Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Challenger 604, G-IV Contributing Writer Pilatus PC-12 on approach at ORL. Air traffic control instructions often lead to unstable approaches. The request to make a short approach or maintain a higher-than-normal speed to the final approach fix is the most common reason pilots don’t meet stable approach criteria.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

A high degree of pilot proficiency, competence as well as currency (currency in Circling Approaches specifically). An acceptable meteorological combination of ceiling, visibility, and wind. ICAO minima for circling approaches is much higher than that stipulated in the FARs so consider higher weather minima. No later than).

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

KCPC was reporting IFR conditions with a 700’ ceiling and one mile visibility. After a few attempts, Unicom finally answered with a yes, the Saratoga is at the gas pump. Unicom also confirmed the weather was still showing a 700’ ceiling with one mile of visibility. Tuning in the AWOS, I heard an unpleasant surprise.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather Runway 98

Air Facts

APRIL 24, 2024

We had light winds, good visibility, full cloud cover, and ample ceiling heights. But, with a frontal system approaching, the conditions were expected to worsen over the hours subsequent to our passing through, including the chance for moderate to severe turbulence. The flight started off uneventfully enough. We weren’t.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Final Approach Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

I checked the weather by phone and was assured it would be great CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited) with 2-3-knot winds from 090 degrees. With nothing to lose, at a little over 1,000 feet agl, I started a turn to the left, looking for a place to land. It dawned on me what probably happened on my final approach.

Runway 58

Runway Threshold Approach AGL 58