Pilot Robby

Bank into the dead engine? Vmc goes up.
Bank into the good engine? Vmc comes down.
And we’re talking 3–5 knots per degree.
That’s not small — It is critical to understand how Vmc changes and what you, as a pilot, can do to control it.

When one engine quits, the airplane doesn’t just yaw—it wants to roll with it.

VMC is the exact point where your rudder and aileron run out of authority… and you can no longer stop the airplane from rolling and yawing toward the dead engine.

Know the speed. Respect the speed. Fly above it.

Losing an engine in a twin-engine aircraft is serious, but a windmilling propeller turns a manageable problem into a performance disaster. Learn why feathering the prop is crucial for survival and how every second counts.

Many pilots believe dual engines guarantee safety, but density altitude is a silent killer. As it rises, engines lose power, props lose thrust, and wings lose lift. This degrades performance across the board, especially on a single engine. A twin that climbs at sea level might not at high altitude. Don't let false security fool you; plan every flight.

A common mistake among new IFR pilots is squawking 1200 immediately after hearing 'radar services terminated.' This is not the same as being told to 'squawk VFR.' ATC will explicitly tell you if they want you to change your code. Until then, maintain your assigned code. Understand the difference to avoid confusion.

Pressure doesn't make you rise; you sink to your training level. Your brain won't magically sharpen. Rely on practiced habits and muscle memory. Train relentlessly, perform perfectly, fly safe.

The Diamond DA42 is a great airplane, but I still prefer the Baron for training.

The DA42 automates a lot with FADEC—no prop control, no mixture, even auto-feather. In the Baron, the pilot manages the throttles, props, and mixtures themselves.

That hands-on engine management builds a stronger foundation that transfers to almost any twin later on.

Want to save money in your aviation journey? Chair fly. It might feel a little silly, but practicing the procedures on the ground will make you sharper in the air—and save you thousands in training time.

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Squat switches help prevent the gear from retracting on the ground—but they’re not foolproof. Whether it’s a system failure or a light touch-and-go, understanding the limitations of your aircraft systems is key to staying safe.

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De-ice boots are great equipment—but only if you understand how to use them correctly. Use them at the right time, know their limitations, and always follow your POH to avoid dangerous ice bridging.