Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

Though wind is reported using such simple numbers like 270@15G20, I’ve come to believe that 20 knots here is not always the same as 20 knots there. I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. Then came the landing in 20 knots in the Hill Country of Texas, west of Austin.

Knot 75

Knot Crosswind Rudder Runway 75

Flying Magazine

APRIL 26, 2024

The CRJ is interesting to fly with a lot of trimming required as it’s a long-bodied jet with a large swing either side of the CG. I mean, all jets I have flown are like that, but this is fairly sensitive to pitch, power, and flap configuration—all requiring lots of trimming. With a lighter corporate jet, that is powerful.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Weather Knot Aileron 105

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. Scenario 4: Crosswinds If only flight instructors could control the weather, we’d have the learners practicing crosswind takeoffs and landings on a regular basis. You may even put the learner in and out of the clouds.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

In business jets and airliners, the issue is usually being too fast, leading to a runway excursion and often substantial damage or even fatalities. Make this one of the key measures of your pilot proficiency: can you maintain a predetermined airspeed with a maximum deviation of +10/-5 knots (the Private Pilot ACS)?

Knot 86

Knot Runway Airplanes Pilot 86

Air Facts

MAY 24, 2024

With a little forward pressure on the yoke, I was able to keep the airplane on the runway to continue picking up airspeed as we arrived at my target of 60 knots for takeoff. As soon as we hit 60 knots indicated, I lightly pulled back on the yoke and the airplane popped right off the ground. No ceiling so no hold for us today!

Aileron 72

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 72

Air Facts

JUNE 21, 2024

One time, walking back to the FBO from the airplane after about what seemed like his hundreth dual flight, he turned and asked me “How fast is a knot?” And a knot is 1.15 Wing low, opposite rudder” is how I learned to fly in crosswinds in the Cessna T-37, the “Tweet,” but that advice didn’t stick to his big doctor brain.

Rudder 76

Rudder Crosswind Knot Aileron 76

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

The weather briefing we had reviewed a half hour earlier promised a 20-knot headwind that would require two fuel stops on the 130-mile trip from our home airport in Kennett, Missouri (KTKX), to Little Rock Air Force Base (KLRF) in Arkansas. The windsock promised that getting the little yellow bird into the air would be a white-knuckle affair.

Runway 72

Runway Crosswind Rudder Approach 72