Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 8, 2012, 12:19 pm
What is clearance slope and how can I use that information as a VFR pilot?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 8, 2012, 11:45 am
Suppose you have an on-board fire and want to get the plane on the ground in the least possible time.  What’s the best maneuver for that, a steep glide, a tight spiral, or what?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 8, 2012, 7:34 am
Does a CFI who is teaching for money [like most] need a Class 2 medical? I was always under the impression that a CFI only needs a Class 3 because that’s the requirement.. However, the CFI cert says requires commercial certificate blah blah and if you are indeed making a profit… See where I am ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 8, 2012, 3:20 am
I live fairly close to a military base. My questions is, once I’m a private pilot – can I request touch and go landings at the airport?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 7, 2012, 1:17 pm
Where is the appropriate regulation to point to that indicates that I can\’t give flight instruction one way on a trip and drop the person off then fly the plane back to home base while they pay for the flight both ways and my time?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 7, 2012, 1:13 pm
Oral Question: What are the handling Characteristics of an airplane with a Foward CG?       Generally more stable      Fly at a slower Airspeed due to more drag      Stall at a higher indicated stall speed What are the handling Characteristics of an airplane with an AFT CG?   ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 7, 2012, 10:58 am
OK, so here we go. I received my CFII in 1997 for fixed wing aircraft.  I flew about 900 hours as an instructor and then do to a move I got out of the business and let my instructor license lapse. Jumped ahead to 2009 and I decided that i wanted to fly helicopters and get back into the business o...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 6, 2012, 8:04 pm
Private helicopter pilot would like to earn his Airplane SEL.  What requirements need to be met?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 6, 2012, 7:40 pm
Are iPad/iPhone simulators, such as this newly released Radio Navigation Simulator (see link below), a useful part of a radio navigation training syllabus? Could they be used alone by students, or should they also be used in conjunction with an instructor? www.digitalaviation.com    
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Feb 6, 2012, 7:02 pm
Are there people who actually work as certified ground instructors? Do they mainly teach at the universities, flight academies, and places like FlightSafety? I haven’t encountered any at the general aviation, private pilot level. It seems as if few CFIs teach much ground school outside of lesson b...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 28, 2012, 1:12 pm
Ok everyone this ones a doozie !!! I currently Hold a Private (ASEL) and a Commercial Instrument For Helicopters. I would like to obtain the Commercial and Instrument add-ons for my Airplane rating, which are strait forward enough as I currently meet almost all of the Aeronautical Experience requ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 26, 2012, 6:05 pm
When I look at approaches for KCGF I noted there was no frequency for Weather. When I look at the A/FD I see theweather source listed as LAWRS. What is this and how does it impact me as a pilot? Thanks mm  
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 25, 2012, 11:21 pm
I have heard that the FAA has refocused the CFI practical test to be much more focused on scenario based training. Is this the case and any suggestions for preparation?  finally, will the PTS be changed to reflect this?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 25, 2012, 7:55 pm
Question 1 I am training on a C172 G1000 with TIS and this afternoon in the training area there were 4 other planes within a 4 mile radius flying randomly at vartious altitiudes I assume practicing stuff for their check rides. I am the student and I felt uncomfortable with the traffic especially b...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 25, 2012, 7:38 pm
I fly a Cessna 421 and have a friend who is a CFI, but not a CFII or an MEI.  Can he sign me off for a BFR?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 25, 2012, 7:49 am
I have a current 3rd class med cert and am being told I need to go buy a student pilot cert. Does anyone know if that is a waste of money, shouldn’t my endorsement for solo be annotated in my logbook instead of the back of the medical cert. since I already have Comm/Instrument Helicopter FAA Licen...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 23, 2012, 5:49 pm
Hello all,   I began taking lessons about 10 years ago but college and work took over.  Now am ready to get back to flying.  I am set on getting this done.  I and not using credit cards or taking a loan so here is my question.  Is it more normal for me to wait and save up the money over time ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 23, 2012, 11:31 am
I took (and passed) my instrument written exam last weekend, but one question in particular threw me for a loop. Specifically, it related to Figure 152 in the Testing Supplement, which is the IAP chart for RNAV (GPS) RWY 30 at KLBF airport. The question was why the visibility requirement for the BAR...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 22, 2012, 5:04 pm
Any idea where I can prchase a copy of the above applicable to my aircraft serial no 1417   Thankyou
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 22, 2012, 6:14 am
I am a licensed sport pilot and I recently retired  as a firefighter after 24 years. Now that I have all this time on my hands I would love to share my enjoyment of sport flying by becoming a gyroplane sp-cfi. (from one dream job to the next!) Is there a way to estimate the number of students, or ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 19, 2012, 9:22 am
If I am operating departing an uncontrolled airport in Class G airspace that is under a Class E transistion area do I need to communicate with the control tower for the airport that is driving the Class E transistion area if I climb above 700 ft AGL?  Assume that weather is clear and not an issue. ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 18, 2012, 6:33 pm
What would your recommendations be for a C-172SP (180 HP) to fill out the following table: (columns) RPM, Pitch Setting, Airspeed, and VSI for each of  (rows): Climb, Cruise, Cruise Descent, Approach, Approach Descent, Non-Precision Descent I am trying to get a consistent set of numbers for IFR ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 18, 2012, 5:54 pm
I am an undergraduate in Nigeria, now in final year studying physics and electronics, I however want to proceed to a flying school after my Degree. Please I need an advice on which country and which School is the best for me(low cost and Quality flight Trainnig), Should I start by going for PPL and ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 18, 2012, 2:14 pm
I have appx 10 hours (+/-) left of flying until I can take my check ride.  I have been flying a Cessna Skyhawk 172SP.  My flight school just got a Skycatcher and its appx $50 an hour cheaper to fly.  Is it ok to switch planes or do I need to stick with the 172?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 17, 2012, 9:58 pm
Just bought a Cessna 150 after being out of flying for about 3 years, have current medical and need to get a BFR.  Problem is my airplane needs for some work to be done at a nearby field, (vacuum pump replacement).  I would like to have a friend, (who is current in a Cessna 172), fly with me as a ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 17, 2012, 4:50 pm
Hi all I live in Casa Grande, AZ and need to know if there are any CFI’s close by. I have 400 hrs but have not flown since 2005. It would be much appreciated if somebody could steer me in the right direction. Thanks
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 17, 2012, 11:51 am
I’m taking the Instrument written exam in a few hours.  Does anyone out there remember a particular question that tripped you up?  Anything that made you slap your forehead when you saw your results, and say “How did I blow THAT one?  Everybody knows that!”  Anything you forgot to study fo...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 17, 2012, 7:32 am
Older thread was titled as below, but my answer seemed to disappear.  I am new here, so I am starting a new question. –Use of PAPI or VASI glide slope for landing small single engine aircraft– VERY interesting subject.  I just would like some real world numbers to think about before my next ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 16, 2012, 7:15 am
I understand that Angle of Incidence is angle between Wing Chord & Longititudinal axis It’s angle is fixed and determined by its design. Its always angled positive angle so that GA can maintain lift with S&L datum attitude Whereas angle of incidence of jet planes can be 0.   Now question: ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Jan 15, 2012, 9:45 pm
Okay yeah this might be a stupid question.  For a holding pattern you start your outbound leg time when you are over or abeam the fix, right?  (or wings level if you can’t blah blah blah)  I’ve looked in all the books i have and they all say this.  My question: how do i know i’m abeam the ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 30, 2011, 3:51 pm
Is it reasonable to ask a CFI to go into IMC to do the PPL simulated instrument component? Thanks.
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 29, 2011, 6:30 am
Id just like somebody to explain me whats the difference between the Variable Pitch Propeller and Constant Speed Propeller. Also , is the following correct ? = In a Constant Speed Propeller , the Throttle makes the Blade – Pitch Adjustments and the Prop Lever controls just the MAP which is the ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 26, 2011, 7:44 pm
If the pitot tube inlet becomes blocked but the drain holes remain open (if this is possible) won’t this essentially cause the AS indicator to read close to zero if the pressure in the chamber is equalized through the drains? Are there one way valves involved? It seems that the answer I see every...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 26, 2011, 6:32 am
Hello, I am French, I will be going to LA next year for 4 months hollidays, during which I will concentrate mostly on learning to fly. I hope to get my PPL and later a commercial license as well. I will be studying about 5 days a week every week. Having said that, a) how much should I prepare finan...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 25, 2011, 8:33 pm
I obtained a PPL in 1965 and subsequently logged over 2000 hours. I have not flown since 1980 Recently I thought I would like to become current again. I search the FAA records for my license and none was found. I wrote the FAA and they said they have no record of my paper license.  During several p...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 24, 2011, 11:56 pm
Not that i will ever fly into LAX but how would a general aviation pilot get onto the ramp there or any other major airport?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 24, 2011, 9:33 pm
Has anyone started a student on the new Integrated Private/Instrument curriculum?  Are you using a commercially available syllabus?  I see ASA has one.  Are there others?  What are the advantages/pitfalls do you see to this type of training?  Sorry for all of the questions, but I am intrigued. ...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 23, 2011, 11:56 pm
How do I log time in the following circumstances: Me: Comm. Inst. SE & ME (no type ratings) A/C: DHC-8  Operation: Part 91 How do I log this time?  The time that I’m in actually manipulating the controls – PIC?  Or since I don’t hold a DHC-8 type rating is it all SIC as long as I mainta...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 23, 2011, 10:17 pm
I’m confused about how to interpret time periods for weather forecasts. For example, when a forecast says it’s a 12 hour forecast does that mean the forecast was made 12 hours prior to the valid time or that the forecast is for a period of time for 12 hours following the valid time?  In the ex...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 23, 2011, 12:39 am
Just a random question that a friend and I were talking about tonight. Let\’s say I buy a Citation X, because I have that much cash, could I do my primary training in it or would I have to start in something smaller. Note, we’re not talking whether this is wise, just whether there are regulati...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 21, 2011, 8:52 pm
Do stadium TFR restrictions still apply if you are communicating with ATC?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 21, 2011, 5:16 pm
Can I request flight following without giving a specific destination? For example, if I just want to go VFR on a sight seeing trip can I get flight following? I understand ATC only gives FF on an as time available basis. Thanks   mm
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 20, 2011, 5:46 pm
I just recieved my instrument rating and the majority of flying I’ve done under an IFR flight plan is a standard flight, airport to airport.  Recently we\’ve had some days here where the weather would be perfect for getting some cloud time (3000 foot ceiling with tops at 5000), but I\’m not s...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 19, 2011, 11:45 pm
I’m planning a short sightseeing flight, starting from a class D airport that is near a class C airport. This particular class D airport isn’t able to do a handoff to approach for flight following (I think it has to do with their letters of agreement), so I usually call up approach when the towe...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 18, 2011, 6:01 pm
I have a private Pilots license.  I have not flown in 20 years and now looking at getting back into it.  I have found that paper license expired in 2010.  Well it is 2011 and I never got the credit card type…Is my license still Valid??? Someone Please HELP… Can not find ANY information on thi...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 18, 2011, 6:22 am
Hi, Ive been looking for an easy way to manage the fuel in my Cessna.  I came across the following app on iTunes and read some great reviews on the AOPA, Cessna, and Maule forums today. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fuel-timer/id463956024?mt=8 Has anyone seen any similar apps?  I think this on...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 16, 2011, 10:30 pm
I was wondering that if you upgrade a pilot’s license, eg. single piston to mult, multi to turbine, commercial to ATP, if those upgraded licenses include the lower licenses, as in if i were to be licensed for an A330, and i wanted to rent a bonanza, if my ATP would cover it.
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 16, 2011, 7:27 pm
Greetings. I am a Commercial Helicopter Pilot planning to obtain a Commercial Fixed-Wing Add-on. Are the requirements the same for a Fixed-Wing Add-on as they are for the Fixed-Wing initial? I understand the Total Time and PIC will crossover, however I wondered if any of the specific aeronautical r...
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 16, 2011, 6:08 pm
I was wondering, why the EGT needle rises during leaning mixture? Could anyone explain it in thermodynamics rules?
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Paul T. posted an article on Ask a CFI - Oct 14, 2011, 2:05 pm
I am trying to find a FAA handbook/manual where the relationship of Vg and Va is explained. I have a student who wants to see it in an “official” document. I have looked in the Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical knowledge and the Airplane Flying Handbook to no avail. Where else can I look? Thank...
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