Category: Aviation knowledge and operations

Aviation knowledge encompasses the broad range of technical, regulatory, and operational information required to understand, operate, and manage aircraft and air systems.Key areas include the principles of flight, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, meteorology, air law, human performance, and safety management systems. This knowledge is essential for pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What pilots should know about hard, firm and kisser landing.

Anil Goyal

On the final approach to landing, a pilot controls the airplane speed by attitude and descent profile by thrust/power leading to touch down in the specified zone. Over the threshold, flare out is commenced to arrest the rate of descent so as to achieve touch down at a correct angle and positive vertical acceleration. Airline companies and charter operators advise pilots not to attempt kisser landing but to achieve controlled firm touch down within the limits specified by the aircraft manufacturer. From the very first day of commencement of training,…

Flying Swing Wing (MiG23/27): My Experience

Anil Goyal

What is a Variable Sweep Wing aircraft? A variable-sweep wing, colloquially known as a “swing-wing”, is an airplane wing, that may be swept back and then returned to its original position during flight. It allows the aircraft’s shape to be modified in flight and is therefore an example of a variable-geometry aircraft. Typically, a swept wing is more suitable for high speeds, while an unswept wing is suitable for lower speeds improving field (take-off and landing) performance. A variable-sweep wing allows a pilot to select the correct wing configuration for the plane’s intended…

MiG 21: Love her OR Hate her?

Anil Goyal

The most widely produced supersonic jet fighter of all time, the MiG-21 (Western reporting name Fishbed) is an incredibly prolific aircraft. Dated but nimble, it has allowed skilled pilots in past decades to defeat more advanced aircraft. Though its days look to be numbered. To me, it does not. I think it will continue to live in the heart of pilots and adversaries alike for decades to come. Single-seat, single-engine, supersonic, all-weather, day-night capable, jet fighter aircraft produced by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau was an improvement on prior generations of…

What pilots should know about circuit breakers and the risk of resetting tripped CB?

Anil Goyal

I was recently asked to re-cycle PA system CB on ground by the engineering staff as the system was not working. Without giving it a second thought I did that and the system was working again. Subsequently this made me think. Is this normal? But then what about tripped CBs? What are circuit breakers? The single most “proliferated” item of the electrical system in a modern cockpit is the circuit breaker. These round black heads line the cockpit’s walls and ceiling. AC or DC, ganged, multi- or single-pole, they control,…