My Airspeed?

DIY, Flying Tips, Homebuilding
As a flight instructor, it always seemed like a challenge to help new students understand the pitot-static system. I often wondered if it was the way I was explaining it ... Read more
April 22, 2021April 26, 2021

Operating at Unimproved Airports

Flying Tips
There are many things that must be taken into consideration when planning a safe flight to or from an unimproved airport that you may not have familiarity with. Many of ... Read more
April 15, 2021April 15, 2021

Snakes in the Preflight

DIY, Flying Tips
Performing the airplane preflight inspection is one of the first skills we learn when starting our flight training. Most pilot’s operating handbooks tell us what to check and what to ... Read more
April 1, 2021April 1, 2021

The Sound of Silence

Flying Tips, Member Stories

Then, the engine stops cold. No more vibrations. We are now a glider.

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March 26, 2021March 26, 2021

Cockpit Checks — What Can Possibly Go Wrong?

Flying Tips

Due to the pandemic, I have found myself rereading books purchased some time ago. Some of these are, not surprisingly, about flying.

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March 26, 2021March 26, 2021

File These Under ‘Lessons Learned’

Flying Tips

It would be hard to imagine anyone who has been involved in aviation for any length of time has not accumulated a few valuable lessons along the way.

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March 25, 2021March 31, 2021

Incidents

Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Steve Krog discusses incidents in his monthly Classic Instructor column.

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March 18, 2021March 22, 2021

Winter Warnings

DIY, Flying Tips

Lessons in avoiding the “ice follies.”

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February 25, 2021February 25, 2021

Stuck Wide Open

Flying Tips
As a longtime flight instructor, I try to cover all required subject areas and share many more subjects that I have learned through personal experience. That being said, I observed ... Read more
February 18, 2021February 18, 2021

Tale of Twin Tragedies

Flying Tips

Lessons in maneuvering flight as shared from Robert’s Stick and Rudder column in the January 2021 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

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February 4, 2021February 9, 2021

Jam Nuts Redux

Flying Tips

And one builder’s redemption.

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January 28, 2021

It’s Suddenly Quiet

Flying Tips

What should be your first action when experiencing a power loss? The correct response is fly the airplane!

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January 21, 2021

Keeping Your Balance

Flying Tips

It’s more than just the weight.

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January 7, 2021

Aeronautical Decision-Making

Flying Tips

When good choices build confidence.

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December 16, 2020

Teaching the Teacher (To Be)

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Prepping a new crop of CFIs.

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December 10, 2020

Captain’s Briefing

Flying Tips

Always have a Plan B.

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November 18, 2020November 18, 2020

Landing Incidents

Flying Tips

Why do they keep happening?

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November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

Going the Distance

Flying Tips

Maximizing range, endurance, and glide.

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November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Noisy Things

DIY, Flying Tips

What you should listen to, and why.

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October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

Unshaken — Flying in Turbulent Times

Flying Tips

Over the past months, we’ve all learned to deal with one form of turbulence or another. If there is one thing that makes flying uncomfortable, it’s turbulence.

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September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

A Good Instructor Is Always Learning

Flying Tips

Things my students have taught me.

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September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Someplace to Go

Flying Tips

When it comes to maintaining proficiency, there is no better prescription than to go flying — anywhere — and have fun doing it.

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September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Your Post-Maintenance Checklist

DIY, Flying Tips
Many owners assume that when an aircraft completes its annual inspection, it has been thoroughly scrutinized by well-trained eyes and can be depended upon to be in condition for safe ... Read more
August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

How to Avoid Battery Trouble — Tips and Tricks

DIY, Flying Tips

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Lisa Turner discusses a variety of tips and tricks associated with airplane batteries in her latest piece.

Read more
August 13, 2020August 13, 2020

Common Landing Errors Discussion Available On Demand

Flying Tips
What are the most common landing errors, and how can you fix them? In this presentation, which originally aired during Spirit of Aviation Week, we’ll discuss three of the most ... Read more
August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

Adverse Yaw — What Is It?

Flying Tips
Adverse yaw is the tendency for the nose of an airplane to yaw in the opposite direction when an airplane banks its wings for a turn. The increased lift of ... Read more
August 5, 2020August 5, 2020

The Art of Staying Dry

Flying Tips

Tips for flight over water.

Read more
July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

Top Trip-Stoppers

Flying Tips

Don’t let these gotchas keep you from getting there.

Read more
July 9, 2020July 13, 2020

Fitting the Sport Plane to the Mission

Flying Tips, Vintage, Why We Fly

It starts with a definition, as columnist and regular contributor Budd Davisson explains in this piece that originally ran in the June 2020 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

Read more
July 9, 2020July 9, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: How to Communicate Bad News

Flying Tips
Communicating “bad news” or items that need correcting is one of the toughest jobs a technical counselor has — but is probably the most important. Getting the details right can ... Read more
July 2, 2020July 2, 2020

Faulty Flying or Faulty Instruction?

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Teaching more than the minimum.

Read more
June 25, 2020June 25, 2020

Surprise!

Flying Tips

Avoiding the unexpected.

Read more
June 4, 2020June 8, 2020

Thinking Ahead, Staying Ahead

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

You’re in charge, not the airplane.

Read more
May 27, 2020May 27, 2020

What Now?

Flying Tips

A closer look at emergency procedures.

Read more
May 14, 2020May 14, 2020

First Flights

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

Make sure you and your airplane are ready.

Read more
April 30, 2020April 30, 2020

Seeking Subtle Signs of Trouble

Flying Tips

There’s more to taxiing than just going slowly.

Read more
April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Spring Cleaning

Flying Tips, From The Hangar Floor

Is a clean and organized airplane an airworthy airplane?

Read more
April 8, 2020April 8, 2020

Why Do Spins Scare the Heck Out of Most Pilots?

Flying Tips

Another look at the misunderstood maneuver.

Read more
March 31, 2020March 31, 2020

Erroneous Indications — Avoiding Confusion in the Cockpit

Flying Tips

If we know our airplane, pay attention, and perform the right cross-checks, we can avoid the confusion that comes with erroneous indications.

Read more
March 26, 2020March 31, 2020

Keep Your Head in the Cockpit

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly

Ten tips each for student and active pilots to make use of their downtime in a world of self-isolation and social distancing.

Read more
March 12, 2020March 12, 2020

Hand Prop Mishap: I Was Careful But it Still Happened to Me

Flying Tips, Vintage

I took every precaution and knew that what I was doing was sensible and safe. Boy, was I fooling myself.

Read more
March 5, 2020March 5, 2020

The Oft-Overlooked Intake Gaskets

Flying Tips

This month I want to address intake gaskets and hoses on Lycoming engines, as they seem to be one of the most overlooked maintenance items.

Read more
February 26, 2020February 26, 2020

Probable Cause — Pilot’s Failure to Maintain Directional Control During the Landing Roll

Flying Tips

A few minutes of practice from time to time could save you from an embarrassing future landing incident.

Read more
February 6, 2020February 6, 2020

What Was and Wasn’t Said — Miscommunication and Mayhem

Flying Tips
We learn the proper phraseology and terminology to communicate effectively and efficiently with air traffic control and other aircraft. However, even with the standard phraseology and terminology, we can easily ... Read more
January 15, 2020January 15, 2020

Attitude + Attitude = Fun, Safe, and Exciting Flight

Flying Tips

Those who have flown with me have heard me stress “attitude,” as well as stating every flight must be “safe, challenging, and fun.”

Read more
January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

More Than Just Wind — Factors in Choosing the Best Runway

Flying Tips
We like to think that at a nontowered airport, choosing the best runway for departure or landing is a simple matter of determining the wind direction and picking the runway ... Read more
December 18, 2019December 18, 2019

Anything Can Happen — Preparing for the Winter Flying Season

Flying Tips

As the Earth tilts into the winter season, pilots need to prepare for the coming chill.

Read more
December 10, 2019December 10, 2019

Crosswind Takeoffs 2.0 — Understanding the Factors

Flying Tips

Crosswinds are not inherently dangerous. All pilots should challenge themselves and practice them from time to time.

Read more
November 27, 2019November 27, 2019

The Personal Preflight — Assessing Your Readiness

Flying Tips

Like a set of steel brake rotors, it doesn’t take very long for a coating of rust to form if our skills haven’t been exercised recently.

Read more
November 20, 2019November 20, 2019

How to Minimize the Risk of Engine Failure

Flying Tips
I was over a swamp when the engine started to burble. That’s a scientific word for “make a strange extra noise that strikes unease into a pilot’s heart.” I’m making ... Read more
October 30, 2019October 30, 2019

The Magic of the Night — Illusion and Confusion

Flying Tips

A blanket of darkness can make even familiar terrain completely alien and play tricks on our visual senses.

Read more
October 2, 2019October 2, 2019

Top 10 Overlooked Maintenance Items — What Can Happen and How to Prevent It

Flying Tips

I asked a cross section of A&P/IA mechanics what items were most overlooked on an annual, condition, or 100-hour inspection.

Read more
September 25, 2019September 25, 2019

Until the Prop Stops — Keep Your Head in the Game!

Flying Tips
The lesson learned is a simple one: Keep flying the airplane until it and the prop comes to a stop. Then and only then does one adjust the carb heat, ... Read more
September 11, 2019September 11, 2019

A Nefarious Foe: The Seasons of Fog

Flying Tips

Driven by air and water temperatures, humidity levels, and winds, dreary conditions of dense gray that bring flying to a halt can be tenacious.

Read more
August 21, 2019August 28, 2019

The Value of Good Training — Don’t Be Too Proud to Seek Instruction

Flying Tips, Ultralights
The experience and supervision of a good powered paragliding instructor will not only mitigate risk and safely guide students through the training process but also teach proper technique, correct faulty ... Read more
August 8, 2019August 8, 2019

The ‘So What?’ Factor — Restoring a Certified Aircraft

Flying Tips
Restoring an aircraft may end up being difficult. If you go into it thinking you can’t wait to get in the air, you may find yourself saying “so what?” when ... Read more
August 7, 2019August 21, 2019

Finding Myself Through Learning to Fly

Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly, Milestones

If you had told me 365 days ago that I would be a pilot by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, I’d have thought you were crazy.

Read more
July 10, 2019July 10, 2019

Respect — An Important Word in Every Pilot’s Vocabulary

Flying Tips
Respect for your airplane doesn’t just mean giving it a love tap on the engine cowling. It means that you truly care for your aircraft by carefully looking it over ... Read more
June 25, 2019June 25, 2019

Setting Standards — Type Clubs Lead by Example With SOPs

Flying Tips

Whether or not someone is paying us to fly, following best practices just makes sense. The safest approach to accomplishing a flight task is one that leverages consistency.

Read more
May 22, 2019May 22, 2019

Spring and the New Flying Season — Getting Safely Back into the Air

Flying Tips
As the warmer spring breezes begin to blow, many of the local airport folks will begin to come out of hibernation. The itch to get back in the air and ... Read more
April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Losing Power on Takeoff — What to Do If It Happens to You

Flying Tips

You’re experiencing a partial power loss. Now what? This scenario can and sometimes does happen, and it can usually be prevented.

Read more
April 17, 2019April 17, 2019

Personal Minimums — Go or No Go

Flying Tips
The FAA preaches “know your minimums.” It does a relatively good job in trying to get pilots to understand the importance of this phrase as it applies to the individual’s ... Read more
April 3, 2019April 3, 2019

Soft-Field Takeoffs and Landings

Flying Tips

Soft-field takeoff and landing techniques are a mandatory training segment for all sport, private, and commercial pilots. However, very few students ever experience true soft-field conditions.

Read more
March 20, 2019March 21, 2019

Tail Wheels — What Can Go Wrong?

Flying Tips
There are as many tail wheel assembly designs as there are experimental airplanes, or at least it seems that way. Most tail wheels share the same problems, so I’ll talk ... Read more
March 6, 2019March 7, 2019

Inspections and Maintenance Quiz

Flying Tips

Pick the single best answer for each of the following questions about inspections and maintenance.

Read more
March 6, 2019March 6, 2019

Nose Wheels — What Can Go Wrong

Flying Tips
The top three nose wheel issues are shimmy, shimmy, and shimmy. Ok, kidding. Other problems besides shimmy, such as tracking and hardware assembly issues, can cause you to take out ... Read more
February 28, 2019February 28, 2019

Back in the Saddle

Flying Tips

If you haven’t flown for a while, getting current is a little harder and a lot easier than you think.

Read more
February 27, 2019February 27, 2019

I Want to Be a Better Pilot — Relaxing on Takeoffs and Landings

Flying Tips
Safely flying a tailwheel requires much more attention from the pilot than a tricycle-gear airplane, especially during taxi, takeoff, and landing. However, once in the air, a tailwheel airplane is ... Read more
February 14, 2019March 7, 2019

A Lost Art: The Power-Off 180 Approach and Landing

Flying Tips
Years ago, every young pilot wannabe had to learn and perform the180-degree power-off approach and landing to pass the private pilot checkride. It took a bit of practice, but most ... Read more
February 6, 2019February 7, 2019

Haven’t Flown in a While?

Flying Tips
We all wish we could fly as often as possible, but other responsibilities get in the way. When aviation is our recreation and not our work, we can find long ... Read more
February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Joy of Stick, Love of Yoke

Flying Tips
An awful lot of considerations go into the designer’s choice of stick or yoke beyond its location. Side-stick, yoke (or wheel), center stick — what’s your preference as a pilot? ... Read more
January 23, 2019January 23, 2019

Where Did He Come From?

Flying Tips
If you’ve been flying very long, chances are you’ve had one of those close encounter situations arise where another aircraft materialized seemingly out of the blue, leaving you to wonder, ... Read more
January 15, 2019August 21, 2019

Ode to 168 Landings

Aerobatics, Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly
I almost quit halfway through flight training. Apparently, I did not have the talent for flying. About a year prior to this dilemma, I woke up with the bright idea ... Read more
January 10, 2019August 21, 2019

How I Aced the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam Before I Soloed

Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly
Seven weeks ago, my instructor Jamie Pittman, EAA 439727, told me he wanted me to take the FAA private pilot written exam by early January — before I solo and ... Read more
November 15, 2018November 15, 2018

Winter Flying for Airplanes and Pilots

Flying Tips

The flying season doesn’t have to end just because it’s getting a little chilly out.

Read more
November 8, 2018

EAA Flight Test Manual Sent to FAA, NTSB officials

Flying Tips

The EAA Flight Test Manual is on its way to policymakers at both the FAA and NTSB, as well as hundreds of customers.

Read more
November 1, 2018

Six General Aviation Associations Release Industry Recommended Best Business Practices

Flying Tips

‘Know Before You Go’ helps GA pilots make informed decisions.

Read more
September 13, 2018September 13, 2018

Getting Back in the Saddle

Flying Tips

Steve Krog’s September 2018 Classic Instructor column from Sport Aviation gives pilots the advice they need to get back into flying after a break from the sky.

Read more
June 29, 2018June 29, 2018

10 Tips for Flying In to AirVenture

AirVenture, Flying Tips

Arriving at Oshkosh is only difficult if you’re not prepared. Here are 10 tips to make sure you’re ready when the time comes.

Read more
April 24, 2018

How Tall Are Those Trees?

Flying Tips

An EAA member shares his method for measuring obstacles at the end of the runway.

Read more
March 27, 2018April 13, 2018

My BasicMed Journey

Flying Tips

An EAA staff member logged his experience enrolling for BasicMed.

Read more
March 21, 2018

Aviation Weather – Evolving for the Future

Flying Tips

The Aviation Weather Center rolled out the Graphical Forecast for Aviation to replace the area forecast.

Read more
February 14, 2018

Five Aviation Lessons from “Fate is the Hunter”

Flying Tips

Lessons learned from Ernie Gann’s “Fate is the Hunter,” published in 1961, still hold true for pilots today.

Read more
October 25, 2017October 26, 2017

You Did What?

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

A member shares his experience of installing an autopilot in his homebuilt.

Read more
August 24, 2017

EAA’s The Green Dot – Radek Wyrzykowski

Flying Tips, Podcast
On the latest episode of EAA’s The Green Dot podcast, the crew sat down with Radek Wyrzykowski, EAA IMC program manager and president and founder of the IMC Club, to ... Read more
May 11, 2017

How Safe Is It?

Flying Tips

All motorized transportation presents some level of risk, but exactly how safe is general aviation compared to other vehicles?

Read more
March 29, 2017March 31, 2017

Partial Panel for Real

Flying Tips
By Peter Conant The first time I lost my attitude indicator (AI) was on a practice ILS approach in IMC with an instructor soon after I had passed my instrument ... Read more
March 21, 2017

Familiarizing Yourself with an Unfamiliar Airport

Flying Tips
I have this theory that pilots have a finite amount of mental resources available to us when we fly, and everything that doesn’t go exactly as we expect it to ... Read more
March 13, 2017March 13, 2017

How to Get Around Once You’re There

Flying Tips
“The journey matters, not the destination,” is a tired axiom, but it’s certainly true in aviation. Still, once you arrive at the destination it’s oftentimes helpful to be able to ... Read more
February 28, 2017April 3, 2017

Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Flight Lesson

Flying Tips, Learning to Fly
Preflight, cruise, pre-landing, shut down, emergency — to name a few. Aviation is full of checklists. So if you’re interested in learning to fly, what better way to plan for ... Read more
February 3, 2017February 22, 2017

Flying in a Winter Wonderland – Skiplane Flying

Flying Tips, Why We Fly
Skiplane flying becomes an integral part of life once winter weather begins to encroach on many remote communities in places like Canada and Alaska. There, it can be a lifeline, ... Read more
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