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

Flight Training Central

MARCH 4, 2024

As the airplane turns onto the following base leg, the tailwind will decrease and becomes a crosswind. The bank angle should be reduced gradually with coordinated aileron and rudder input. The turn from downwind leg to base leg will be more than 90 degrees to compensate for the increasing crosswind.

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed Crosswind Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Flying at 60 knots? For example, it’s good practice to add a few knots to V-ref when landing in gusty conditions. If you usually land at 50 knots but end up touching down at 55 knots, you might think the landing distance only increases slightly. Use the rudder pedals to maintain centerline.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

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

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

We counteract adverse yaw by applying rudder in the direction of the turn. The amount of rudder required depends on roll rate and airspeed. Airspeed and attitude change constantly, and we must change rudder input along with them. We apply right rudder to counteract the left-turning tendencies.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. For the Cessna 172S, we fly a short-field approach with full flaps at 61 knots. Will you need a crosswind correction?

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

Another interesting model is the 172RG Cutlass RG, which features retractable landing gear and a more powerful Lycoming O-360-F1A6 engine, offering a cruise speed of 140 knots. For instance, Knots 2U offers a Cessna 172 Cowl / Body Fairing Kit that improves aerodynamics and can increase cruise speed by 3-4 mph.

Knot 52

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 52