“Getting out of trouble is a whole lot more hassle than staying out of trouble.” – Gary Paulson General aviation offers pilots the unmatched freedom of the skies, but it…
Author: Dean Zakos
Dean Zakos (Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument) of Madison, Wisconsin, is the author of “Laughing with the Wind, Practical Advice and Personal Stories from a General Aviation Pilot.” Mr. Zakos has also written numerous short stories and flying articles for Midwest Flyer Magazine and other aviation publications
FLIGHT EXPERIENCES: Why General Aviation Pilots Are Unable To Say “Unable”
“Aviate, navigate, communicate” – but how often do we forget to simply say “unable” when it matters most? AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 is now concluded as I write this. Among the…
FLIGHT EXPERIENCES: Cautionary Tales: Transitioning to a Different Aircraft
There is something undeniably thrilling about sliding into the left seat of a different aircraft – for most of us, something sleeker, faster, more capable or, if you hold an…
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: Father’s Day
“My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland I heard the sound of the engine first. Looking…
The Indistinct Future of General Aviation
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay I possess no crystal ball. I claim no talent or expertise for forward thinking. I am,…
I Are A Pilot – Radio Mis-Communications
From the time we were student pilots, there was (or should have been) a continuing emphasis placed on proper radio communications. The FAA publishes the FAR/AIM and the Pilot/Controller Glossary to educate and assist pilots with the correct phraseology for in-air and on-the-ground radio transmissions. Advisory Circular AC 90-66C, Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations, is also available to make pilots better and more effective communicators.
Hard Landings – When Speed Tape Is Not Enough
“If you can walk away from a landing, it is a good landing. If you can use the airplane again, it is a great landing!” – Old Aviation Saying No…
Eyes On The Target… Defined Minimum Maneuvering Speed (DMMS)
“Keep the dirty side down. Airspeed is life. Rudder in the turn.” – Captain Blackcloud Aviation tends toward pithy, easily remembered sayings for complex subjects. The quote above is a…