My article, “Walk the Talk” is in the March issue of Flight Training magazine. Pilot (calling Tower): “Cessna 9130 Delta, request left closed traffic.” Tower: “Cessna 9130 Delta, make right closed traffic. Report a midfield right downwind.” Pilot: “Cessna 9130 Delta, right closed traffic. We’ll report a midfield right downwind.” Then, talking to himself, “What’s …  What Was That Tower Controller Thinking? Read More »

What Was That Tower Controller Thinking?

How to communicate effectively and confidently with air traffic control. For pilots of all experiences levels, flying VFR or IFR.

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Is it safe to fly VFR through a MOA? It depends.

Using ATC to Check the Status of a MOA

If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach when faced with contacting Ground Control for taxi clearance, you have experienced something I call Taxi Clearance Anxiety. It’s a made-up term but the phenomenon has real consequences. Some pilots go out of their way to avoid controlled airports with complicated taxiway layouts. Even high-time pro …  Taxi Clearance Anxiety Read More »

Taxi Clearance Anxiety

If you can get all the aviation weather data you need online, do you really need to know how to contact Flight Service on the radio? It depends on who you ask. I say yes. A Flight Service agent can save time and point you in the right direction. An agent can quickly sift through …  Contacting Flight Service; Searching for IFR Traffic in an Uncontrolled Pattern Read More »

Contacting Flight Service; Searching for IFR Traffic in an Uncontrolled Pattern

In this episode, we’ll talk about why you make mistakes on the radio and what it says about your performance as a pilot. I think my analysis will surprise you (in a good way). Also, some pilots have asked interesting questions about the details of reporting your position in an uncontrolled airport pattern. Just when …  Making Mistakes on the Aircraft Radio Read More »

Making Mistakes on the Aircraft Radio

“Town and Country Traffic, red and white Skyhawk, 4-mile final, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” “Town and Country Traffic, blue and white Warrior, turning base, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” “Town and Country Traffic, red and white Skyhawk, final, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” Do you think saying your aircraft’s color scheme …  Aircraft Color in Place of Call Sign is a Bad Idea Read More »

What Was That Tower Controller Thinking?

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