Ask a Flight Instructor

JANUARY 26, 2025

I typically arrive over the airfield/intended landing point 3,000 AGL then fly a 360 degree steep descent to a short final. I believe the civilian equivalent is the 360 degree power-off landing once required of commercial pilot candidates, and described in previous editions of the Airplane Flying Handbook. left descending spiral, 3.

AGL 52

AGL Descent Runway Pilot 52

iPad Pilot News

DECEMBER 17, 2024

ForeFlight vs. Garmin Pilot: 3 key differences to help you decide iPad Pilot News There are a handful of full-featured aviation Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) apps available today for pilots, both free and paid, which provide just about every preflight and in-flight resource you’ll need for both VFR and IFR operations.

Pilot 105

Pilot Weather Flight Plan Approach 105

Flight Training Central

AUGUST 12, 2024

An aviation VFR Sectional chart is chock-full of visual reference information that is important for every pilot. Runway lengths, obstacle avoidance, restricted airspace, plus much more all provide bits of data that will keep you informed and safe on every flight. 1,533 feet AGL. 1,548 feet MSL. 1,498 feet MSL. 2,773 feet MSL.

AGL 105

AGL NOTAMs Runway Flight Plan 105

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

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. Aviation writers and safety pundits hate writing about this topic as much as pilots hate reading about it. Houston, we have a problem. Yet here we are.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Flight Training Central

MAY 14, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following scenario is from the VFR Communications Manual from Pilot Workshops. To taxi from the ramp to the runway at a towered airport, (across the “movement area”), you need to receive a taxi clearance from the Ground controller. Runways with land-and-hold-short operations (LAHSO) can also cause problems.

Runway 52

Runway Pilot Clearance AGL 52

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 7, 2024

ForeFlight adds wake turbulence alerts iPad Pilot News Datalink weather stole the show when portable ADS-B technology debuted over a decade ago, providing pilots with free in-flight weather imagery in mobile apps like ForeFlight. The post ForeFlight adds wake turbulence alerts first appeared on iPad Pilot News.

Turbulence 98

Turbulence Runway Airplanes AGL 98

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

A circling approach is one that, by dwindling numbers and its inherent design, forces the pilot(s) into a seldom used and high-risk evolution–often migrating us to an unexpected and seldom visited zip code of the threat/error management neighborhood. When was the last time either pilot (single pilot) performed this exact approach?

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Ask Captain Lim

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Black Hawk on collision patch with CRJ 700 Could pilots of Flight5342have done anything differently to avoid the DC planecrash? This question from Quora explores whether the pilots of American Airlines Flight 5342 could have taken different actions to avoid the tragic collision.

Pilot 59

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control AGL 59

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

In reality it’s neither, but the bigger problem is that most pilots don’t even know what it means. And since 95% of airports in the US are nontowered, most pilots will use some type of pattern entry every time they fly. In other words, how you get to the runway is mostly a matter of manners , not regulations.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 98

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

Like most pilots, I am alert to aircraft accidents that make the news. The RV-10 was involved in a fatal accident after impacting the roof of a furniture manufacturer whose building is near short final to Runway 24. The pilot had requested an immediate landing, which the tower controller immediately granted.

Runway 79

Runway Airplanes AGL Pilot 79

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precision approach and provides both lateral and vertical guidance to a runway. For most general aviation operations, it allows a pilot to descend to as low as 200′ AGL and assist a pilot in locating the runway in as low as 3/8 mile visibility.

Approach 52

Approach Instrument Landing System AGL Ceiling 52

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Flying at non-towered airports can feel like stepping into a space where youre both the pilot and air traffic controller. Lets explore the common mistakes pilots make at these airports and how you can avoid them. Runway incursions are caused by lapses in awareness and communication. Does this sound intimidating?

Pilot 52

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control Approach 52

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

It shows the helicopter flying normally, aligned to the runway, and then begin a gentle climb. The pilot held instructor ratings for helicopter and instrument helicopter, with 872 hours flight time, of which 29 were on type. Five minutes later, about two miles south of Teterboro, the pilot said “What is going on here?”

Torque 94

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 94

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

I queried ATC about when to expect the approach clearance and was informed that the Saratoga had appeared to land but the pilot hadn’t contacted ATC to close his IFR flight plan. I would then level off, slow down, dirty up, run a tight circle to land on the opposing runway. The IAF was looming closer. The little voice agreed.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. Don’t accept the excuses of “I can’t fly if I can’t see the runway,” or “I can’t feel the airplane.” If you are flying with another pilot, insist on briefing who-does-what tasks in this situation. It’s an ATD.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The pilot can ask for the visual, or ATC can assign it. However, the pilot must have the airport, or the preceding aircraft, in sight. A takeaway for us pilots is that when cleared for a visual to an uncontrolled field, we tie up that airportand maybe other nearby airportsuntil we cancel IFR. In practice, it often requires more.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Clearance Runway 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 10, 2024

With a better understanding of the structure of the test, the material the exam covers, and some sample questions, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a commercial drone pilot. Courses like those offered by Altitude University , The Pilot Institute and ASA , for instance, include several graded practice exams and quizzes.

Weight-Shift-Control 114

Weight-Shift-Control Air Traffic Control Aeronautical Decision-Making Density Altitude 114

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Soon, the eagerly expected runway came into view, and the briefest of traffic patterns put us on the pavement, rolling out in relief. My companion claimed to spot runway lights directly below as I executed the miss. Remember, the pilot is in the aircraft for one reason only—to make decisions. Now, where to go?

Weather 78

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 78

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

But, as you near the runway, the airplane starts to float. Ground effect is a phenomenon that every pilot must master. The aircraft will float and try to takeoff too early or float over the runway and delay touchdown while landing. If not recognized in time, ground effect can result in runway overruns.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Flying Magazine

APRIL 30, 2024

The complexity of the instrument panel has served either to intrigue or intimidate potential pilots. Subscribe Now Featured And for new pilots—and this pilot who flies Cirrus aircraft sporadically—as opposed to a seasoned owner or dedicated Cirrus instructor, the barrier to entry and re-entry has fallen significantly.

Pilot 111

Pilot Airplanes Approach Jet 111

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

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. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it.

Drag 52

Drag Descent AGL Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Not only must you fly unnervingly slow, but you also have to pick a spot on the runway and hit it. This allows them to safely operate into and out of these tight runways.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 21, 2024

Sounds you NEVER want to hear Air Facts Journal Whenever a pilot “slips the surly bonds of earth and dances the sky on laughter silvered wings,” there are sounds they NEVER want to hear. “Top Dawg” (my callsign) flight was manned with instructor pilots (IP) in #1 (me) and #3 with students in Vipers #s 2 and 4.

Runway 52

Runway AGL Approach Knot 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

We reminisced about the days when we became private pilots. At 1,000’ AGL on mid-downwind, we could see Doc parked at the FBO. Two F/A-18 Hornets, the Blue Angels, on low approach, sped towards the runway on final. Mark’s tears of joy and surprise flowed freely, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Approach 98

Approach General Aviation AGL Weather 98

Pilot Institute

MAY 25, 2024

Key Takeaways NOTAMs update pilots about changes in airspace, airports, and equipment that affect aircraft operations. NOTAMs alert pilots to issues that impact flight operations. An airport has closed a runway/taxiway/apron for maintenance. He landed on a closed turf runway, causing the aircraft to nose over.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs UTC Runway Federal Aviation Regulations 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Runway visual range (RVR) under 2,400 feet triggers a SPECI, and another is issued if it rises to 2,400 feet or more within 10 minutes. Well, these events can quickly affect visibility or runway conditions so much that they call for a special report. Runway visual range (RVR). Let’s look at each weather condition. Visibility.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Weather Wind Shear Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Unlike paved runways, every soft landing surface is different. Obstructions: Ensure the runway is clear of obstacles, from stones to animals. You can walk down the length of the runway.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

A pilot needs to control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical to minimize stresses imposed on the landing gear by a rough surface or to prevent sinking into a soft surface. Once committed to the landing, the pilot should gently lower the nose-wheel to the surface.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

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. Turning final, I set up myself with what is now my runway. About 5 miles out, I contacted Lawson Tower, which cleared me for a straight-in to Runway 15. The wind blowing down the runway created a downdraft.

Runway 68

Runway Threshold Approach AGL 68

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Soon, the eagerly expected runway came into view, and the briefest of traffic patterns put us on the pavement, rolling out in relief. My companion claimed to spot runway lights directly below as I executed the miss. Remember, the pilot is in the aircraft for one reason only—to make decisions. Now, where to go?

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 52

Northstar VFR

JULY 28, 2023

Most people aren't pilots , though. Pilots know that weather has an intense impact on flying. Altitude (without sounding like Captain Obvious) might just be the most important thing to a pilot. An altimeter is standard in every aircraft, and its sole job is to inform the pilot of how high in the sky they are.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Altimeter True Altitude Weather 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The pilot can ask for the visual, or ATC can assign it. However, the pilot must have the airport, or the preceding aircraft, in sight. A takeaway for us pilots is that when cleared for a visual to an uncontrolled field, we tie up that airportand maybe other nearby airportsuntil we cancel IFR. In practice, it often requires more.

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Runway Ceiling 52

Northstar VFR

DECEMBER 9, 2023

By Jordan Bullock, CFI & Boeing 737 Pilot When I begin instructing a new student, the first thing I do is show them all the literature and educational media that pilots have at their disposal. I’ve heard many pilots state that they always turn crosswind at 500 feet.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aeronautical Information Manual Federal Aviation Regulations Air Traffic Control 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

There’s been a lot of interest in my recent accident analysis “ Invisible Trap Kills Glider Pilot – How To Avoid Microbursts.” Cold downdrafts created by virga displace warmer air near the surface creating updrafts glider pilots can, and should, use to avoid landing in downburst conditions. Absolutely!

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52

Air Facts

APRIL 24, 2024

Dad, a seasoned VFR pilot, was at the controls. I, a 19 year old greenhorn with a brand new pilot’s license in my wallet, sat at his right. And it would worsen to a point that would be too much for this new pilot, fresh out of flight training, to remain “unphased.” But the turbulence would continue to worsen.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Final Approach Ceiling 52

Northstar VFR

JANUARY 4, 2023

by Gustin Robinson, FAA CFI-I ASEL Flying under instrument meteorological conditions keeps even a good pilot on their toes. As a student pilot you were always taught “see and avoid”, keep your eyes outside, etc. Remember that weather conditions vary the further away you get. Have any questions?

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Ceiling Approach Weather 52