Author: avtomaton
-
My Path to Aviation Knowledge: Updates on My Theory Studies
I have finally found a school in Poland where I plan to take my EASA ATPL theoretical course. I have chosen Poland for some specific reasons which I have already mentioned. However, there is a catch: I need to obtain permission, similar to the TSA approval process in the US, and the application process is…
-
Obtaining a First Class Medical Certificate: My Experience in Poland
Today, I received my first-class medical certificate which is required for commercial pilots in Europe. Prior to this, I had a second-class medical certificate, which is less expensive, but it’s sufficient for a private pilot license that I currently hold. Normally, the initial first-class medical examination should be taken only in a hospital. Subsequent examinations…
-
Flight to Maintenance: Overcoming a Technical Issue
As you know, I am currently flying to meet the minimum flight time requirements and, of course, for fun. Today, I had a really useful task: flying the airplane to the mechanics for scheduled maintenance. While reading my preflight checklist, I noticed that the flaps do not deploy. I thought about it and realized that…
-
Understanding Weather Radar for Pilots: Why Red is a Warning Sign
Today, flying is not possible due to the weather conditions. The weather radar displays dense clouds, indicating that I should wait for better weather to fly. In essence, the weather radar shows the concentration of water droplets. Red areas indicate large droplets, typically indicating the presence of a thunderstorm in that area, and as you…
-
Flying in Hot Windy Weather: A Pilot’s Experience
I was supposed to fly early in the morning, but it didn’t happen. The airplane didn’t have enough fuel, and the fuel service is usually only available in the afternoon. Anyway, I needed some more sleep. I took off in the afternoon and during the flight, I noticed that my ground speed was way less…
-
Chasing Flight Hours: A Pilot’s Excursion to the North-West of Prague
Every pilot should have a minimum flight time before taking an exam. For the modular commercial pilot program in Europe, it should be 200 hours of total time. I am currently continuing to gain these flight hours. Today, I decided to fly to the North-West, where I found a nice aerodrome with a concrete runway.…
-
I’m A Little Black Rain Cloud, of Course
I’m just a little white rain cloudHovering under the honey treeI’m only a little black rain cloudPay no attention to me… Sometimes the weather just doesn’t want to cooperate. Today, one of these rain clouds demanded my attention. Although the clouds look gorgeous, they are also scary. This one in particular may not seem dangerous,…
-
Improving My Pilot Skills with Holiday Flying
I don’t work on holidays, which means I can fly more, or at least, work less if the weather doesn’t permit flying. Today, the weather is great, so I can practice my landings. Practicing more landings helps gaining skills, and different aerodromes aid in that too. Currently, crosswind landings are the most challenging for me,…