Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Contingency planning is even more important for IFR pilots on cross-country flights where a cloud ceiling shift of 100 or visibility change of a mile can mean the difference between seeing the runway at the end of an instrument approach or having to go around and find another place to land.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Weather Approach Flight Plan 52

Flight Training Central

OCTOBER 14, 2024

If either the ceiling or visibility is forecast to be less than 2,000 feet or 3 statute miles during that arrival window, you are required to file an alternate. Many pilots refer to this as the 1-2-3 rule: Plus or minus 1 hour from arrival, ceilings at least 2 ,000 feet and visibility at least 3 statute miles.

Ceiling 98

Ceiling Pilot Weather Approach 98

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

West of the Geneseo VOR, I passed high above Silver Lake and the gorge in Letchworth State Park. Though I am no geologist, I found myself biting my tongue whenever the tour guide -- who otherwise did a fine job -- referred to the ceiling-bound mineral formations as "stalagtites". He says while playing hooky from work on a Friday.)

Runway 82

Runway Approach Knot Drag 82