Approach Ceiling Wind Shear 
Plane and Pilot
JANUARY 8, 2025
Dawn had broken bright and clear, and while icing , ceiling, and visibility had been my preoccupationrightfully so, given our arrival into Portlandthe actual threat of the day was wind. As we walked from the wharf to breakfast, I saw that peak wind gusts were tickling the 40-knot mark.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 6, 2025
AGL is important for drone pilots as the regular ceiling for drone flight is defined as 400 feet AGL. The systematic approach is designed to help pilots approach troublesome situations in a calm and logical manner. Information transmitted via ATIS can include weather information, NOTAMs, available approaches, or active runaways.
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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. Grab Bag My latest adventure in Warrior 481 had a little bit of everything. Famous last words.)
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
Cloud ceilings below 1,500 feet or cumulonimbus clouds can trigger a SPECI. A sudden wind shift, a 10-knot or greater speed increase, a 45-degree or more direction change, or gusts exceeding limits may also cause a SPECI. Thunderstorms can also bring wind shear and lightning.
Air Facts
APRIL 24, 2024
We had light winds, good visibility, full cloud cover, and ample ceiling heights. But, with a frontal system approaching, the conditions were expected to worsen over the hours subsequent to our passing through, including the chance for moderate to severe turbulence. The flight started off uneventfully enough. We weren’t.
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 2, 2024
No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. Fixating on the runway numbers can lead to flying through treetops during the approach. They may be rated, but not ready for the real world. Go no lower.
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 2, 2024
No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. Fixating on the runway numbers can lead to flying through treetops during the approach. They may be rated, but not ready for the real world. Go no lower.
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