Aviation

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. ...

When you’re getting ready to fly, it’s not enough to just check the weather or file a flight plan—your aircraft itself must be airworthy and legal. To help pilots keep track of the required inspections, the FAA world often uses the acronym AVIATES. Here’s what each letter stands for: A – Annual Inspection A complete inspection of the aircraft. Must be signed off by an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA). Due every 12 calendar months. V – VOR Checks Required only for IFR flight. Must be done every 30 days. Can be logged by the pilot, mechanic, or avionics shop. Record must include date, place, error, and signature. I – 100-Hour Inspection Similar to the annual inspection. Required only if the aircraft is used for hire (rental, training, commercial operations). Must be performed every 100 hours of flight time. Can be signed off by an A&P mechanic (IA not required). A – Airworthiness Directives (ADs) Issued by the FAA when a safety issue is found. Mandatory compliance is required—unlike service bulletins. Some are one-time; others are recurring. T – Transponder Required for flights in controlled airspace where a transponder is needed. Must be inspected and tested every 24 calendar months. E – ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) Checked every 12 calendar months. Battery must be replaced if: Used for more than 1 cumulative hour, or Reaches 50% of its useful life. S – Static System Also known as the altimeter and static system check. Required for IFR flight in controlled airspace. Must be inspected every 24 calendar months. Wrapping It Up The AVIATES acronym gives you a quick way to check if your airplane is legal to fly: ...