Pilot Institute

JANUARY 3, 2025

It acts as a real-time visual indicator of wind direction and speed, helping you make important decisions. Although modern airports utilize advanced weather monitoring systems, windsocks are still valuable because they provide immediate, visual feedback that you can rely on. Let’s see how to figure out the wind direction.

Knot 98

Knot Weather Weight-Shift-Control Wind Shear 98

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 8, 2025

My time studying the weather proved itself well spent as the flight to Portland was uneventful and a beautiful sight. Most seemed to be using more flaps than normal for takeoff, the idea being to get away from the ground as quickly as possible to minimize their time near the ground, where a wind shear could have serious consequences.

Crosswind 71

Crosswind Wind Shear Knot Airplanes 71

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required. Less-than-ideal conditions may mean a shift in lesson plan from a cross-country to an opportunity to perfect crosswind technique. 1 priority.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required. Less-than-ideal conditions may mean a shift in lesson plan from a cross-country to an opportunity to perfect crosswind technique. 1 priority.

Runway 52

Runway Wind Shear Crosswind Ceiling 52

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

Review current weather conditions, including wind speed, direction, and visibility, as these can significantly impact the approach. Wind shear, turbulence, or gusty winds can create challenges during the landing phase, so knowing how to adjust for these factors is critical.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Weather Go-arounds due to weather occur due to wind shear caused by gusting winds or microbursts. When an aircraft encounters horizontal wind shear, it could be blown off centerline. Similarly, if an aircraft encounters vertical wind shear, it reduces or increases the sink rate.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

You should go only if the weather is as benign as forecast, good alternates exist, and you feel good about doing it. I often abort a flight in the old Champ for wind reasons. I’ll fly in crosswinds up to 10 mph, but no more, because I know the aged mechanical brakes aren’t able to prevent weathervaning above that figure.

Density Altitude 53

Density Altitude Airplanes Pilot Wind Shear 53