Pilot Institute

JANUARY 3, 2025

If youre preparing for takeoff, navigating an approach, or landing at an uncontrolled airport, knowing how to read a windsock can give you quick wind information. These aircraft have lower crosswind limitations and are more affected by gusts and wind shear. The best windsocks strike a balance between weight and strength.

Knot 98

Knot Weather Wind Shear Weight-Shift-Control 98

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. 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

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

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

MARCH 7, 2025

And during these maneuvers, you need to: Act as the sole manipulator of the flight controls. Here are the areas you should read up on: Landing irregularities : Information on crosswind landings will help you escape a tight situation and get back on the ground safely. At these heights, you could get into turbulence and gusty crosswinds.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Pilot in Command Crosswind 52