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

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 96

Crosswind Wind Shear Knot Airplanes 96

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Pilots must adapt their approach and landing technique during flap failure. The flaps on an aircraft are used for controlled descents with slower airspeed during the approach and landing. Certain Conditions Certain conditions, such as severe icing or busy airspace (request for faster approach), may require a no-flaps landing.

Pilot 52

Pilot Drag Descent Approach 52

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 70

Runway Approach Knot Jet 70

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 84

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 84

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 92

Knot Runway Pilot Groundspeed 92

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

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 Final Approach 52

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

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

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 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

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

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 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

When learning how to land a Piper Seminole, it is crucial to understand the role of each engine in the approach and landing phases. Pilots must be proficient in managing engine power, especially during the approach, where power settings and speed management are critical to a smooth and safe landing.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 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 78

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 78

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

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

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 52

Knot Runway Pilot Groundspeed 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

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. Cruising around 200 knots, the Rocket is a fantastic cross-country machine or around-the-patch sunset flier. T-6’s performat EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Tail Pilot Jet 98

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

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

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

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 87

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 87

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. Repeat at 55 or 75 knots for more practice (or whatever airspeed works for your airplane). Neither one is good.

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. One time, walking back to the FBO from the airplane after about what seemed like his hundreth dual flight, he turned and asked me “How fast is a knot?”

Rudder 75

Rudder Crosswind Knot Airplanes 75

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

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

Thaws, rain, snow, and strong crosswinds can temporarily close the airport. Not Cool, Man After transitioning across multiple sectors of Boston Center's vast airspace, the home stretch found us on with Boston Approach under a crisp, blue New Hampshire sky. Despite its acclaim, the ephemeral airport leads a finicky existence.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68

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

Pilot Institute

APRIL 19, 2024

A 60-degree bank increases stall speed by 20 knots, three knots above the best glide speed. At a typical ground speed of 70 knots, your turn diameter will be approximately 0.7 Increased ground speed gives you little time to prepare for a safe approach and landing. The goal is to head back and land on the runway.

AGL 52

AGL Runway Lift Descent 52