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 98

Knot Crosswind Rudder Runway 98

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

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 98

Aileron Crosswind Knot Runway 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

It was go-home day and launching with our back to the storm seemed appropriate as we headed to Detroit, where we were scheduled to step onto another jet and catch a ride home to finish our trip. We were tasked with ferrying an empty jet to LaGuardia Airport (KLGA), then we’d catch a ride home in the back of a different jet.

Runway 60

Runway Approach Knot Jet 60

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

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

It was go-home day and launching with our back to the storm seemed appropriate as we headed to Detroit, where we were scheduled to step onto another jet and catch a ride home to finish our trip. We were tasked with ferrying an empty jet to LaGuardia Airport (KLGA), then we’d catch a ride home in the back of a different jet.

Runway 52

Runway Approach Knot Jet 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

This 172 had a flap extension speed of 85 knots, and my old Cessna 172’s limit was 100 mph, or 87 knots. There was a nice crosswind, and I demonstrated landing on a concrete expansion joint, offset from the runway centerline. The newer 172 (46 years old) did and had a 3-G limit with flaps extended.

Approach 66

Approach Pitot Tube Aileron Instrument Landing System 66