Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 12, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Flight Principles of Flight: Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag Flying a plane for the first time requires a basic understanding of the forces that make flight possible. Thrust, produced by the engines, moves the plane forward, while drag, or air resistance, slows it down.

Aileron 52

Aileron Drag Rudder Descent 52

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

Perhaps just prior to the start of descent could be the optimum time–certainly completed no later than commencement of approach. For example, some aircraft limit flaps and gear in icing until on approach or forbid the use of speed brakes or require a minimum thrust setting. We also benefit from the latest weather updates.

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Air Facts

MAY 20, 2024

The Captain determined that I would be the pilot flying our MD-11 home that night After takeoff, we settled into our normal routine getting the oceanic clearance from Tokyo and heading out over the Pacific at 34,000 feet. As the thrust levers rolled back, I asked for the descent checklist. ” He was right.

Flight Deck 96

Flight Deck Cockpit Approach Descent 96

Charles Ryan's Flying Adventure

AUGUST 2, 2024

There were a few good bumps during take off and more of it during the descent especially flying through the clouds. Anyway, during the descent, there was quite a bit of bumps and that also includes a sudden downdraft that made me hold on to the seat in front of me, I dislike this feeling to be honest. Almost there!

Descent 102

Descent Runway Cabin Crew Weather 102

Charles Ryan's Flying Adventure

OCTOBER 15, 2024

There was a bit of queue waiting for clearance to enter the terminal. In my head - It's time for me to go home and that's it), before finally given me the clearance to leave the country. At least when we started our descent, the weather was much better, descending and landing in smooth condition. Seriously? (In

Cabin Crew 59

Cabin Crew Weather Descent Turbulence 59

Charles Ryan's Flying Adventure

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

We waited for another 10 minutes before finally given the clearance to board the aircraft, I wonder what was the cause of the delay. Many hours later, we started our descent into New York. Reverse thrusts were deployed to slow our aircraft down. Off we go, I enjoyed some view of Sao Paulo before settling in.

Airlines 52

Airlines Airline Runway Final Approach 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Climbs and descents were normal, and while not stunning, it seemed like this airplane could carry a load up and over the hills if needed—even though it is designed to operate down low. to accelerate out of slow conditions, so it’d be hard to inadvertently stall this thing.

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77