App Review: My Radar
17 February 2014
My Radar provides color-coded, animated radar displays. It also has options for overlays of temperatures, clouds, warnings, sigmets, airmets, and flight track. Aerial, road-based, and gray levels can be layered. Images can be copied, saved, and e-mailed. It’s a free app. I like it.
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Happy Valentine’s Day
14 February 2014 1305Z
To all aviation lovers:
Happy Valentine’s Day!
If you are flying today–lucky you!–and have a good flight!
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Sim Practice Today
2 February 2014 1745Z
Weather conditions in central Ohio did not bode well for flying. So, it was a good opportunity to fire up the simulator and get some practice. Graphic shows ILS track to 9R at KOSU…
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Kindle version now available
1 February 2014 1345Z
The “Instrument Flying” book (www.doubleillc.com) is now available in a Kindle version through Amazon.com. Just follow the links to access this version. Amazon also carries the “hard cover” copy, but as of today (2.1.14), they only have a couple copies remaining in their inventory for immediate mailing (but will order more, I hope!). Nothing, except chocolate, of course, says “Happy Valentine’s Day” quite so well as a book on instrument flying. As you know Valentine’s Day is only 2 short weeks away.
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App Review: Cloud Ahoy
19 Jan 2014 1550Z
Cloud Ahoy has become a regular feature during my flights. This versatile app, available by subscription, allows the pilot (or instructor) to collect inflight data on a number of useful variables. These include altitude, heading, course, duration of flight, and ground track (satellite and terrain options). Flight path displays are helpful for visualizing your flight during personal or instructional post-flight debriefs (see display above). I like it and use it. (Note: I am not compensated for this recommendation.)
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Sim, Chair Flying, Read-a-Book Day
17 Jan 2014 1235Z
Cold temps, gusty winds, lowering ceilings, and snow in the forecast today in central Ohio. Might be a good day for sim work, arm-chair flying, or reading a book!
KCMH 171135Z 1712/1812 20008KT P6SM VCSH BKN050
TEMPO 1712/1715 BKN018
FM171500 21010KT 5SM -SN OVC012
TEMPO 1717/1720 1SM -SHSN OVC006
FM172100 26012G22KT 5SM -SHSN BKN025
FM180100 26012G20KT P6SM BKN025
FM180600 26010G18KT P6SM BKN018
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Instrument Flying Chapter Sequence
15 Jan 2104 2155Z
My instrument flying book is organized around 10 Indispensable Principles. I show them, and relevant Appendix material, below for your consideration.
Principle 1. Be Forewarned: Instrument Flying Is Unforgiving of Neglect
Principle 2. Embrace the System as the Solution
Principle 3. Use the Tools at Your Fingertips
Principle 4. Be a Pilot, Not a Juggler
Principle 5. Maintain Situational Awareness
Principle 6. Expect the Unexpected
Principle 7. Respect Your Limits
Principle 8. Keep an Eye to the Sky
Principle 9. Stay Engaged with the Field
Principle 10. Do Your Homework
Postscript
Appendix A. Checklist for Developing Personal Limits
Appendix B. Recommended Reading
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Miracle on the Hudson…and a thought.
15 Jan 2014 1400Z
Today, January 15, 2014, is the fifth anniversary of the so-called “Miracle on the Hudson” US Airways flight that landed safely on the Hudson River, thereby saving 155 souls. Capt. Sully Sullenberger and FO Jeffrey B. Skiles performed their PIC duties competently, confidently, and successfully due, at least in part, to the expert training they received throughout their careers.
Today might also be the day when you thank your own CFI for holding you to a higher standard. You never know when you may be called upon to execute that training in compressed time.
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Principle 5: Maintain Situational Awareness
It’s easy to “pile on” in the aftermath of commercial and/or GA airplanes landing at an airport different than the intended destination. However, it does underscore, once again, the importance of Principle 5: Maintain Situational Awareness. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.
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Instrument Flying: En route to Approach Briefing (WRIMTMS)
Consider using the WRIMTMS approach briefing sequence as one method to “stay ahead” of the airplane as you transition from the en route phase of flight to the approach and landing phases.
W~~stands for weather. Start picking up the ATIS/AWOS/ASOS as soon as possible. Depending on altitude and distance, start this process at least 60 miles out to get a sense of the active runway, winds, altimeter setting, etc. All these data help to determine which runway might be in use and therefore which approach ATC might provide.
R~~stands for radios, of which there are two varieties (comm. and nav). Set up the comm. radio first (since C comes before N in the alphabet) and it doesn’t take but a second or two to install the comm. frequencies. Then, switch to the nav. side to install VORs, GPS approaches (say on a 430 or 530), push the marker beacon annunciator button (if on ILS), set up NDB and its audio (if so equipped), etc.. Basically, set up any navigation radio and test its ID at this point. Of course, if too far out, you won’t get a localizer signal until you’re closer, but at least have them enter the frequency, hit the button, and set the volume so when it does come in, you’ll hear it.
I~~ stands for instruments. check and set the altimeter, sync the compass with the DG, check other instruments (suction gauge, pressures, temps, etc.).
M~~stands for minimums. How low can you go? If minimums are 1700′, say, “1700′ plus 50′”. Articulating the rock-bottom minimum 1700′ helps to ensure that you know the floor of the descent, while tagging the extra 50′ to the verbalization focuses on leveling off 50′ higher than the minimum. The tolerance for PTS is 0′ to 100′ so the 50′ buffer is a safeguard.
T~~ stands for time. What is the time, if any, from the FAF?
M~~stands for missed approach procedure. Memorize at least the first part or parts of the missed approach (e.g., climb to 3000′ RT to APE). Preferably, memorize the whole segment.
S~~stands for “stuff”. Stuff includes passenger brief, securing the cockpit (housecleaning), a review of the surface map of the airport of intended landing. Project where you might exit the runway (which taxiway) and what direction to turn to get to the FBO. Reviewing the particulars of the surface map while en route helps to stay ahead of the airplane.
• Stuff also includes the GUMPSS checklist (Gas, undercarriage, mixture rich, prop, seatbelts, switches, etc.).
• Stuff also includes reviewing any items that were not accomplished b/c you were too far away during the initial check (e.g., ID’ing a localizer frequency).�
• Stuff means determining the amount of fuel left on board, and the flight time to an alternate.
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