In spite of the avalanche of stern e-mail that’s sure to come, let me start with my core position: Flight planning is dead. I can hear it already, “Boy, didn’t they teach you that you should ‘plan your flight, and fly your plan?’ ” They sure did. But there is flight planning and then there is flight planning......

In-Flight Icing - Legal or not, some pilots knowingly enter icing for a brief period so long as there’s some guarantee that they can swiftly find an altitude free of ice. Dozens of studies have closed in on the magic forecast showing where the ice will be and where it won’t, but none of them are perfect.

Fast, cross-country, turbocharged singles are tempting more general aviation (GA) pilots into the flight levels. Survival in this oxygen-thin air requires common sense, the ability to detect hypoxemia, and the knowledge of how to handle it. Luckily, all you need to remember is one number.

Yes, Darwin might argue against getting in an airplane with anyone learning in IMC, but Bill had several hours of actual conditions while instrument training in his Cessna R182. He was also a gifted pilot with an innate finesse. I reasoned that, if his control manipulation were so subliminal, then all of his focused attention would be solely on IFR.

Primary flight displays (PFDs) and multi-function displays (MFDs) are the standard. The question of what it takes to make the switch from steam gauges to flat panels is unanswered for many pilots.

We all know that the FAA gave up operation of Flight Service Stations and turned the reins over to Corporate America. Good fiscal move on the part of the FAA?

Imagine yourself in the clag, set up for an RNAV (GPS) Rwy 4 approach when ATC says, “Change of plan, expect the IDS-4 approach.” Would you know how to shoot it?

Pat Farrell set out to bring forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) technology to GA airplanes for personal reasons.

Careful planning, local knowledge, and a few insider tips can make mountain IFR practical and safe in light singles.

Instrument pilots aren’t terribly concerned about getting wet, except during preflight or when pushing the aircraft into the hangar.