Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

In the airline world, descent planning and execution receives a lot of attention. To cope with these challenges, airline glass flight decks contain a vertical navigation function (VNAV) that keeps the autopilot, and the crew, on the right path to arrive at the final approach fix, or downwind leg, at speed and on altitude.

Descent 56

Descent Approach Final Approach Turbulence 56

Fear of Landing

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

On the 9th of July 2024, flight LA8073, operated by the Chilean airline LATAM, departed from Milano Malpensa for a passenger flight to São Paulo, Brazil. The load controller also verifies whether all planned passengers are accounted for and receives the final baggage and cargo weights from the airline staff.

Tail 96

Tail V Speed Knot Runway 96

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Six Brave Souls Air Facts Journal During the spring of 1977, I was a pilot for Skyway Airlines based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Skyway was a small commuter airline that operated a fleet of seven airplanes, including one DC-3. Since we were now at our maximum gross weight, a full power takeoff was mandatory.

Gross Weight 89

Gross Weight Airplanes Flight Deck Runway 89