Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Learn to use aircraft references to establish a stable descent rate and pitch, ending up in a smooth roundout and flare. A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five. 60 x 5 = 300 feet per minute is your recommended descent rate. Flying at 60 knots?

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 23, 2024

You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. Data shows a constant high-speed descent straight toward the runway. The plane was high and very fast, crossing the airport boundary at 200 feet and 165 knots groundspeed. So, still about 60-65 degrees, so we’re getting some help out to ya.

Knot 67

Knot Runway Pilot Air Traffic Control 67

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 23, 2024

You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right. Data shows a constant high-speed descent straight toward the runway. The plane was high and very fast, crossing the airport boundary at 200 feet and 165 knots groundspeed. So, still about 60-65 degrees, so we’re getting some help out to ya.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Air Traffic Control 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

My Sonex cruises about 130 mph at this power setting, but headed southeast into the wind I am losing an easy 15 mph on my groundspeed. Descent and landing is smooth and calm this evening, and I make a wheel landing for the fun of it. A cruise climb as I make my crosswind turn, then downwind, more radio calls on the way.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98