The first lesson for a private pilot begins with the preflight inspection. Checklist in hand, the fledgling pilot follows the CFI around the aircraft to learn what is normal and what is not. By the ...

The authors of preflight checklists are addicted to the “Windshield-check” or “Radome-check” format. The standard response of “check” does little to provide specific information that pilots should ...

Oil is sometimes referred to as the blood of the aircraft. It provides lubrication, cooling, and carries away waste products. Without it, or without enough of it, the aircraft engine cannot function ...