Entries by John Mahany

The PHAK and the AFH

Someone asked this recently on a FB page for student pilots; what’s the difference between “The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge”, or PHAK, and “The Airplane Flying Handbook”, or AFH? It’s a good question. Do you know? These books are complimentary. Each alone is not sufficient. Generally speaking, the PHAK is ‘the big picture’. It […]

Pilot weather briefings, VASI out of service, and globe-trotting aviators

On Saturday, April 24, 2021, on AOPA Live, it was reported that the FAA recently issued an Advisory Circular, AC 91-92, that addresses the “Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing’. With the widespread use of Smartphone’s, devices and online briefings, many pilots now ‘self-brief’. The FAA is addressing this, and this AC provides guidance to […]

The New CFI Corner

Welcome to my blog! Last year, on April 30, 2020, I was suddenly informed that my services as classroom and simulator instructor were no longer needed! I was initially surprised but quickly figured it out. My boss, the Center Manager at a large FAR 142 Learning Center, thanked me for my service (teaching pilots to […]

Learjet SIC Type Rating 

Opportunity Knocks for my Learjet SIC Type Rating On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, I drove 6 ½ hours north from Long Beach, up through the San Joaquin Valley to Sacramento, California, for the opportunity to fly a Lear 35 and earn my Learjet SIC Type Rating! I have been wanting to fly a Learjet for […]