Flight Training Central

JANUARY 10, 2025

As an example, the Garmin GTN series offers a vertical calculation (VCALC) function that includes the ability to set a desired rate of descent to calculate the appropriate point to begin your descent based on your aircrafts current groundspeed. You can also view your TOD from the flight plan profile view on the Maps tab.

Descent 98

Descent Groundspeed Flight Plan AGL 98

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

A pit stop at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (KCRE) was planned, and after a weather briefing, I filed an IFR flight plan. At the current groundspeed, I believed it shouldn’t be of much concern unless the cell began producing lightning. I immediately leveled off at around 650’ AGL, and began slowing down.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

FAA weather charts can help for higher altitudes but when just a few thousand feet agl, they may be less useful. Using my 80-knot tailwind and a stationary wave, my groundspeed and therefore penetration speed through the wave would be 160 knots faster than an upwind approach and theoretically more turbulent. We didn’t test it.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 97

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 14, 2024

Pilots that are comfortable with self-briefing, via FAA Flight Services, or an equivalent means, may use the EFB to display the METI and AI as well as to file flight plans. For example, ground-based systems that require a line of sight may have relatively limited coverage below 5,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

Weather 59

Weather AGL Flight Deck Pilot 59