Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Pilots avoid vortices by maintaining safe separation and adjusting flight paths. When the aircraft encounters a vortex and its strong enough to induce roll, the pilot counters it by using the ailerons against the roll and tries to fly out of the wake as soon as possible. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Pilot Institute

MARCH 19, 2025

Pilots use METARs for flight safety, runway selection, and weather planning. The wind is from the south at 8 knots. The KT indicates that the scale used is knots (an abbreviated term for nautical miles per hour ). Pilots love knowing about the wind. METARs use abbreviations but become easy to read with practice.

Weather 72

Weather Altimeter Runway NOTAMs 72

Ask Captain Lim

DECEMBER 11, 2024

An Airbus A350 in a strong crosswind with nose pointing away How do pilots handle their planes in strong crosswinds? Landing in strong crosswinds is among the most challenging tasks for pilots, requiring precise techniques to ensure the aircraft touches down safely. Some airlines impose a lower limitation.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Pilot Approach Final Approach 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

In the early days, pilots used a mechanical circular slide rule, called an E6B. Find the crosswind component for Runway 36 if the reported wind direction is 320 at 12 knots. knots Correct! knots Correct! 106 knots 110 knots 115 knots Correct! 110 knots 132 knots 81 knots Correct!

Flight Plan 52

Flight Plan True Airspeed Flight Computer Groundspeed 52

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.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Knot Rudder Turbulence 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

I say a favor, but once you pick up the phone, calling it a favor is candy-coating an assignment, unless it is blatantly in violation of our pilot contract or regulations. Gear up,” I said, quickly followed by “select speed 180 knots, level change to 2,000 feet.” One of our schedulers had a favor to ask. You’ve checked that box now.”

Runway 72

Runway Approach Knot Jet 72

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Sometimes it’s emotional—the Beech Starship, what few of them are still in the wild, inevitably wow viewers of both the pilot and nonpilot persuasion. The canopy provides plenty of headroom for even taller pilots, while the view over the nose is equally generous. With a 41-knot stall speed, the common 1.3 But successful?

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Kentland has a 4,000-foot runway, east/west, with a crosswind straight out of the north. The FAA weather said a thunderstorm was forecast, gusts to 6 knots. After turning the corner, I was rewarded with tailwinds of up to 22 knots, so the big detour cost me only 15 minutes. The upper Midwest scenery can be spectacular.

Weather 81

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 81

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

In reality it’s neither, but the bigger problem is that most pilots don’t even know what it means. And since 95% of airports in the US are nontowered, most pilots will use some type of pattern entry every time they fly. ” What about the old fashioned midfield crosswind, which many of us grew up flying? .”

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes Runway Approach 98

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. You’re not supposed to feel it like you do the aircraft, but this can make you a better pilot as you will develop instrument scan and interpretation skills. Talk about how “get-there-itis” can make a pilot do foolish things.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 8, 2025

As we walked from the wharf to breakfast, I saw that peak wind gusts were tickling the 40-knot mark. Every reference to a crosswinds in the operators manual are as follows: Hydraulic disc brakes and a steerable nosewheel aid in positive directional control during taxiing and crosswind landings.

Crosswind 97

Crosswind Wind Shear Knot Airplanes 97

AV Web

JANUARY 22, 2025

The private pilot was fatally injured. Winds were from 290 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pilot who perished was well known in STOL Drag competitive circles and highly regarded for his flying safety entries on his YouTube channel. The accident pilot was participating in the 2022 Wayne County (Neb.)

Final Approach 52

Final Approach Airplanes Drag Crosswind 52

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

AUGUST 23, 2024

Fifteen hundred feet past the end of the runway, a pilot was trapped in the cockpit of an Extra NG. The tower frequency had been near silent, with only the occasional pilot checking in, curtly told, “Airport is closed, emergency in progress.” You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right.

Knot 94

Knot Runway Pilot Groundspeed 94

Flying Magazine

APRIL 26, 2024

The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. Left downwind on a blustery day with live weather actually shows a virga burst over the field, with local winds gusting 36 knots, making for some extreme conditions in such a tight canyon. I imagine this is how a real CRJ pilot must feel.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Weather Knot Aileron 105

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

Pilots and flight schools favor this aircraft for its ease of use and dependable performance. First introduced in 2005, this all-glass cockpit revolutionized the flying experience for pilots by providing a comprehensive and intuitive interface. This article explores the Cessna Skyhawk C172’s features, evolution, and lasting appeal.

Knot 98

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 98

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. Further complicating matters was the fact that the plane would be delivered by civilian pilots.

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 19, 2024

This results in a rather narrow track for the main landing gear, which requires a bit more attention by the pilot during crosswind takeoffs and landings. Initial climb rate is around 1,200 feet per minute, and cruise speed is in the 170 knot range. The post Bellanca Aries T-250 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Tail 98

Tail Airplanes Crosswind Knot 98

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. It’s curious to me that we pilots shoot LPV approaches, but ATC doesn’t know what they are.

Pitot Tube 87

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 87

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Even the best of pilots can mess up sometimes. But for new pilots, it can be tough to figure out where it all went wrong. A stabilized approach requires the pilot to establish and maintain a constant angle glidepath towards an aiming point. Flying at 60 knots? Pilots select their target airspeed for each approach.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Pilot's Life Blog

JULY 25, 2024

Before you become a commercial pilot, it’s important to know how to obtain a good weather briefing. Call (480) 372-9815 today to begin your training toward a pilot’s license. A pre-flight weather briefing is the primary way commercial pilots understand the potential weather challenges of their upcoming flight.

Weather 52

Weather Pilot True Airspeed Ceiling 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Landing an airplane can be one of the most nerve-wracking tasks for a student pilot. As a pilot, you will need time to master it. A pilot must consider several things before landing. If there is a crosswind at the airport, you should mention this in your brief. Discuss your nominated crosswind technique.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Final Approach 52

Flight Training Central

MARCH 4, 2024

As the airplane turns onto the following base leg, the tailwind will decrease and becomes a crosswind. The pilot should be prepared for the necessary crosswind correction and compensate by turning more than 90° angling toward the inside of the rectangular course.

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed Crosswind Aileron Rudder 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Sometimes it’s emotional—the Beech Starship, what few of them are still in the wild, inevitably wow viewers of both the pilot and nonpilot persuasion. The canopy provides plenty of headroom for even taller pilots, while the view over the nose is equally generous. With a 41-knot stall speed, the common 1.3 But successful?

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Whether you’re new to short field landings or a pilot needing a refresher, this essential guide is for you. Feeling overwhelmed by this challenging maneuver?

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Air Facts

MAY 6, 2024

SOSU has a flying program in its curriculum – a diploma mill for pilots. We were cruising at about the same speed the Cessna could manage which was 105 knots. She was on a left upwind leg to the airport, and would have to make crosswind, downwind, base and final legs to get set up to land. My First Officer, Brad D.,

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Airplanes Knot 98

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 23, 2024

Fifteen hundred feet past the end of the runway, a pilot was trapped in the cockpit of an Extra NG. The tower frequency had been near silent, with only the occasional pilot checking in, curtly told, “Airport is closed, emergency in progress.” You had a crosswind , so the wind wasn’t helping you out, but that’s all right.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Groundspeed 52

Photographic Logbook

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

But it was an excellent flying day, so I took wing with a group of WFC pilots for sushi in Massachusetts instead (Westfield-Barnes Airport, KBAF). The pilot of a Cessna Skylane still on the runway responded plaintively. "I Was this a planned maneuver between the pilots? Photo by The Bear. I am clearing as fast as I can."

Runway 89

Runway Knot Weather Turbulence 89

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 7, 2025

For pilots, memorable experiences are a combination of the where and when along with the what and the whom. Plane & Pilot associate editor Cayla McLeod is the youngster who, you might be surprised, isnt all about the latest stuff. Although todays airline pilots might scoff at the DC-3, true aviators could never.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Tail Pilot Jet 98

Flight Training Central

MAY 12, 2024

It was a beautiful day for flying and my instructor and I had been training for months now to sharpen my skills to one day be a Private pilot. Full throttle, airspeed is alive, rotation at 55 knots and climb out at 74 knots. I turn crosswind, then downwind, and base. But my first mission was to solo the airplane.

Knot 52

Knot Airplanes Crosswind Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Despite the easygoing name, many pilots find lazy eights harder than they thought. There’s a reason why it’s been a commercial pilot practical test staple for decades. If you’re about to begin your commercial pilot journey, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get started.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

I say a favor, but once you pick up the phone, calling it a favor is candy-coating an assignment, unless it is blatantly in violation of our pilot contract or regulations. Gear up,” I said, quickly followed by “select speed 180 knots, level change to 2,000 feet.” One of our schedulers had a favor to ask. You’ve checked that box now.”

Runway 52

Runway Approach Knot Jet 52

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

Pilots also request holding patterns when extra time is required. They’re difficult for students to pick up and tedious, even for experienced instrument pilots. The pilot should adjust the time flown on the outbound leg to maintain a one-minute inbound leg. For example, to set up the aircraft for landing or troubleshooting.

VOR 52

VOR Pilot Crosswind Approach 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 13, 2024

Bounced landings are something almost every pilot has experience with. Even experienced pilots must remain cautious to prevent bounced landing accidents. The Cessna 172, known for its forgiving nature, can encounter bounced landings if the pilot is not careful. What do you do? The real challenge comes down to how you handle it.

Descent 52

Descent Runway Rudder Pilot 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. Even if it’s possible to complete the training course in a reasonable time with these stipulations, the product of a bubble-wrapped curriculum is a half-trained pilot.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. Even if it’s possible to complete the training course in a reasonable time with these stipulations, the product of a bubble-wrapped curriculum is a half-trained pilot.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Ceiling 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Modern AOA indicators help pilots maintain safe flight attitudes and prevent stalls. Proper angle of attack management also maintains safety during slow flight, crosswind landings, and when encountering wake turbulence. To counter the effect of this wing loading, the pilot has to pull on the stick. What Is the Angle of Attack?

Lift 52

Lift Turbulence Drag Pilot 52