Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Challenger 604, G-IV Contributing Writer Pilatus PC-12 on approach at ORL. Air traffic control instructions often lead to unstable approaches. The request to make a short approach or maintain a higher-than-normal speed to the final approach fix is the most common reason pilots don’t meet stable approach criteria.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Photographic Logbook

SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

From flight planning, I knew that we would experience rain, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and darkness. Mitigating factors included no risk of convection (thunderstorms) or icing at our cruise altitude of 5,000 feet and VFR conditions expected to prevail at Saratoga Springs for our landing. Ground team!

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Approach Final Approach Airplanes 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

But I accepted the clearance knowing that I could change it with a local Approach control like Syracuse. We spent some time in instrument meteorological conditions over Vermont. As we flew westward, the layer broke up significantly and offered glimpses of civilization passing beneath.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Approach Weather Runway 52

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

Rolling out on final approach, I was surprised to see another airplane stopped right at the runway threshold. Pilots approaching the runway for take off cannot see aircraft on final approach behind and above them. Syracuse Approach was extremely helpful in assisting us as we picked our way through the weather.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68