Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. It felt like pushing it for that airplane, but checkrides are so hard to schedule I went. I’ve landed in strong winds enough times that 30 knots can seem routine, as long as it’s reasonably aligned with the runway.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Knot Rudder Turbulence 98

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 30, 2025

Better stick-and-rudder control, smoother handling, and more exact navigation, even during VFR flights. Theres nothing quite like breaking out of a thick layer of clouds to find the runway right where it should beor shooting a perfect RNAV approach to minimums. The result? We train with real-world risk management in mind.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Approach Visual Flight Rules 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 30, 2024

The flying club’s Cessnas and Pipers stood out like a flock of scrawny pigeons as the eagles of Pan Am, TWA, British Airways, and the like lumbered by on their way to and from the runways. Then came the long taxi to the runway. I exclaimed, pointing at the Concorde as it hurtled down the runway. We also flew in IMC.

NDB 52

NDB Checkride VOR Approach 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Not only must you fly unnervingly slow, but you also have to pick a spot on the runway and hit it. It’s a runway that is too short for a normal takeoff or landing but still usable with certain precautions. What Makes a Short Field Short ?

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Jetwhine

JANUARY 17, 2024

Cram enough L–39 knowledge and skill into my brain to pass a type-rating checkride. Only if a pilot chooses the complete course with a checkride is an instrument rating required. You’d think pilot problems would be all about stick-and-rudder skills here,” he said. Hold full right rudder and gently grab the handbrake.

Knot 52

Knot Rudder Pilot Jet 52

Air Facts

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

He was warm, friendly, patient, an amazing stick, and sure enough, on my 16th birthday I found myself taxiing toward the runway without him, he standing in the grass next to the taxiway, smiling broadly. I was a working CFI at the time and I remember flying along with Bill in the school’s Beech Duchess, practicing for the checkride.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Pilot Checkride Rudder 98

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 27, 2025

Boeing Company Allows Boeing flight crews to calculate takeoff analysis, landing analysis and weight and balance information, correcting for pressure variation, runway conditions, engine bleeds and MEL items. Improve your stick and rudder skills as a private pilot go beyond the instrument checkride with these advanced courses.

Weather 91

Weather Pilot Flight Plan Airplanes 91