For some reason most student pilots spend hours on end staring at their nose wheel wondering if it's lined up. When the truth of the matter is they should really be looking under their own nose at the shadows off each wing of the airplane.

Parking can seem like a daunting task. Maneuvering in tight quarters can be just as anxiety inducing as landing on a gusty day. But, it doesn't have to be A quick trick that I learned, that they don't teach at many flight schools is looking at the shadows of the wings on the pavement below. If the shadows don't touch, your wings won't either. Lets dive deeper into this

Let's Say you just landed at an airport with your significant other and you're ready for them to buy you a $100 Burger as a reward for getting your pilots license. Upon arrival you realize there is only one parking spot left (these must be really good burgers), between two other Cessna 172's. It looks like there should be enough room? As you get closer you shift your focus from in front of you to the shadows below each of your wings. You notice the space between the shadows of your wings and your new neighbors, the shadows don't touch! You slide perfectly into the open spot without questioning if you're far enough away from each wing. Making it look easy to maneuver even the tightest of spaces. The best part is you didn't have to get out and pull your back out trying to push the plane into a spot. It's a lot easier doing it this way than guessing and hoping you can still make it home for your next meal.

This trick works great until the sun sets.