Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

We often hear that the key to a great landing is an equally great approach. And lets face it, the key to that flawless approach is often a well-planned descent. The en route instrument approaches, traffic patterns, and terrain are all new. When should we review the approach (IFR) or airport diagram (VFR)?

Descent 54

Descent Approach Final Approach Wind Shear 54

Air Facts

MAY 7, 2025

The longest runways had front course and back course ILS (Instrument Landing Systems) and an on-field VOR that provided navigation and approach capabilities for aircraft on instrument flights. If you have ever been on the receiving end of a GCA approach, you might sense a bit of what I am trying to say. The Tower had no radar.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control VOR Runway Distance Measuring Equipment 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

This approach gives perspective on all factors, including those that might otherwise be ignored or unrecognized. Weeks prior to the incident I had flown many approaches in IMC in which IMC was maintained at and beyond the FAF.” NTSB ERA22LA393 shows an airplane slow on approach that flared high.

Gross Weight 98

Gross Weight Runway Airplanes Pilot 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Maximum Gross Weight: 1,587 lbs. Empty Weight, Standard: 959 lbs. Resuming a powered descent to enter the pattern, the aux fuel pump goes on and flaps are deployed to 15 degrees, and the aircraft trimmed to 75 knots for the approach. Clearing the final approach path, we extended full flaps and stabilized at 70 knots.

Knot 94

Knot Rudder Airplanes Gross Weight 94