Flying Explained
Turbulence levels, explained
When a pilot warns of "moderate turbulence," they are using a formal turbulence reporting scale set by the Federal Aviation…
SectionFlying Explained
How aircraft, crews and airports actually work
Flying Explained
Airport codes: IATA vs FAA
When booking a flight to Mesa Gateway Airport, seek out IATA code AZA. But for U.S. pilots filing a flight plan, FAA identifier…
Flying Explained
Why crew rest delays flights
When your flight is delayed due to "crew rest," it's not just an excuse–it means the aircraft has reached its legal limits on…
Flying Explained
How an AWOS station works
For pilots flying small aircraft at airports devoid of control towers and Flight Service, an Automated Weather Observing System…
Flying Explained
Heat and aircraft performance
When the mercury rises in summer heatwaves, takeoff and climb performance decay — clever strategies must then balance…
Flying Explained
Tracking a flight to meet it
Live flight tracking gives you a real-time map to any flight's position, but arriving to an airport terminal on time to pick…