Points for Pilots

Passengers in my plane almost always aren’t rated pilots, but typically have some piloting experience and in principle are able to take over in case of pilot incapacitation – a very unlikely, but nevertheless possible event.  It is a useful idea to discuss that scenario with the passenger. Here is a summary of the main points for that discussion. I keep a copy in the plane to be used as checklist by the passenger if the real thing happens.  It is assumed that this is a VFR flight outside class B, C, and D space in a plane with fixed tricycle gear. Checklist for Pilot Incapacitation 1. Stabilize the airplane to straight and level before undertaking anything else.  Get the pilot away from the control stick, but otherwise do not try to help the pilot.  Just focus on action to get the plane safely on the ground.   2. Check fuel gauge(s) and estimate endurance. If the plane has a complicated fuel management system, do no try to master it, but estimate endurance if no f

Each time I plan a flight to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, I think ,"Now, what are the important things to consider when flying into mountainous areas?" and then, "Wouldn’t it be nice if I had a summary of those things for review!" So, here is an attempt at such a summary. It is based on many sources: flight instructors, fellow pilots, various publications such as Sport Aviation and AOPA Pilot, and, last but not least, Nature, which has had an impressive way of teaching lessons. The discussion below introduces some formulas that I have found useful. If you hate mathematics and formulas, just ignore that st uff . For me, doing these computations while flying is a way to stay alert and to have something to talk about with my copilot. 1. Takeo ff 1.1 Density Altitude We must know the density altitude to estimate the minimum runway length required for takeo ff . An approximate formula for density altitude is D = A + ( T /20) + ( A /4) - 3 where D = d