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. 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. This maneuver is described in JO 7110.65 (PCG).

AGL 52

AGL Descent Runway Pilot 52

Flight Training Central

AUGUST 12, 2024

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. Class E airspace - 1,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL. Fairfield and Choteau Fairfield and Dutton Choteau Correct! 1,548 feet MSL. 19 feet MSL.

AGL 105

AGL NOTAMs Runway Flight Plan 105

Flight Training Central

MAY 14, 2024

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. This makes it easy for the controller to quickly plan how to get you from your current location to the active runway that’s most aligned with where you’re going.

Runway 52

Runway Pilot Clearance AGL 52

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

What is the runway lighting? Only accurate within 10 degrees of runway heading). If you choose to fly a Circle-to Land approach to a runway without a VASI or PAPI, you are greatly increasing your vertical flight error path (possibility/probability). At what AGL altitude will the aircraft be in a stable/configured condition? (No

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 7, 2024

Last year, the app added Traffic on Runway alerts to notify pilots about potential conflicts between aircraft on final approach with another aircraft on the runway. In recent years, ForeFlight has made great strides in using this ADS-B traffic data to better alert pilots of potential hazards beyond en-route avoidance.

Turbulence 98

Turbulence Runway Airplanes AGL 98

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

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. This internal bargaining effect sets a potentially dangerous precedent because there’s no objective limit to defining an unstable approach.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

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).

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Descent Airplanes 52

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

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. A witness, who was located on the airport ramp on the south side of Runway 24, about 850 feet short of the departure end, observed the airplane fly by him after takeoff, the NTSB report reads.

Runway 85

Runway Airplanes AGL Pilot 85

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

This is not an instrument procedure, but rather a way to enter the traffic pattern when approaching from the opposite side of the runway. In other words, how you get to the runway is mostly a matter of manners , not regulations. The AFH specifically recommends overflying the pattern by two miles before turning inbound.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 98

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

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

I would then level off, slow down, dirty up, run a tight circle to land on the opposing runway. I immediately leveled off at around 650’ AGL, and began slowing down. The approach end of runway 24 came into view, followed by the rest of the airport as we entered the left downwind to runway 6. The little voice agreed.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Ask Captain Lim

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

One possible consideration is whether the captain could have declined the last-minute runway change from the original plan to land on Runway 1. The pilot-in-command has ultimate authority over the aircraft’s safety and can refuse a runway change if it compromises safety.

Pilot 59

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control AGL 59

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

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 94

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 94

iPad Pilot News

DECEMBER 17, 2024

These range from passive red badges on flight plan waypoints and approach charts to identify NOTAMs and closed runways, to on-screen pop-ups accompanied by an aural message to make sure the app gets your attention. And the performance planning feature will warn you if computed takeoff or landing distances exceed available runway lengths.

Pilot 105

Pilot Weather Flight Plan Approach 105

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.” VFR to MVFR…then 2 miles visibility and a ceiling of 1,200 feet agl. It’s an ATD. What could go wrong?

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

I was listening intently to the ASOS for wind or gusts, letting it repeat 5 or 6 times with the exact same report: 9 kts straight down the runway; no gusts. That was the runway we would use to land. It’s worth noting that Shmulik had a close call in the past: a jet pulled onto the runway in front of him with no radio call.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

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. The DH or MDA is just that, a minimum, at which point you either see the runway environment or execute the miss.

Weather 83

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 83

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.

Drag 52

Drag Descent AGL Runway 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

But, as you near the runway, the airplane starts to float. The aircraft will float and try to takeoff too early or float over the runway and delay touchdown while landing. Conversely, an aircraft may float down the runway during landing due to the ground effect, making it challenging to make a smooth landing at the desired location.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

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. Despite the weather delay, it looked like we would arrive at KSUS in time for our ride on Doc. As we neared KSUS, we were transferred to St. Louis Approach Control.

Approach 98

Approach General Aviation AGL Weather 98

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Not only must you fly unnervingly slow, but you also have to pick a spot on the runway and hit it. It’s a runway that is too short for a normal takeoff or landing but still usable with certain precautions. This allows them to safely operate into and out of these tight runways. You’re not alone.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 21, 2024

As briefed, we launched and headed to and entered one of our low-level training routes to fly tactical formation (below) at 500 feet AGL and 480 knots. As we neared MacDill, I maintained 300 knots as I let down to 1,500 AGL, which is the pattern airspeed and altitude at MacDill. By the way, it was reassuring to hear his calm voice.

Runway 52

Runway AGL Approach Knot 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 73

Runway Threshold Approach AGL 73

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

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Runway incursions are caused by lapses in awareness and communication. Its key elements include: Upwind leg: After takeoff, you fly straight out, climbing away from the runway. Crosswind leg: You turn 90 degrees to the upwind leg, flying perpendicular to the runway. Determining the Active Runway Where is the active runway based?

Pilot 52

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control Approach 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

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. If the runway is too wet, it might be temporarily closed. They’re happy to tell you the status of the airport and runways.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 10, 2024

Airport operations: Prospective pilots must show their understanding of traffic patterns used by manned aircraft pilots, runway markings and signage, and the sources for airport data. 1: To avoid a possible collision with a manned airplane, you estimate that your small UA climbed to an altitude greater than 600 feet agl.

Weight-Shift-Control 114

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

Pilot Institute

MAY 25, 2024

An airport has closed a runway/taxiway/apron for maintenance. He landed on a closed turf runway, causing the aircraft to nose over. In their example, runway 04L/22R is closed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). RWY 04L/22R tells us the subject is runway (RWY) 04L/22R. a closed runway has been reopened).

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs UTC Runway Federal Aviation Regulations 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Another point is that when youre cleared for a visual to a towered airport, itll often be a visual to a specific runway. Thats a clearance, and changing runways requires permission. A visual to an uncontrolled field wont have a runway assignment, but youre still bound by the local traffic patterns. That can be a gotcha.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Clearance Runway 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Another point is that when youre cleared for a visual to a towered airport, itll often be a visual to a specific runway. Thats a clearance, and changing runways requires permission. A visual to an uncontrolled field wont have a runway assignment, but youre still bound by the local traffic patterns. That can be a gotcha.

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Runway Ceiling 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

Add full flaps and establish recommended soft-field approach speed on final, approximately 1/2 mile from the runway. Adjust pitch and power for the desired airspeed and approach angle.The approach should be stabilized on the extended runway centerline no lower than 300’ AGL.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

Sometimes the wind socks at both ends of the runway point in opposite directions! Why didn’t Shmulik fly straight ahead to a controlled-crash landing away from the airport instead of trying to make the runway? In some situations this may require a pattern entry at 2000-3000 ft AGL).

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52

Northstar VFR

JULY 28, 2023

As an inexperienced, aspiring pilot, you’ve surely heard the saying that “the least important thing in aviation is the runway behind you, the fuel left in the truck and altitude above you”. In instrument flying , you have to be careful as some numbers are represented in AGL (above ground level), or MSL (mean sea level).

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Altimeter True Altitude Weather 52

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. The DH or MDA is just that, a minimum, at which point you either see the runway environment or execute the miss.

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 52

Northstar VFR

DECEMBER 9, 2023

It states; “If remaining in the traffic pattern, commence turn to crosswind leg beyond the departure end of the runway and within 300 feet of pattern altitude”. By doing this, assuming they are flying a 1,000 ft AGL pattern, they are actually flying an incorrect pattern.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aeronautical Information Manual Federal Aviation Regulations Air Traffic Control 52

Northstar VFR

JANUARY 4, 2023

The FAA requires under Part 91, that within the TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) period between 1 hour before and after, the weather at the airport of intended landing must show ceilings of at least 2,000ft AGL and 3 statute miles of visibility, to preclude the filing of an alternate.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Ceiling Approach Weather 52

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 1, 2024

At airports with multiple runways choose the one with the most crosswind if traffic permits. When your destination is a single runway with a stiff windsock at 90 degrees to the centerline, you’ll be glad you did. Practice for this by climbing to a safe altitude (3000 ft AGL) at Vy and retard the throttle.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Approach Rudder Airplanes 52