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

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 Runway AGL Lift 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

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Go-arounds are among the easiest tasks a pilot can perform. Pilots avoid go-arounds because it is seen as an admission of guilt. Pilots perform the maneuver when a landing is unsafe or can result in an incident. Pilots perform the maneuver when a landing is unsafe or can result in an incident. What Is a Go-Around?

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 1, 2024

Some gust fronts can be completely harmless or may be a precursor for an encounter with severe turbulence and dangerous low-level convective wind shear. These gust fronts often contain severe or extreme turbulence, strong and gusty straight-line winds, and low-level convective wind shear.

Wind Shear 114

Wind Shear Weather Knot Turbulence 114