Saturday morning's most interesting reads, with five can't-miss posts every week. Exclusive articles, new videos, interactive quizzes, and special aviation events–it's your weekly connection to what's happening in general aviation. Sign up for the weekly Fast Five email here.
1. Do Crash Videos Make Us Safer Pilots?
Do you really need a YouTube expert to remind you of the dangers of flying into known icing conditions? How about thunderstorms? Flying at night over mountainous terrain in hard IMC? Yeah, I didn’t think so. In fact, if you read the comments section of a lot of these videos (please don’t read the comments section), you’ll find that there are more non-pilots than real ones. They either found the video out of morbid curiosity, or they just got lost (hey, it happens).
Watch Now>>
2. How Many Hours is Average to Earn a Pilot Certificate?
I went back through a bunch of practical tests I had given and came up with some averages of how many hours people had when they completed practical tests. The goal was to answer the question, how many hours does a pilot typically have when they complete a private or commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating? So, I compiled hours for each event from each practical test I have given through the end of 2023 and this is what I found.
Read More>>
3. Pilot’s Discretion Podcast, Episode 93: Modern Day Hangar Flying.
Juan Browne has flown everything from Air Force jets to vintage biplanes, but he’s best known for his accident analysis channel on YouTube, blancolirio. In this wide-ranging episode, he describes his unique approach to researching crashes and explains why he thinks all pilots can learn from others’ misfortunes.
Read More>>
4. Most Frequently Missed Instrument Test Questions—November 2024.
These commonly missed questions often relate to IFR regulations, ATC clearances, meteorology, and complex instrument procedures. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes. Here are the five most often missed questions from November 2024.
Read More>>
5. Garmin inReach Plus Adds Photo and Voice Satellite Messaging.
Satellite connectivity for pilots is more accessible and affordable now than ever, thanks to new satellite networks and recent advancements in receiver technology. Gamin is a key player in this space, offering portable and installed satellite communicators for pilots. Their portable line includes three receiver options: the inReach Messenger, the inReach Mini 2, and the new inReach Messenger Plus.
Read More>>
