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 75

Knot Crosswind Rudder Runway 75

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. 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. Full flaps, 1.3

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Lazy eights sound like the least challenging commercial checkride maneuver to learn. For a Cessna 172, the recommended indicated airspeed for the maneuver is 105 knots. At this point, you should be flying at the slowest speed (5-10 knots above stall speed). What standards does the commercial checkride require?

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. A faster, reduced-flaps approach improves aircraft control during strong crosswinds or gusts. Private Pilot and Commercial ACS Standards Are you preparing for your Private or Commercial Pilot checkride? Well, not exactly.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

Make this one of the key measures of your pilot proficiency: can you maintain a predetermined airspeed with a maximum deviation of +10/-5 knots (the Private Pilot ACS)? In fact, I believe most pilots need fewer stalls and more slow flight in their training diet (at least after the Private checkride).

Knot 86

Knot Runway Airplanes Pilot 86

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

The aircraft was 44 knots higher than its target landing speed, which resulted in a runway overrun. For instance, if an aircraft is on the crosswind leg, they’ll ask you to extend the upwind If you don’t have the time, that’s okay. Private and Commercial Pilot ACS Standards During a checkride, you must perform a go-around.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52