Air Facts

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Thats especially true for instrument pilots, where Air Traffic Control sounds like they are running the show, the avionics seem to direct the flight along predefined routes, and the autopilot actually flies the airplane. But as obvious as this sounds, its surprisingly hard to do in the real world.

Pilot in Command 95

Pilot in Command Pilot Approach Airplanes 95

Aerotime

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Modern commercial airliners have complicated cabin air conditioning systems , as well as other electrical cabling and pipework that keep all the systems on the aircraft functioning. In gusty conditions, for example, crews tend to add a few knots to their touchdown speed, which allows for fluctuations in airspeed while on final approach.

Cabin Crew 268

Cabin Crew Descent Runway Approach 268

Pilot Institute

MARCH 6, 2025

AGL is important for drone pilots as the regular ceiling for drone flight is defined as 400 feet AGL. FAA Federal Aviation Administration The FAA is the US federal government agency in charge of aviation standards, air traffic control, airspace safety, and the certification of personnel and aircraft.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Air Traffic Control NOTAMs 52

Fear of Landing

DECEMBER 6, 2024

By now, it was dark and the weather in Gaithersburg had deteriorated with fog and low cloud ceilings. However, the METAR for their destination showed an overcast ceiling at 200 feet above ground level and fog. During the final stages of the flight, air traffic control told the pilot to expect the RNAV A approach to Montgomery County.

Approach 97

Approach Runway Air Traffic Control Descent 97

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

I expected to manage some cloud layers during the New York portion of the flight, but the forecast called for a high ceiling at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. I expected minimal IMC time and the need for an approach appeared beyond remote. In the vicinity of Allentown, I emerged from the clouds into clear air.

Approach 69

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 69

Photographic Logbook

JULY 9, 2024

Although Boston ATC had cut us loose, we were still beneath a 2,000 foot Bravo airspace ceiling. Carl had assured me that Boston air traffic controllers were fantastic and they lived up to those high expectations perfectly. While flying an extended final approach, a vibration on my wrist caused me to glance at my watch.

Clearance 52

Clearance Runway Approach Stability 52

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Challenger 604, G-IV Contributing Writer Pilatus PC-12 on approach at ORL. Air traffic control instructions often lead to unstable approaches. 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.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105