Best of Aviation

Although we use GPS for a bulk of our navigation, we still rely on charts such as this VFR sectional chart to determine where we are in the world.

Ever been driving your car on a rainy day and look up at the dreary gray sky, wondering when it will go away? This is what that very same day looks like to pilots flying on top of the clouds.

One of our regular routes takes us directly over Kennedy airport in NYC. The vast majority of private aircraft fly into airports OTHER than those that serve the airlines, so contrary to popular belief we don't contribute to airline delays.

Another good perspective on the vastness and beauty of a simple overcast sky as viewed from the cockpit.

Wonder what a pilot sees when flying in the clouds? This is it. And this is the reason why we spend a vast majority of the time staring at instruments that tell us which way is up. There's simply no other visual reference available.

This was taken just south of Kennedy airport in NYC from 5000 feet. An airliner can be seen emerging from the clouds at around 2000 feet.

These uniform tops are a clear sign of atmospheric stability. Air cannot rise further to condense into clouds, so the clouds end there. Flying above clouds like this virtually guarantees a smooth ride for you and your passengers.

This Aerostar is the fastest airplane I've ever flown, and one of the most fun. Unfortunately, they're costly to work on and are thus expensive to operate, but many private owners swear by their speed.

The Aerostar's panel is very pilot friendly. Everything is laid out well and within easy reach.