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65 votes
Accepted

Why does flying IFR require a rating?

The short and sweet answer to this question: That kind of thinking is what kills a lot of pilots. A non-instrument rated pilot may know how to fly and navigate but does not yet have the skill to do ...
Romeo_4808N's user avatar
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31 votes

Why does flying IFR require a rating?

Because it is very difficult to navigate with instruments alone. I just wished to illustrate to you by giving you an example. (These are flight simulation images, but should illustrate the idea well.)...
kevin's user avatar
  • 39.7k
27 votes

Why does flying IFR require a rating?

Once in the air, the pilot's most basic task in manipulating the controls is to keep the airplane right side up. As it turns out, this is much easier to do when we have reference to an outside real ...
Terry's user avatar
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24 votes
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If "flight time is compensation", how can a PPL holder legally fly at all?

Flight time is only considered compensation when the pilot is not paying all the costs associated with the flight. If the costs are to be shared the following advice is recommended. A private pilot ...
wbeard52's user avatar
  • 12.2k
21 votes

Is there a deterministic guide to landing?

Landing an airplane is neither art nor science, it is a skill. Like any skill requiring hand-eye coordination, muscle memory, reflexes, timing and judgement, it requires practice. It doesn’t matter ...
Michael Hall's user avatar
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20 votes
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Can I charge for editing footage from a video that was taken during a flight as a private pilot in US?

I'm assuming you didn't do the editing while you were sitting in the cockpit, flying the plane. Charge him whatever you want for your time sitting at home on the computer. It doesn't matter where the ...
Aaron Holmes's user avatar
  • 4,837
19 votes

How can I easily keep track of my landing count during pattern work?

The trick my CFI taught me is to use your Course Deviation Indicator or ADF to keep track of landings. After your first landing, bug a course of 010. After your second landing, bug 020. You can reach ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 541
17 votes
Accepted

Apply back-pressure during taxi?

Back pressure is not negligible at taxi speeds, the prop is still running and even at idle will give you some elevator authority. While it's not that much with the elevator fully back you will lift ...
GdD's user avatar
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16 votes
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How can I easily keep track of my landing count during pattern work?

The other answers have provided some easy ways to increment your count without too much distraction, but if you are really "prone to forget [...] when things get busy" as you say, this might ...
Bianfable's user avatar
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14 votes

How long will it take a new pilot to start flying more advanced planes like a Cirrus SR22T or Piper Malibu?

You have a few questions here that should be addressed individually. What is a realistic path for me? Get your PPL then start to consider what you can fly/own. As you train you will inevitably ...
Dave's user avatar
  • 100k
14 votes

How does the FAA decide if a PPL applicant with ADHD can fly?

This article from AOPA outlines the issues with ADHD pretty well. This article is from Canada but the medical policies are quite similar and you might find the basic information useful. Bottom line ...
John K's user avatar
  • 126k
13 votes

How can I easily keep track of my landing count during pattern work?

Get a Tally Counter, and push the button once per landing. No batteries, nothing to fail, easy to use. Not much more you could ask for. https://tallycounterstore.com/finger-tally-counter-quantity-...
SnakeDoc's user avatar
  • 2,418
13 votes

What part-time opportunities are available for low hours pilots?

With an NPPL, you have no option to earn money from flying. Upgrading to a PPL would allow you very limited opportunity to earn money. The first step is possibly a Class Rating Instructor which allows ...
Jamiec's user avatar
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12 votes
Accepted

Is a physical lapel pin awarded for FAA Safety Wings?

Yes, the FAA currently offers a lapel pin at the completion of each phase of the WINGS program. This "reward" is not automatically awarded or delivered, the WINGS participant must request it. Upon ...
J W's user avatar
  • 16.5k
12 votes
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What type of ailerons does the C172P have?

The C172 is designed with “Piano Hinges” at the upper leading edge of the aileron, so even though the lower edge extends down a little bit, it is not a true Frise aileron. They are also rigged so that ...
Mike Sowsun's user avatar
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11 votes
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What kind of work you can get with a private pilot licence?

You cannot do so. A private pilot’s license - at least in the US - prohibits you from offering airman services for compensation or hire. If you intend to fly professionally, you will need at least ...
Romeo_4808N's user avatar
  • 72.8k
11 votes

Can a PPL holder fly family and friends aboard an A380?

Yes. But you will still need instrument rating and ATPL theory as this is multi crew aircraft. The amount of learning will be the same as to get CPL. Maybe fees for the license will be lower but who ...
Andrius's user avatar
  • 3,854
11 votes

Is there a deterministic guide to landing?

Yes indeed, reading Height Above Terrain with a resolution of a couple of feet is not accommodated by the classic aircraft instrumentation set, particularly not the set in aircraft used for initial ...
Koyovis's user avatar
  • 61.3k
10 votes

Is it possible to fly an EASA registered airplane with an ICAO license?

The ICAO doesn't issue licenses, so there's no such thing as an ICAO license. You have a license issues by the Argentine aviation authorities is ICAO compliant, which means it is recognized ...
GdD's user avatar
  • 52.9k
9 votes
Accepted

In what ways does the current FAA written exam differ from the Sporty's practice test?

I took the PPL written exam this morning (9/30/2016), but I used the Jeppesen PPL materials to prepare. Although I cannot speak to the Sporty's study materials, the Jeppesen practice exam and ...
dougw's user avatar
  • 106
9 votes

Why does flying IFR require a rating?

A non-instrument rated pilot already knows how to navigate, how to use the instruments, radio, and autopilot. This statement actually concerns me, especially the part that was bolded. It scares me ...
Shawn's user avatar
  • 959
9 votes

How long will it take a new pilot to start flying more advanced planes like a Cirrus SR22T or Piper Malibu?

Consider a few things: First, where in the country do you intend to fly? Is most of your flying going to be done within 200 NM of home or do you plan on really long cross countries on a regular ...
Romeo_4808N's user avatar
  • 72.8k
9 votes

How do I improve navigation with a VFR sectional chart?

The trick is not to fixate on small details, but to scan on the chart along your route for landmarks and features that combine into large geometric shapes that are easy to pick out from the air (while ...
John K's user avatar
  • 126k
9 votes

Where in the CARs does it say that we need to perform a walk-around each day?

14 CFR §91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness. (a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. (b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for ...
JScarry's user avatar
  • 7,371
8 votes
Accepted

To what extent is remuneration under a PPL enforced in the UK?

The rules are as follows: Privileges and limitations A holder of a PPL may, for compensation or hire, act as a crewmember of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment ...
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 13.3k
8 votes
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LAPL vs PPL - Which is more suitable?

An LAPL allows you to act as PiC, carrying passengers, but only in the type and variant you pass your test on. A LAPL for aeroplanes will allow you to act as pilot in command (PIC) on two classes ...
Jamiec's user avatar
  • 31.8k
8 votes
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How can I best prepare for my first lesson on stalls?

You will impress your instructor most by being eager to learn and learning quickly, and by having done book work beforehand. Just do some reading on stalls and really get to know the 2002's Operating ...
John K's user avatar
  • 126k
8 votes
Accepted

What's the MTOW I can fly with a PPL?

There are no explicitly regulated MTOW limits for a private pilot with a valid medical but extra certifications/training may be required to fly heavier aircraft. The often cited number is 12,500 but ...
Dave's user avatar
  • 100k

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