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Takeoff Over Max Weight?

Is an aircraft’s maximum gross weight a guideline from the manufacturer, or a number that should never be exceeded under any circumstances?

Have you ever exceeded gross on your plane? See how over 15,000 pilots answered this question along with a lively discussion and tips on the topic.

What Are Pilot Tips?

The Pilot’s Tip of the Week is a short email and a link that provides quick tips useful for any pilot.

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When you subscribe to the Pilot’s Tip of the Week you’ll also get these FREE resources:

Non-Towered Airport Communications

Manual

This quick reference guide to non-towered airport communications provides clear guidance on what to say and when to say it as you maneuver for takeoffs, landings or pattern work. Great for new students or as a refresher for rusty pilots.

VFR Scenario: The Impossible Go-Around?

Scenario/Video

You’ve got the whole family on board for a weekend trip. However, the landing attempt on a runway that’s short and obstructed didn’t go so well. Will an immediate go-around safely clear the trees—or result in a catastrophe. Watch the video and decide.

Cessna 172 Lands at Busy Class B Airport

Video

Many pilots shy away from landing at Class B airports — but watching a Cessna 172 land between Boeing jets at Boston’s Logan International (KBOS) is interesting whether or not you ever want to do it. Watch this high-workload approach and landing.

IFR Scenario: Tight Turn With RNAV

Scenario/Video

The most important meeting of your life is just one simple LPV approach away. However, encroaching weather is putting on the squeeze, so you speed things up with a tight intercept. Should you salvage this situation—or go back into the worsening weather?

The Power of Performance Profiles

Video/Worksheet

Countless Instrument pilots have wasted valuable training hours—and struggle to this day—because their instructor skipped this first critical step during IFR training. Here’s the step-by-step process for creating the essential performance profiles for each airplane you fly.

Best Way To Lean Airplane Engines

Manual

Setting the mixture control for cruising flight shouldn’t be complicated — yet it’s persistently one of the most contentious topics of engine management. This short guide will help you lean your airplane engine for best economy, performance, and longevity.