Remove AGL Remove Descent Remove Runway
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Unstable approaches

Professional Pilot

According to the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), a stable approach is defined as one in which the pilot establishes and maintains a constant angle glidepath toward a predetermined point on the landing runway. Even with this knowledge, pilots continue to engage in behavior that culminates in unstable approaches.

Approach 105
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Danger lurks in circling approaches

Air Facts

Perhaps just prior to the start of descent could be the optimum time–certainly completed no later than commencement of approach. Recall that we must remain at or above MDA until we are in a normal position to perform a normal rate of descent to landing. What is the runway lighting? What is the calculated landing distance?

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My Near Death Experience

Air Facts

I requested a descent from 6,000’ down to 4,000’ and was denied due to traffic. I was soon cleared to descend to 4,000’ and entered IMC during the descent while I located the approach chart to brief. I began a rapid descent from 3,000’ down to the 2,000’ for the IAF. We’re now following a Saratoga. The IAF was looming closer.

Descent 98
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Radio calls during power off 360 at NTA

Ask a Flight Instructor

I typically arrive over the airfield/intended landing point 3,000 AGL then fly a 360 degree steep descent to a short final. An example of my arrival radio call is Smithville traffic, Texan 25, a military T-6, 10 miles west for simulated forced landing, runway 17, Smithville traffic. descending for left traffic, 2.

AGL 52
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Unbolted in Fairfield (Update on the 2022 Bell 407 GXP Crash)

Fear of Landing

It shows the helicopter flying normally, aligned to the runway, and then begin a gentle climb. The pilot told the airport tower controller that he may need the runway. The controller asked the pilot to report when two miles out and to expect runway 28. It rotated several times before crashing into the grass north of runway 28.

Torque 87
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RNAV Approaches Simplified: A Guide for New Pilots

Pilot Institute

Lateral guidance tells you to go left or right to align yourself with the runway. Heres how you decide: If you can see the runway (or certain lights or markers for the runway) when you reach the DH, you can keep going and land. Theyre pretty much the same thing, but heres the difference: DH is measured above the ground (AGL).

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How Not to Botch a Forced Landing

Plane and Pilot

Better to head for open cropland rather than try to stretch altitude to reach a runway surrounded by miles of houses. Much of the forced-landing procedure can be practiced at altitude, setting up a simulated runway elevation and beginning the drill a couple of thousand feet above that number.

Drag 52