Category Archives: Aviation Lingo

Whiskey Compass

In one of my previous posts I talked about an ol’ pilot rule-of-thumb (we also call them memory aid) called “Whiskey Compass”. This was in relation to Alcohol and Aviation. Most of the newer generation pilots know this rule as “Bottle to Throttle”. Well the rule is 8 hours from bottle to throttle, and you

Alcohol and Aviation

I was reading an article about when do you have to report a DUI or DWI related action (in a motor vehicle) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)? You can read it here. It is true that any arrest, and/or conviction has to be reported to the FAA within 60 days, as required by FAR

Pilot Checklist – ANCM

Huh? What the heck is ANCM = P 4? You see, in aviation, there are a whole bunch of acronyms and memory aids that are used by the pilots and other crew to assist with daily routine items. And this is one of them. The items are written down in the order of priority. The

Sunglasses for Pilots

Sunglasses help safeguard a pilot’s most important sensory asset — vision. A quality pair of sunglasses is essential in the cockpit environment to optimize visual performance. Sunglasses reduce the effects of harsh sunlight, decrease eye fatigue, and protect ocular tissues from exposure to harmful solar radiation. Additionally, they protect the pilot’s eyes from impact with

Visual Illusions – Spatial Disorientation

Seeing Is Not Believing Spatial Orientation Spatial orientation defines our natural ability to maintain our body orientation and/or posture in relation to the surrounding environment (physical space) at rest  and during motion. Genetically speaking, humans are designed to maintain spatial orientation on the ground. The flight environment is hostile and unfamiliar to the human body;

Spatial Disorientation in Aviation

Spatial Orientation Spatial Orientation is our natural ability to maintain our body orientation and/or posture in relation to the surrounding environment (physical space) at rest and during motion. Genetically speaking, humans are designed to maintain spatial orientation on the ground. The three-dimensional environment of flight is unfamiliar to the human body, creating sensory conflicts and

Fatigue in Aviation

Fatigue is an expected and ubiquitous aspect of life. For the average individual, fatigue presents a minor inconvenience, resolved with a nap or by stopping whatever activity that brought it on. Typically, there are no significant consequences. However, if that person is involved in safety-related activities such as operating a motor vehicle, piloting an aircraft,

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Travel

Introduction Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a clot, or thrombus, typically forms in a deep vein in a leg. People with a DVT may notice pain and swelling in the leg where the clot has formed, though smaller clots may not cause any symptoms. The major problem occurs when a part

Pilot Checklist – PAVE

Identifying hazards and associated risk is the key to minimize risk and prevent accidents. If a pilot fails to search for risk, it is likely that he or she will neither see it nor appreciate it for what all it represents. Unfortunately in aviation, pilots seldom have the opportunity to learn from their small errors

Maneuvering Speed or Structural Cruising Speed?

del.icio.us Tags: VA,maneuvering speed,VNO VA – known as maneuvering speed is the maximum speed at which you can safely stall an airplane. During certification of the aircraft the forces are measured on the elevator (see image) and a maximum speed, i.e. maneuvering speed is established. At any speed above VA you would exceed structural limits