Clouds Part 3 ( Low-level clouds )

Stratus clouds are composed of thin layers of clouds covering a large area of the sky. This is simply mist or fog when it forms close to the ground. You can easily distinguish a stratus cloud by the long horizontal layers of cloud which have a fog-like appearance. Continue...

Clouds Part 2 (Mid-level clouds)

Altocumulus clouds form at a lower altitude so they’re largely made of water droplets though they may retain ice crystals when forming higher up.  Continue...

Clouds Part 1 (High-Level Clouds)

A cloud is a visible accumulation of minute droplets of water, ice crystals, or both, suspended in the air. Though they vary in shape and size, all clouds are basically formed in the same way through the vertical of air above the condensation level. Continue...

Turbulence (Part 2)

Thermal (Convective) Turbulence: Turbulence can also be expected on warm summer days when the sun heats the earth's surface unevenly. Continue...

Turbulence (Part 1)

Turbulence is one of the most unpredictable of all the weather phenomena that are of significance to pilots. Turbulence is an irregular motion of the air resulting from eddies and vertical currents. It may be as insignificant as a few annoying bumps or severe enough to momentarily throw an airplane out of control or to cause structural damage. Turbulence is associated with fronts, wind shear, thunderstorms, etc. Continue...

STALL

Stall is defined as a sudden reduction in the lift generated by an aerofoil when the critical angle of attack is reached or exceeded. Continue...

The Dirty Dozen

The Human Factors “Dirty Dozen” refers to twelve of the most common human error preconditions, or conditions that can act as precursors, to accidents or incidents. Continue...

Alcohol and Flying "A Deadly Combination"

Flying, while fun and exciting, is a precise, demanding, and an unforgiving endeavor. Any factor that impairs the pilot’s ability to perform the required tasks during the operation of an aircraft is an invitation for disaster. The use of alcohol is a significant self-imposed stress factor that should be eliminated from the cockpit. The ability to do so is strictly within the pilot’s control. Continue...

Major Components of an Airplane

Although airplanes are designed for a variety of purposes, most of them have the same major components. The overall characteristics are largely determined by the original design objectives. Most airplane structures include a fuselage, wings, an empennage, landing gear, and a powerplant. Continue...

Flight Controls

Aircraft flight controls are the means by which a pilot controls the direction and attitude of an aircraft in flight.Flight control systems are subdivided into what are referred to as primary and secondary flight controls. Continue...