Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

As we transitioned from Mobile to Pensacola Approach, I was able to grab the weather report at our final destination airport Destin Executive (KDTS). The only thing that caught my attention was a 90 degree crosswind coming from the east that was gusting to 11 or 12 knots. Approach switched me to Tower.

Aileron 96

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 96

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 8, 2025

I can tell you the wind limitations for every jet Ive flown, as they were memory items we were required to know. Every reference to a crosswinds in the operators manual are as follows: Hydraulic disc brakes and a steerable nosewheel aid in positive directional control during taxiing and crosswind landings.

Crosswind 71

Crosswind Wind Shear Knot Airplanes 71

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

It was go-home day and launching with our back to the storm seemed appropriate as we headed to Detroit, where we were scheduled to step onto another jet and catch a ride home to finish our trip. We were tasked with ferrying an empty jet to LaGuardia Airport (KLGA), then we’d catch a ride home in the back of a different jet.

Runway 56

Runway Approach Knot Jet 56

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Once there, he put us in a slight right turn toward our first fuel stop 60 miles ahead, continuously fighting the stick as the gusting left crosswind did its best to push us off course. The monstrous cargo planes and nimble fighter jets soaring overhead could no doubt travel faster, but only the little Cub could offer a journey back in time.

Runway 82

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 82

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

It was go-home day and launching with our back to the storm seemed appropriate as we headed to Detroit, where we were scheduled to step onto another jet and catch a ride home to finish our trip. We were tasked with ferrying an empty jet to LaGuardia Airport (KLGA), then we’d catch a ride home in the back of a different jet.

Runway 52

Runway Approach Knot Jet 52

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 7, 2025

Once youre used to those key differences, flying and landing a Stearman (without much crosswind, wink wink) is just as enjoyable, if not more, than a Cub. I never wished for an airline career but was friends with several who came up through the ranks as we entered the true jet age. Well, like a lot of the early jets, its fast.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Tail Pilot Jet 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

There was a nice crosswind, and I demonstrated landing on a concrete expansion joint, offset from the runway centerline. Hmm, OK, how about the LPV approach? It’s curious to me that we pilots shoot LPV approaches, but ATC doesn’t know what they are. We have to ask for GPS approaches.)

Pitot Tube 59

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 59

Fly with Eva

FEBRUARY 24, 2018

I remember the emotions during the last approach into Barcelona airport. Now is my last approach and final landing with a cabin full of passengers. We tackle the first hurdle the next day: despite a proper jet lag we pass the Performance and Air Law ATPL exams. He is just as excited as I am to now join the Boeing 747 fleet.

Approach 52

Approach Flight Deck Cargo Pilot 52

Professional Pilot

JULY 3, 2024

Climate Scientist T he pilots of the intercontinental business jet had just finished transmitting their position report from FL330 over the Philippine Sea when one noticed the contrails of a commercial jet approaching their position a few thousand feet above their altitude. Understanding turbulence can be key to a smooth flight.

Turbulence 40

Turbulence Weather Jet Pilot 40

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

Consider the Cherokee pilot in Wisconsin who approached too fast: “The pilot reported that during the landing at the destination airport, the airplane floated down the runway, landed long, and did not slow as expected. Neither one is good. Too much speed is almost as bad as too little.

Knot 98

Knot Runway Airplanes Pilot 98

Air Facts

JUNE 21, 2024

I taxied the Cessna 172 out, took off, and approached the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River, like in John Denver’s song “Country Roads” except for a lot more propeller noise. Wing low, opposite rudder” is how I learned to fly in crosswinds in the Cessna T-37, the “Tweet,” but that advice didn’t stick to his big doctor brain.

Rudder 75

Rudder Crosswind Knot Aileron 75

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

Below, the boats and jet skis stream across the lake—people enjoying their own adventure this evening as I fly overhead. As I approach 10 nm out, I make a call on 122.7 The radio is quiet as I approach, and the turn to the 45 degree entry is easy and smooth. They probably don’t notice me, but I watch them intently.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

But it was apparent the smallest Grumman flying boat was too small and full of quirks—the cabin door won’t open if the flaps are down, for example—to justify something approaching a direct copy. A significant investment in heavy, water-jet cut steel tooling means repeatedly accurate wings come off the Composite Creations table.

Airplanes 59

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 59

Vintage Aviation News

OCTOBER 18, 2024

” Bristol Bulldog at Tillamook Airport After a short time in the air, Storo circled around to approach Tillamook Airport setting up for landing. The tail touched down hard, but to save the landing—and the airplane—Storo put power to it and went around for another approach. It is a terrible airplane for crosswinds.

Airplanes 124

Airplanes Crosswind Tail Cockpit 124