Angle of Attack
Angle of Attack The “Angle of Attack” is the angle between a plane’s wing and the oncoming air (relative wind). If the angle of attack becomes too great, the wing can stall and lose lift. If a pilot fails to recognize and correct the situation, a stall could lead to loss of control of the aircraft and an abrupt loss of altitude.
More than 25% of GA accidents occur in the maneuvering phase of flight. Half of those accidents involve stall/spin scenarios. Stalls can happen during any phase of flight, but they are critical when planes are near the ground and have less room to recover, such as during landing and takeoff.
What is an AOA Indicator?
We often discuss stalls with respect to airspeed and that can be a problem. Part of that problem is that stall speed changes with the aircraft’s configuration (e.g., cruise, landing, etc.) Also, as an aircraft’s load or weight increases, so does its stall speed. Using an AOA indicator can help prevent a stall as it provides a more reliable indication of airflow over the wing, regardless of its configuration. Without it, AOA is essentially “invisible” to pilots.
An AOA indicator can help when used in conjunction with airspeed and existing stall warning systems, when available. It can be used to get the pilot’s attention (via audio and/or low cost stick shakers) even if the pilot is not looking at it. This focuses the pilot’s attention on where it needs to be to avoid the stall.
How Can I Equip with an AOA Indicator?
AOA indicators have recently become more available and affordable for GA aircraft. The FAA’s Small Airplane Directorate has helped with this by streamlining the process for production and retrofit approval of AOA devices.
A New Angle on Safety
AOA systems offer many benefits to safe flying so consider looking into one for the aircraft you own or fly. And if you do install one, make sure you’re familiar with its operation and limitations. It’s also a good idea to keep your skills sharp through practice of stalls and slow flight as well as pattern and instrument work with a CFI. Be sure to document your achievement in the Wings Proficiency Program too. It’s a great way to stay on top of your game.
Resources
FAA news release on streamlining the AOA installation process for small aircraft: http://go.usa.gov/cgu2Y
FAA policy on AOA installation: http://go.usa.gov/cgu95
Safety Enhancement Fact Sheet on AOA Systems: http://go.usa.gov/cgu8w
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook — Engine Inoperative Flight Principles for Multiengine Airplanes (Chap 12, pgs 23-31): http://go.usa.gov/cguEQ
“A Finesse for Vitesse: Mastering the Maze of V-speeds” May/June 2015 FAA Safety Briefing www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/MayJun2015.pdf
Vmc Training - Multi-Engine
Alpine Flight Training provides all levels of multi-engine training. Vmc training is a standard part of our training curriculum.
What is Vmc?
Familiar to pilots of multi-engine aircraft, Vmc is the speed below which aircraft control cannot be maintained if the critical engine fails under a specific set of circumstances (see 14 CFR part 23). It is marked as a red radial line on most airspeed indicators. The blue line that’s found on many (but not all) multi-engine airspeed indicators is the Best Single Engine Rate of Climb Speed. It’s good to be at or above this speed whenever possible to give you some climb performance if an engine should fail. Vmc only addresses directional control.
What’s So Critical About It?
While you could argue both engines of a multi-engine airplane are important, the laws of physics dictate that losing a particular engine will make maintaining directional control more challenging. Any engine failure on a multi-engine airplane will result in a yaw toward the inoperative engine, but if the critical engine fails, the yaw forces will be greater due to P-factor. Engines that rotate clockwise from the pilot’s perspective (like most U.S. aircraft) will produce greater thrust on the descending propeller blades when the aircraft is flown at a positive angle of attack. Because there is a longer moment arm associated with the right engine, the yaw will be harder to manage if the left engine fails.
Practice Makes Perfect
Too often pilots will practice Vmc before their checkride, but may fall short in experience and skill when a real-world situation strikes. To stay fresh on engine failure procedures, get with an instructor and practice a Vmc demo or two. It’ll also give you chance to review some of the unsuspected conditions that can easily make a Vmc situation worse, like an aft CG, retracted gear, and/or holding wings level.
Maneuvering Flight
More than 25 percent of general aviation fatal accidents occur during the maneuvering phase of flight — turning, climbing, or descending close to the ground. The vast majority of these accidents involve stall/spin scenarios (half of which are while in the traffic pattern) and buzzing attempts.
Stalls/Spins
The majority of fatal stall/spin accidents occur at low altitudes, when recovery is unlikely. A pilot can stall an aircraft at any flight attitude and at any airspeed. Try practicing stalls, or approaches to stalls, at a safe altitude with an experienced instructor. Remember that turns, either vertical (pull-ups) or horizontal, load the wings and increase the stall speed dramatically. A key antidote to maneuvering flight accidents in the pattern is being aware of stall/spin aerodynamics.
Target Fixation
Every pilot has practiced turns around a point to build skill in wind compensation, aircraft ground track control, orientation, and division of attention. However, stall recovery while turning around a point at the altitudes typically used for ground reference can be dangerously close to the ground. They’re called moose stalls in Alaska and coyote stalls in Arizona because the pilot is focused more on the target point than turning the plane.
Formation Flying
Routinely performed for aerial photography, it’s critical to know the pilot you’re flying alongside. A miscommunication or lack of skill can be deadly.
Buzzing
Buzzing your friend’s house to show off your piloting skills is never a good idea. It’s reckless, and it may likely end in a violent angle-of-attack (AoA) stall. It will not be the type of stall with minor altitude loss that you experienced in training.
Last minute gift idea: Discovery Flight Experience Gift Certificate
Does your son or daughter, friend or spouse have an interest in aviation? Give them a Discover Flight Experience with Alpine Flight Training located at the Eagle County Regional Airport. The Discover Flight Experience is an excellent first step if they have interest in getting a pilots license or pursuing a career in aviation.
The Discover Flight is the first flight lesson towards getting a pilot's license. You'll have a short ground school lesson, then go flying for 40 minutes. It's also an opportunity to learn about the process of getting a pilot's license. You'll meet the instructors, see the facility, see the books we use, look at different airplanes and have all your questions answered.
The actual lesson begins with a brief discussion about our the plane, and preflight and the the basics of flying and why planes fly and how to control them. Following the intro ground school we will show you how to do a normal preflight inspection and then we will go for a flight. The flight will be 40 minutes and will introduce you to the fundamentals or flight. You’ll be at the controls, participating in every phase of the flight from taxi, to takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach and finally a landing back at Eagle Airport where we started. You’ll fly in our DA 20 training aircraft equipped with dual controls, and sitting beside you for the entire flight will be one of our highly trained instructors.
Gift certificates expire one year for date of issue and are priced at $199 ($205 after taxes). Simply purchase the discovery flight online and we will issue a gift certificate in PDF format that you can print and present to that special someone.
Give the Gift of Flight
The journey begins February 1st, 2017! Alpine Flight Training, the Colorado Rockies premier flight school is now enrolling students for our February Ground School. Reserve your spot today, seats are limited.
Alpine Flight Training will be conducting a private pilot ground school beginning February 1st, 2017. The class will prepare students for flight training and the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. Classes will be held in the evening at the Eagle County Regional Airport from 6-9P M twice per week for the month of February for a total of 21 hours of instructional time. The class will be taught by FAA Certified Flight Instructors.
Class cost is $449, and includes the Complete Private Pilot Text Book, the ASA Private Pilot Test Prep book, an E6B digital flight computer and Plotter.
At conclusion of the class students will be presented with the necessary sign-off to take the official FAA Private Pilot Written Exam. The FAA Written Exam may be taken in Denver or Grand Junction for a cost of ~$150.
Eagle to Telluride Air Charter
Alpine Flight is pleased to announce the availability of Eagle County Regional Airport to Telluride on-demand air-taxi service. Depart Eagle on your own time table, the flight to Telluride is roughly 50 minutes. Trips are priced per airplane, up to 650 lbs or 5 people. For more information visit our air charter website:
http://www.alpineflight.com/aircharter/routes/EGE-TEX
Eagle County Regional to Telluride Regional Air Charter
Depart Eagle, Colorado and fly to Telluride, Colorado
Alpine Flight is now offering Eagle County Regional to TellurideRegional direct service. Depart Eagle CountyRegional Airport and fly direct to TellurideRegional Airport. Skip the security lines, fly direct and save time and money. Alpine Flight provides on-demand air taxi and chartered air service. Alpine Flight is an FAA Certified Part 135 Air Carrier. We operate a Piper Seneca aircraft with maximum seating of 5 passengers, dependent upon passenger and baggage weight.
Rate based on a one way Flight. For round trip travel arrangements please contact us, round trip travel costs may be lower depending upon schedule and wait time requirements.
*Traffic, weather & winds aloft may result in shorter or longer flight times.
FLIGHT PROFILE
- Distance: 111.3 Miles
- Estimated Flight Time: 53 Minutes (one way)
Vail Air Charter
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alpine Flight Receives FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Approval to Begin Air Taxi Services to and from Eagle County Regional Airport
Alpine Flight is pleased to announce the receipt of FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Approval to Begin Air Taxi Services to and from Eagle County Regional Airport
Gypsum, CO June 24, 2016 – Alpine Flight (AlpineFlight.com) is pleased to announce the receipt of FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Approval to Begin Air Taxi Services to and from Eagle County Regional Airport. Alpine Flight’s Air Taxi Service specializes in providing fast and easy access between nearly any two airports in Colorado and the surrounding states with on-demand air taxi and charter services, saving passengers valuable time.
“In Colorado alone there are 79 public airports. Airline service is available at 14 of them. We are able to provide access to 75 of the 79 public airports as well as a number of private air strips. This service is all about making travel efficient by flying direct between the airports that are closest.” Loren French, President, Alpine Flight
Alpine Flight utilizes Piper Seneca, an aircraft known for its safety features, class performance, and economical attributes. Flying at 200 mph (miles per hour), the six passenger twin engine plane helps clients travel quickly and avoid long drive times, particularly during the summer months when vacationers and road construction make getting from one place to another time consuming and costly. The service is ideal for traveling business professionals – architects, engineers, contractors, and more – who need to quickly commute to a site or business meeting.
“For example, from the Eagle County Airport to Durango, drive time is five to six hours. Traveling via commercial air service takes the same five to six hours including the connections and time in security. Alpine Flight air taxi can make that same trip direct from Eagle County Regional Airport to Durango in just under one hour. For a professional this is a game changer, it's the ability to depart in the morning, conduct your business, and return the same day – saving time and money on lodging and rental cars effectively turning a three-day trip into a single day.” Loren French, President, Alpine Flight
Travelers will appreciate the fact that Alpine Flight offers straightforward pricing with no hidden costs added along the way. In addition, Alpine Flight Air Taxi service offers a respite from TSA security lines and flight departure deadlines – with Alpine Flight, clients depart and return according to their schedule. Alpine Flight’s Seneca aircraft is the perfect choice for rural airports with its exceptional short field capabilities. Alpine Flight’s passengers also enjoy the ease of boarding, natural leather ergonomically designed seats, a comfortable interior, and ample luggage storage.
The FAA Part 135 Air Carrier approval comes on the heels of nearly 18 months of effort to launch this new air taxi service. Passengers can rest assured that each flight is conducted by a professional Airline Transport Rated Pilot at the controls. In addition to air taxi and charter services, Alpine Flight based at the Eagle County Regional Airport also provides flight instruction, and scenic air tours.
“This new service is unique in this market. In our region there are many charter options for jet and large turbo-prop aircraft, but smaller aircraft that offer excellent value proposition, ideal for short range travel with groups of 1-3 people is something that has not been commonly available. During the last five years, small aircraft air taxi has become an extremely popular mode of transportation in the eastern US for connecting regional cities throughout the congested eastern seaboard. These smaller aircraft provide excellent utility and cost effectiveness for short range regional air transportation. Our goal is to bring those same benefits to the central Rockies. We’re excited to see the market demand for this new service and plan to expand our fleet as demand warrants.” Loren French, President, Alpine Flight
About Alpine Flight
Alpine Flight (AlpineFlight.com) is locally owned and operated, based at the Eagle County Regional Airport, Gypsum, Colorado. Serving the area since 2006, Alpine Flight was originally founded as a flight school providing initial training for private pilots. In the years that followed Alpine Flight expanded training offerings to include instrument and commercial pilot training and aircraft rental. In 2012, Alpine Flight received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to offer scenic air tours over the Vail Valley and Roaring Fork Valley. With this most recent certification Alpine Flight is now a Part 135 Air Carrier approved and authorized by the FAA to conduct on-demand air taxi and charter operations. Currently, Alpine Flight also offers all levels of flight instruction (private, instrument and commercial multi-engine/single engine), specialized mountain flight training, aircraft rental, and private scenic air tours departing from the Eagle County Regional Airport.
Contact Details:
Loren French
President, Alpine Flight
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Vail Valley Alpenglow
Flying at dusk through the Rockies can be a surreal experience. One of the most amazing experiences is to watch the sunset in the rockies at 10,000 feet. Board our aircraft and relax as we fly through the Vail Valley at sunset. Alpenglow tours depart 30 minutes prior to sunset each day, weather permitting. We're located at Eagle County Regional Airport. We can arrange ground transportation if needed to pick you up at your lodging location and bring you to the airport and deliver you back to your lodging. Call 970-401-5105 for more information.
Vail Colorado | Mountain Flying Adventure
Looking for a unique activity to add to your winter vacation in Vail, Colorado? Consider a Mountain Flying Adventure. We have three aircraft to choose from, and a variety of different adventures suited to both pilots and non-pilots.
Full Moon Night over the Rockies
Flying under a full moon through the Rockies can be a surreal experience. We’ll teach you some strategies that will keep you safe when flying through mountains at night. In this session we’ll generally take 2-3 hours and will visit 1-2 other airports depending upon time of year and conditions. This flight is especially fun in the winter when snow cover allows for extremely well lighted terrain at night.
Vail Valley Alpenglow
One of the most amazing experiences is to watch the sunset in the rockies at 10,000 feet. Board our aircraft and relax as we fly through the Vail Valley at sunset. Alpenglow tours depart 30 minutes prior to sunset each day, weather permitting.
Passes, Passes and more Passes
This 3/4 day adventure focuses on terrain flying and pass crossing. From Eagle, we depart southwest over Cottonwood Pass, cross McClure Pass, Kebler Pass, Monarch Pass or Marshall Pass and then return through either Hagerman Pass or Tennessee Pass. If you’re looking for something even longer with some radical terrain we can omit Tennessee Pass and instead fly Freemont Pass to Vail Pass before returning from the east. Along the route there are also numerous opportunities for landings at challenging airports.
Bragging Rights
If you don’t have much time and you’re looking for a quick and fun mountain flying experience try this route out. We depart Eagle to the east, and fly Tennessee Pass to Leadville, where we’ll land at North America’s highest airfield. After Leadville we cross Hagerman pass (weather permitting) and head for Glenwood Springs, known as North America’s most challenging airport before returning to Eagle. In one flight you’ve flown to the highest and then the most challenging airports in North America!
North Loop Intro to Mountain Flying
If you’re just getting your feet wet with mountain flying, our North route will give you a great opportunity to learn the basics as you circumnavigate the epic Flattop Wilderness. This route takes you North through mountain valleys to Steamboat Springs, then west along the northern edge of the Flattops to Craig. After Craig you head south towards Meeker where you can apply some new decision making skills and mountain flying considerations. After Meeker you’ll get some scenario challenges as you approach Rifle and on into Glenwood Springs before returning to Eagle. This route features terrain flying, route selection, valley flying, maneuvering in canyons, landings at several mountain airports.
Colorado Multi-Engine Rental
Alpine Flight Training now has a Piper Seneca 2, twin engine / multi-engine aircraft available for rental. The Aircraft features a recently redone interior, WAAS GPS, Speed Brakes, and is TurboCharged. Insurance checkout and experience minimums apply. Call 970-401-5105 for more information. Alpine Flight Training is located in Eagle Colorado, centrally located in the state of Colorado.