Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

Though wind is reported using such simple numbers like 270@15G20, I’ve come to believe that 20 knots here is not always the same as 20 knots there. I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. Then came the landing in 20 knots in the Hill Country of Texas, west of Austin.

Knot 98

Knot Crosswind Rudder Turbulence 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we approached the gate, my phone rang again. The RNAV approach to the 7,000-foot Runway 31 that snakes around from the Runway 4 extended centerline, loops past Citi Field, and rolls out on a tight-in final approach. Now, if you’re on a 25-mile, straight-in approach to an 11,000-foot runway, there’s time to process that.

Runway 66

Runway Approach Knot Jet 66

Ask Captain Lim

DECEMBER 11, 2024

An Airbus A350 in a strong crosswind with nose pointing away How do pilots handle their planes in strong crosswinds? Landing in strong crosswinds is among the most challenging tasks for pilots, requiring precise techniques to ensure the aircraft touches down safely. Some airlines impose a lower limitation.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Pilot Approach Final Approach 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Pilots need to keep this behavior in mind as theyre likely to encounter these vortices while theyre on approach or during departure. This lateral movement takes place at a speed of about two or three knots. As at higher altitudes, the vortex movement near the ground is affected by crosswinds.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. Airplanes in the LSA category have some performance limitations, so the RV-12 gets right to the 120-knot max cruise figure.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

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. ” What about the old fashioned midfield crosswind, which many of us grew up flying? The AFH is not the final word on traffic patterns.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 98

Air Facts

APRIL 9, 2025

Its easy to imagine reading the NTSB report about an influencer on YouTube or Instagram who crashed while livestreaming on final approach (Can I land in a 40-knot crosswind? Weve all seen itnow imagine it on short final with Starlink. Ride along and find out!). Kids these days, right?

Weather 98

Weather Airplanes Pilot Cockpit 98

Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

With a little forward pressure on the yoke, I was able to keep the airplane on the runway to continue picking up airspeed as we arrived at my target of 60 knots for takeoff. As soon as we hit 60 knots indicated, I lightly pulled back on the yoke and the airplane popped right off the ground. Approach switched me to Tower.

Aileron 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. If the learner is not instrument rated but is training at an airport with an instrument approach, this might be a great time to teach them how to fly the approach as an emergency measure.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Flying Magazine

APRIL 26, 2024

The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. Left downwind on a blustery day with live weather actually shows a virga burst over the field, with local winds gusting 36 knots, making for some extreme conditions in such a tight canyon. Taking off in violent winds was a task. This was in XP12.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Weather Knot Aileron 105

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Just to be clear, although I avoid flying in “hard” IFR, all of my IFR practice includes approaches to minimums, go-arounds, and holding patterns—just in case. Kentland has a 4,000-foot runway, east/west, with a crosswind straight out of the north. The FAA weather said a thunderstorm was forecast, gusts to 6 knots.

Weather 74

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 74

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 8, 2025

As we walked from the wharf to breakfast, I saw that peak wind gusts were tickling the 40-knot mark. 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 93

Crosswind Wind Shear Knot Airplanes 93

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

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Key Takeaways Start by setting up your approach correctly to ensure you arrive at the threshold perfectly every time. Perfect the approach phase by managing the aircraft’s energy and using references to improve positioning throughout the pattern. Flying the Approach Haphazard approaches are very likely to lead to haphazard landings.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

This 172 had a flap extension speed of 85 knots, and my old Cessna 172’s limit was 100 mph, or 87 knots. 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? We have to ask for GPS approaches.)

Pitot Tube 80

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 80

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. It only takes a 10% increase in approach speed to increase the landing roll by 20%.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Briefing A pre-landing briefing highlights essential points critical to the approach and landing phase. If there is a crosswind at the airport, you should mention this in your brief. Discuss your nominated crosswind technique. Explain what aircraft input you will require to land the aircraft in the crosswind.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Runway 52

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

This system includes modes for: roll pitch heading vertical speed altitude hold approach These modes allow for a steady rate of descent, ascent, and consistent speed and altitude ranges. For instance, Knots 2U offers a Cessna 172 Cowl / Body Fairing Kit that improves aerodynamics and can increase cruise speed by 3-4 mph.

Knot 98

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 98

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

The weather briefing we had reviewed a half hour earlier promised a 20-knot headwind that would require two fuel stops on the 130-mile trip from our home airport in Kennett, Missouri (KTKX), to Little Rock Air Force Base (KLRF) in Arkansas. The windsock promised that getting the little yellow bird into the air would be a white-knuckle affair.

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 98

Air Facts

MAY 6, 2024

We were cruising at about the same speed the Cessna could manage which was 105 knots. She was on a left upwind leg to the airport, and would have to make crosswind, downwind, base and final legs to get set up to land. The wind was out of the north at about 10 knots, so landing to the south was not an option.

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Airplanes Knot 98

Photographic Logbook

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

Camera at the Ready We passed from Syracuse, through multiple sectors of Boston Center, and ultimately to Boston Approach once within the boundaries of New Hampshire. The Bear wielded her trusty Nikon like a pro and captured our approach and landing. A target moved across my traffic display at 450 knots (518 miles per hour). "I

Runway 89

Runway Knot Weather Turbulence 89

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we approached the gate, my phone rang again. The RNAV approach to the 7,000-foot Runway 31 that snakes around from the Runway 4 extended centerline, loops past Citi Field, and rolls out on a tight-in final approach. Now, if you’re on a 25-mile, straight-in approach to an 11,000-foot runway, there’s time to process that.

Runway 52

Runway Approach Knot Jet 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. Airplanes in the LSA category have some performance limitations, so the RV-12 gets right to the 120-knot max cruise figure.

Airplanes 96

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 96

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

As you approach the airport, monitor UNICOM for landing or departing traffic. Another performance factor is the approach speed. The slower the approach, the shorter the landing distance. Many aircraft have specific recommended normal and short-field approach speeds. It will allow you to fine-tune your approach.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

For example, if you’re holding at 100 knots and have a 10-knot tailwind on the outbound leg, the outbound leg should be shorter than one minute because you’ll have a headwind on the inbound leg. The pilot will fly a specific entry based on the sector from which they approach the holding fix. Step 3: Where to place your thumb.

VOR 52

VOR Pilot Crosswind Approach 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 13, 2024

Everything seems to be going well on approach, and then out of nowhere, you feel the jolt. For most light aircraft, you should aim for a descent rate of 500 feet per minute on the final approach. For example, The Cessna 172 has an approach speed of 65 knots with full flaps. What do you do?

Descent 52

Descent Runway Rudder Pilot 52

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. How can we prevent these unwanted outcomes? 1 priority. Go no lower.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Ceiling 52

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. How can we prevent these unwanted outcomes? 1 priority. Go no lower.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Just to be clear, although I avoid flying in “hard” IFR, all of my IFR practice includes approaches to minimums, go-arounds, and holding patterns—just in case. Kentland has a 4,000-foot runway, east/west, with a crosswind straight out of the north. The FAA weather said a thunderstorm was forecast, gusts to 6 knots.

Weather 52

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 52

AeroSavvy

JANUARY 16, 2024

Pilots often “refresh” METARs when approaching an airport with poor weather to monitor trends and have the most current decision-making information available. Winds over 15 knots are indicated by flashing yellow lights. They all follow the same format. C ( 12°F)/-11.0°C Airline dispatchers read and speak fluent METAR.

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Knot Visual Flight Rules 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Proper angle of attack management also maintains safety during slow flight, crosswind landings, and when encountering wake turbulence. You will also develop a feel of how the aircraft feels as it approaches a stall. Lets say your stall speed was 60 knots. 60 X 1.4 = a new stall speed of 84 knots!

Lift 52

Lift Turbulence Drag Pilot 52

Fear of Landing

OCTOBER 4, 2024

Surface Wind South-west 7-12 knots (kt). ” The pilot taxied to the holding point, checked the skies for any approaching aircraft, and lined up on the runway. The pilot applied some aileron to compensate for the crosswind and then applied full power. The airspeed was between 50 and 55 knots and was not increasing.

Runway 52

Runway Pilot Knot Weather 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Increasing The Aircraft Speed Small, light, and low-powered aircraft such as the Cessna 172 have a relatively narrow operational speed range ranging from 40 knots up to about 160 knots. Commercial airliners fly at speeds above 300 knots but also need to be controllable at speeds below 150 knots.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

AV Web

JANUARY 22, 2025

Winds were from 290 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. Yet all indications are he succumbed to a simple stall on final approach. On final approach for a third landing and following a Zenith STOL 701 also on final, the accident airplane descended and appeared to be lower than the airplane ahead.

Final Approach 52

Final Approach Airplanes Drag Pilot 52

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Off Sodus, I briefly leveled at 2,500 feet to remain visual until I received my instrument clearance from Rochester Approach. South of Buffalo, I tried to assist Approach by alerting them to a Citabria west of the Perry-Warsaw Airport that was trying to reach them. Looking north to the east end of Lake Erie and Buffalo, NY.

Runway 82

Runway Approach Knot Drag 82

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 23, 2024

You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. Around halfway, cruising at 3,000 feet at 180 knots, onboard avionics data indicates increasing temperature in one of the cylinder heads lasting about five minutes. The pressure of a no-go-around approach is immense. So just hang in there.” “I

Knot 88

Knot Runway Pilot Groundspeed 88

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

A bad approach results in a bad landing. A go-around is a maneuver performed to abort or reject a landing on the final approach or once the aircraft has already touched down. Top Reasons for Go-Arounds Unstabilized Approach An aircraft must have a stabilized approach before landing. What Is a Go-Around?

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52