TRSA Airspace: Everything You Need to Know
When looking at your VFR sectional chart, you may have noticed a few airports around the country surrounded by a unique type of airspace know as a TRSA. What is a TRSA? TRSA airspace, meaning Terminal Radar Services Area, consists of areas around especially busy class...
The Important Difference in Turbulence and Chop
Flying during pristine mornings and tranquil sunsets are some of the most enjoyable moments as an aviator, but many times the air is not smooth and we hear pilots report chop or turbulence in their flight. They sound similar, but what’s the difference between chop and...
Aircraft Trim Explained (With Pictures)
Pilots often have a lot to do when flying and aircraft trim helps pilots manage that workload and keep the aircraft moving in the right direction. It can be a pilot’s best friend! So what is aircraft trim? Aircraft trim holds control surfaces (rudder, elevator,...
Torque, ITT, NP, and NG Explained on Turboprop Engines
Turboprops engines seem to add a level of complexity to their gauges that can be intimidating and difficult to interpret to pilots unfamiliar with the nomenclature and operating principles of turboprop engines. Any unfamiliarity with turboprop operation is...
Why Does Lower Prop RPM Cause Higher Manifold Pressure?
The relationship between manifold pressure (MP) and propeller RPM is a complex one. The different combinations of manifold pressure and propeller RPM are what allow us to set accurate power settings and obtain the performance outlined within the PIlot’s...
Turn and Slip Indicator vs. Turn Coordinator Compared
Image Credit The Turn and Slip Indicator and Turn Coordinator are very similar. In fact, the Turn and Slip Indicator and Turn Coordinator show some of the same data. But, there are important differences as well. What is the difference between the...
Alternate Static Air Source – Everything You Should Know
The static air source is likely something we don’t think about very often and even less frequently do we consider the alternate static air source. Static air pressure is required for several instruments that are required for VFR and IFR flight. It is very important...
Piper Cherokee 140 Purchase Price and Ownership Costs
Image Credit The Piper Cherokee 140 is an immensely popular general aviation aircraft for several good reasons. They are easy to fly, reliable, and generally have a low ownership cost. That being said, how much does it cost to own and operate a vintage Piper Cherokee...
Can Airplanes Avoid Turbulence? Sometimes… Here’s How
Every time I want to take a passenger flying with me, especially a first-timer, I plan the flight to maximize the odds that the ride is smooth, or turbulence-free. If I am traveling solo or into challenging weather conditions, I strive to avoid regions of...
Airplane Slipping vs. Skidding Turn: What You Should Know
During flight training, I was taught early on about the importance of maintaining “coordinated” flight. My instructor reminded me to pay attention to the turn coordinator and explained the hazards of uncoordinated “slip” and “skid” turns. The differences between...
Join the Waitlist: Private Pilot Study Flashcards
It’s taken a year to build this premium set of 350+ private pilot study flashcards. They are perfect for student pilots preparing for a checkride and licensed pilots studying for a flight review! Get more info and early access by clicking the link below.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site is owned and operated by Airplane Academy LLC. AirplaneAcademy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.