Merlin's Corner
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    • Memory aids >
      • Approach Requests: PAST
      • Box Setup G1000: BARF
      • Level Offs: LLAPT
      • Maneuver Check: CREACS
      • Stable on Final? CAPES
      • Wing-Low Crosswinds
      • Wings Level, Tread on Target
    • The 5 Fundamentals of Weather
    • We Need to Fix NOTAMs
    • Math Problems for Students
  • Aero
    • Demystifying the basic lift equation
    • Density for Dummies
    • Speeds and Weight
    • Mach and TAS
    • Vmca Factors
    • OEI: The Gravity Tax
    • Hot and High Slowdown Adjustments
  • IFR
    • Vertical speeds on non-standard gradients
    • Turning inbound from an Arc
    • Turning onto an Arc
    • Outbound Holding time Adjustments
    • 60:1 and Derivations
    • 172 Attitude Flying
    • How to Ace GA Chart Briefings
    • GA Circling Approaches
    • IFR Briefings in Jets
    • OEI Approaches
    • Knob Setting Tricks
    • Deviations and Shortcuts
    • G1000 FPL Catalog
  • Stick & Rudder
    • The Energy Box
    • Mastering Slow Flight
    • Improving Your Landings
    • Pattern Extensions
    • VMC Demo
    • OEI Flow in the Seminole
  • Jets
    • Landing the E175
    • E175 Flare Geometry
    • E175 Flare Height Adjustment
    • Using FPR to Catch Mountain Wave
    • Finesse the E175 GS Capture
    • Taxi Shorthand
    • Box Setup in Canada
    • Runway Changes Simplified
    • Add Driftdown Alternates
    • E175 Optimal Climb Speeds
    • Using FPA for Slowdowns
  • Systems
    • Constant-Speed Props
    • C172 Engine Leaning
  • Airport Reports
    • KSLC LDA35
    • Denver
    • Sea-Tac Airport
    • SFO Airport
  • Blog
  • About Me

About me

Over the course of my flying career, I've learned a number of techniques, rules, and mnemonics that I want to share more broadly with the aviation community so that others can learn more cost-effectively. I'm a visual learner who likes to understand something before diving in, and specific guidance on how to get to an outcome. Most of the articles I've written have come from learning the hard way, so I'm trying to share those with all of you to make your own journeys less challenging.

Please take my site survey and contact me with any feedback you have on what's helpful or what you think could be improved. I'm continuing to learn as I go, including in better ways to communicate ideas, so please help make this a more valuable resource.

    Drop me a line, happy to hear your thoughts!

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Thanks for reading. These articles are my perspectives and are not meant to represent any employers' opinions. Always operate your aircraft per applicable SOPs, Stan Mans, and AFMs. Please help me out by sharing your feedback on the site.
Copyright 2020-2026

  • Home
    • Stage Checks and Checkrides >
      • General Checkride Tips
      • Privileges and Limitations
      • Airworthiness
    • Memory aids >
      • Approach Requests: PAST
      • Box Setup G1000: BARF
      • Level Offs: LLAPT
      • Maneuver Check: CREACS
      • Stable on Final? CAPES
      • Wing-Low Crosswinds
      • Wings Level, Tread on Target
    • The 5 Fundamentals of Weather
    • We Need to Fix NOTAMs
    • Math Problems for Students
  • Aero
    • Demystifying the basic lift equation
    • Density for Dummies
    • Speeds and Weight
    • Mach and TAS
    • Vmca Factors
    • OEI: The Gravity Tax
    • Hot and High Slowdown Adjustments
  • IFR
    • Vertical speeds on non-standard gradients
    • Turning inbound from an Arc
    • Turning onto an Arc
    • Outbound Holding time Adjustments
    • 60:1 and Derivations
    • 172 Attitude Flying
    • How to Ace GA Chart Briefings
    • GA Circling Approaches
    • IFR Briefings in Jets
    • OEI Approaches
    • Knob Setting Tricks
    • Deviations and Shortcuts
    • G1000 FPL Catalog
  • Stick & Rudder
    • The Energy Box
    • Mastering Slow Flight
    • Improving Your Landings
    • Pattern Extensions
    • VMC Demo
    • OEI Flow in the Seminole
  • Jets
    • Landing the E175
    • E175 Flare Geometry
    • E175 Flare Height Adjustment
    • Using FPR to Catch Mountain Wave
    • Finesse the E175 GS Capture
    • Taxi Shorthand
    • Box Setup in Canada
    • Runway Changes Simplified
    • Add Driftdown Alternates
    • E175 Optimal Climb Speeds
    • Using FPA for Slowdowns
  • Systems
    • Constant-Speed Props
    • C172 Engine Leaning
  • Airport Reports
    • KSLC LDA35
    • Denver
    • Sea-Tac Airport
    • SFO Airport
  • Blog
  • About Me