Features

From IFR Magazine reader David Brown: In 1994, my wife and I flew from Virginia to Daytona, Florida. This was our first flight together in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Several times, the controller called out traffic for us, and on most occasions, I responded with “16 Romeo is IMC.” When we landed at Daytona Beach, […]

A total of 61% of respondents have resolved to fly more.

2024 marked a milestone for U.S. skydiving safety, as civilian skydiving fatalities dropped to an annual record low of nine deaths. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), this was the first single-digit year since the organization began keeping records in 1961. In a press release, the USPA said the sport saw significantly higher […]

My flight school required us students to fill out a TOLD (takeoff and landing data) card with weight and balance, and fuel planning prior to each flight. Most of the time, our flight training was consistent: 1.0-1.5 hours of block time, full fuel, two passengers, a couple of flight bags. Plan it once and it’s […]

From IFR Magazine reader Rick Sanders I heard this pilot report recently over the plains when turbulence was affecting everyone in the sector. A flight descended to a lower altitude to find a better ride, and ATC asked how the ride was at the original altitude. “The ride up there was as rough as Third […]

Only about 25% of respondents regularly fly with AoA.

This article originally appeared in IFR Magazine: Generative AI and machine learning are two interrelated technologies revolutionizing how we interact with computers and data. At their core, both aim to harness the power of algorithms to analyze and generate insights from vast amounts of data. Machine Learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that […]

From IFR Magazine reader Chris Wells: I just obtained my private certificate and was on the ground at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (KVPS) in Florida. I called Ground Control and requested flight following back to Pensacola. I forgot to request an en-route altitude, so the controller asked, “What altitude do you want?” I had a […]

There’s scant support among respondents for ATC privatization.

Four backcountry airstrips in Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness known as the “Big Creek Four” have been deemed emergency use only as outlined by a recent legal settlement. The ruling stems from a lawsuit between environmental groups and the U.S. Forest Service, with the State of Idaho intervening on behalf of recreational […]