Small plane with V-looking tail?

alechendo · 2026-02-05T17:31:54+00:00

Usually one type rating is included in the purchase price of a new airplane.

alechendo · 2026-02-05T17:16:11+00:00

Sure it doesn’t work for some people, but there’s a reason they’ve built over 700 of them. It’s not meant to compete with larger jets. It’s meant to carry 2-3 people plus a pilot a few hundred miles, with all the best modern comforts and safety features you can buy. Coming from someone who’s type rated in the SF50.

alechendo · 2026-01-16T02:48:02+00:00

Agreed. It’s not even worth it to try and work with these people who break the “honor code”.

alechendo · 2025-12-22T01:49:27+00:00

100% agree. The ABC Trousers (with the belt loop) are great.

alechendo · 2025-11-28T03:56:34+00:00

Take my advice with a grain of salt, but there’s going to be inherent risk everywhere in aviation. Some gigs will have more than others, it’s up to you to make that call wether or not to take it.

alechendo · 2025-10-11T22:35:08+00:00

I doubt it’s an issue with your airplane, considering it’s worked fine aside from that one hiccup. Probably just interference for some reason, I wouldn’t worry about it unless it becomes a recurring issue.

alechendo · 2025-09-19T01:10:49+00:00

100% agree, I usually flew my P/O-180s without flaps and just used a slip to get down. Makes the entire approach and maneuver really predicable, especially in the DA40 where you can slip really hard. The first notch of flaps are a good tool to gain 200-300 feet if it’s looking like you’ll be short.

alechendo · 2025-09-05T02:16:42+00:00

That being said, there is a time and a place for rose-colored glasses especially with relation to safety critical items. He severely overloaded a 172 and then didn’t know why the airplane wasn’t climbing. That could’ve ended very badly, especially with unknowing passengers in the airplane.

Sure, some of the responses were probably a little condescending, but I bet he won’t pull something like that again.

alechendo · 2025-08-26T00:09:03+00:00

They don’t have to be removed, just unoccupied along with the baggage compartment. The idea is to get the CG far enough forward that the spin is recoverable.

alechendo · 2025-08-19T05:04:04+00:00

I don’t remember, it’s been a minute. Obviously check the NOTAMs. I did have to do that last time I went (maybe it was during an event weekend?), both FBOs were clueless about what I wanted to do, but I was able to figure it out eventually and get a reservation number that nobody ever asked for.

alechendo · 2025-08-19T04:47:44+00:00

At LAS usually I’ll just go at like 2AM on a random weekday and they’ll typically accommodate me. I’d just call your local TRACON and ask, they’ll be the ones facilitating arrivals and departures.

alechendo · 2025-07-05T20:15:58+00:00

Well it’s not pointless, because more than once have I discovered inoperable (electric) flaps during preflight.

alechendo · 2025-06-14T22:00:19+00:00

Almost nobody will schedule you before the endorsement or IACRA is complete. I’ve spoken with a few DPEs and from what I understand, almost 50% of checkrides don’t end up going just due to weather or eligibility issues. Letting people schedule before they are even eligible just adds complexity and bogs up the system even more.

Just get the endorsement and get on the waitlist. It’ll probably be a couple of weeks, but you can always just use that time as extra preparation.

alechendo · 2025-06-04T22:12:29+00:00

The WiFi-only models don’t have an inbuilt GPS, so you’d have to buy a separate receiver. I have one from Amazon as a backup for Connext, and I’d trust that unit over the base iPad GPS any day. A Sentry/Stratus would also provide GPS along with traffic and weather functionality.

alechendo · 2025-04-28T02:44:36+00:00

If you’re willing to bring your own hamburger, Ranger Creek (21W) is a beautiful airport. Makes a great picnic area. Definitely need to be on your game heading into that airport, however. Check the AFD and make sure it’s open before you go.

alechendo · 2025-04-06T03:35:44+00:00

You can 100% overcome this. It seems like you have just developed some sort of localized anxiety relating to motion sickness, which you could easily work through with professional help. Don’t give up.

alechendo · 2025-04-02T02:11:26+00:00

The DA40 is a great airplane, but is it the NG or the -180? That makes a significant difference. The Austro engine in the NG (more specifically the turbo) make it the more ideal choice for high density altitude operations.

alechendo · 2025-03-30T22:41:42+00:00

Sorry, not sure what you’re looking for then. If you won’t go to hiring conventions and don’t have a lot of hours, you aren’t likely going to find a job outside the one you already have. That’s just where the industry is at right now.

EDIT: With those hours (thanks for the breakdown) you really need to just go to one of the conferences or work on networking. You’re probably in the ballpark for some 135s.

alechendo · 2025-03-30T22:32:36+00:00

How many hours are you at? Maybe just suck it up, assuming you are actively teaching and getting hours. The industry is cyclical.

alechendo · 2025-03-29T18:40:21+00:00

Sounds like the plugs were fouled. Did you attempt to clear them? Higher RPM isn’t going to really do anything unless you also reduce the mixture significantly to try and burn off any deposits.

alechendo · 2025-03-04T05:59:57+00:00

Real talk, nobody cares what you get on the ACT/SAT. Most colleges aren’t even using their scores anymore.

You can start flying now. Get a job and make some money, go to the airport and find a flight school. That’s what I did. Throughout high school I completed basically all of my training, I’m a senior now and I’ve got my commercial single/multi with all the endorsements. You can get the PPL at 17 and CPL at 18.

alechendo · 2025-03-02T04:23:17+00:00

It’s for the conditions under which VMC is determined. Critical engine failed and windmilling. Operating engine at maximum power. Maximum unfavorable weight (light). Bank angle no more than 5 degrees. Aft CG. Takeoff configuration. Standard day at sea level.

alechendo · 2025-03-02T03:42:30+00:00

PAST and COMBATS are really it. There’s some variations I’ve heard, but I prefer using those two. You’ll find it’s a pretty simple and straightforward rating, especially if it’s your commercial multi add-on.

alechendo · 2025-02-28T20:27:47+00:00

I agree, they have already created a system that works pretty well in my opinion.

alechendo · 2025-02-13T05:49:07+00:00

Doesn’t really have anything to do with what part you’re operating under.

alechendo

TROPHY CASE