Pilot Hazardous Attitudes and Their Antidotes In aviation, a pilot’s mindset can be as critical as their technical skills. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifies five hazardous attitudes that can compromise flight safety. Recognizing and countering these attitudes with specific antidotes is essential for safe decision-making. This post explores these hazardous attitudes and provides practical antidotes to foster safer flying practices. 1. Anti-Authority: “Don’t Tell Me What to Do” Description: Pilots with an anti-authority attitude resist rules, regulations, or advice from others, believing they know better. This can lead to disregarding air traffic control (ATC) instructions, skipping checklists, or ignoring weather briefings. ...

FAA Medical Certificate Classes and Validity Periods The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates aviation medical certificates under 14 CFR §61.23, specifying requirements and validity periods for pilots based on the type of operation, pilot certificate, and age at the time of the medical examination. This article outlines the three classes of medical certificates—first-class, second-class, and third-class—their associated privileges, validity periods, and how a first-class medical certificate can be used for second-class privileges, particularly addressing the case of a pilot under 40. ...

What Causes Carburetor Icing in Aviation? Carburetor icing is a problem in small aircraft with piston engines that use a carburetor to mix air and fuel for the engine. Ice can build up inside, choking the engine and causing power loss. Here’s why it happens, explained simply: 1. Temperature Drop in the Carburetor The carburetor has a narrow section called the venturi, like a pinched part of a straw. When air flows through it, two things cool the air down, making it cold enough for ice to form if moisture is present: ...

Understanding FAA Regulations: FAR Parts 61, 67, 91, 121, and 135 Explained The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs aviation in the United States through the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), codified in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). These regulations ensure safety, standardization, and compliance across all facets of aviation. Among the many parts, Parts 61, 67, 91, 121, and 135 are critical for pilots, operators, and aviation enthusiasts to understand. This blog post breaks down each part, its purpose, and key aspects, including medical certification requirements under Part 67. ...

Understanding MEL, KOEL, and FAR 91.205: Key Differences The Minimum Equipment List (MEL), Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL), and FAR 91.205 are critical components in determining aircraft airworthiness and operational requirements under U.S. FAA regulations. Below is a concise explanation of each and their differences. 1. Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Definition: An FAA-approved, aircraft-specific document allowing operators to dispatch an aircraft with certain inoperative instruments or equipment, provided specific safety conditions and procedures are followed. Derived from the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). Purpose: Enables flexibility for operators to continue operations with non-critical inoperative equipment, typically for turbine-powered aircraft or Part 121/135 operations. Scope: Tailored to a specific aircraft’s make, model, and serial number. Requires a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FAA. Applicability: Common for complex aircraft and commercial operations. Rare for small, non-turbine Part 91 aircraft. Example: An MEL might permit flying with an inoperative autopilot if additional crew vigilance is ensured. 2. Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL) Definition: A manufacturer-provided list in the aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), specifying equipment required for different flight operations (e.g., VFR day, VFR night, IFR). Purpose: Guides pilots in determining airworthiness for specific flight types based on equipment status (required, standard, or optional). Scope: Aircraft model-specific, included in certification documents, no separate FAA approval needed. Applicability: Common for general aviation, especially non-turbine Part 91 aircraft. Example: A KOEL may require position lights for night VFR but not for day VFR. 3. FAR 91.205 Definition: A regulation under 14 CFR Part 91 listing minimum instruments and equipment for powered civil aircraft with standard airworthiness certificates for VFR or IFR operations, day or night. Purpose: Establishes a baseline for safe flight operations, applicable to all Part 91 aircraft. Scope: Universal for Part 91 aircraft, covering essentials like airspeed indicators and altimeters (e.g., “A TOMATO FLAMES” for VFR day). Applicability: Mandatory unless an MEL or exemption (e.g., Special Flight Permit) applies. Example: Requires an altimeter for all flights, regardless of operation type. Key Differences Aspect MEL KOEL FAR 91.205 Definition FAA-approved list for inoperative equipment. Manufacturer list for operation-specific equipment. Regulation for minimum required equipment. Scope Aircraft- and operator-specific. Aircraft model-specific, in POH/AFM. Universal for Part 91 aircraft. Approval Requires FAA LOA. No separate approval, part of aircraft certification. Regulatory standard, no approval needed. Applicability Turbine aircraft, Part 121/135, or Part 91 with LOA. General aviation, non-turbine Part 91 aircraft. All Part 91 aircraft with standard certificates. Purpose Allows dispatch with inoperative equipment under conditions. Specifies equipment for flight types. Sets minimum safety standards. Precedence Highest priority if it exists. Used if no MEL; supplements FAR 91.205. Baseline if no MEL or KOEL applies. Example Defers inoperative radio with procedures. Requires strobes for night VFR. Requires altimeter for all flights. Precedence and Application Order of Precedence: MEL takes precedence if it exists. Without an MEL, KOEL (if provided) and FAR 91.205 apply. If neither exists, FAR 91.205, Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), and Airworthiness Directives (ADs) govern. Inoperative Equipment: Without an MEL, FAR 91.213(d) allows operation with inoperative equipment not required by KOEL, FAR 91.205, TCDS, or ADs, if deactivated, placarded “Inoperative,” logged, and deemed safe. Practical Example Scenario: Preflighting a Cessna 172 for day VFR with an inoperative navigation radio. ...

Understanding FAR 91.213: Inoperative Equipment and MELs The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are the backbone of aviation safety and compliance in the United States. Among these, FAR 91.213 is a critical regulation for pilots and aircraft operators, as it outlines the procedures for handling inoperative instruments and equipment. This blog post breaks down FAR 91.213, explaining its purpose, key components, and practical implications for general aviation operations under Part 91. ...

Explaining 14 CFR § 91.175: When You Can Descend Below Minimums on an IFR Approach If you’re a pilot flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), understanding when you can safely descend below the published minimums on an approach is crucial for safety and compliance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) outlines these rules in 14 CFR § 91.175, titled “Takeoff and landing under IFR.” This regulation covers various aspects of IFR operations, but in this post, we’ll zero in on the key part: the conditions under which you can operate below the Decision Altitude/Height (DA/DH) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). ...

Understanding FAR 91.155: Basic VFR Weather Minimums Explained If you’re a pilot or aviation enthusiast, you’ve likely encountered Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), now codified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). One of the key rules for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations is § 91.155, which outlines the basic weather minimums required to fly VFR. These minimums ensure safety by specifying required visibility and distance from clouds in different airspaces. ...

How to Do a VOR Check for Safe Navigation A VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) check is a critical procedure for pilots to ensure the accuracy of their aircraft’s navigation equipment. VOR systems are widely used for en-route navigation and instrument approaches, and verifying their functionality is a regulatory requirement under FAA standards (14 CFR 91.171). This blog post provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to perform a VOR check, whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned aviator. ...