Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 4, 2024

When I was working on my PPL, I learned crosswind landings proficiently, plenty good enough for the check ride, but we never had an ugly, gusty, strong crosswind landing day. I was telling him how I had just made a whole series of beautiful, one-wheel, crosswind landings. He looked puzzled.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aileron Runway Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

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. This allows them to safely operate into and out of these tight runways. You’re not alone.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

NTSB ERA22LA169 describes a funny engine noise that prompted an earlier than planned turn to crosswind for an anticipated return to the airport. The instructor was able to complete the turn, but the airplane overshot the runway. From my point of view it was evident that we did not have enough room to safely land on Runway 17.

Runway 98

Runway Gross Weight Airplanes Pilot 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. So the temptation is to fly too fast and float down the runway, which the RV-12 will do for quite some distance.

Airplanes 88

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 88

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. So the temptation is to fly too fast and float down the runway, which the RV-12 will do for quite some distance.

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 77