Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The operator confirmed that the tail rotor had been installed the day before the accident. A mechanic had found a worn feathering bearing in the tail rotor hub and blade assembly. The tail rotor’s responses and vibrations are measured in order to adjust the weights of the rotor blades and/or the alignment of the rotor assembly.

Torque 76

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 76

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

In certain conditions blowing dust (a “ haboob “) can make an approaching front easily visible. Imagine being on final approach right when a small-scale thermal breaks off the ground that can even send a 300 pound porta-potty flying high into the air. (Btw Btw – notice the blue sky in the video.)

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway AGL Lift 52

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Challenger 604, G-IV Contributing Writer Pilatus PC-12 on approach at ORL. Air traffic control instructions often lead to unstable approaches. The request to make a short approach or maintain a higher-than-normal speed to the final approach fix is the most common reason pilots don’t meet stable approach criteria.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

The Rifle ASOS recorded a gust of 43 mph from the south: a 100-degree shift in direction, putting it right on his tail. However, at 5:36:23 he still had an altitude of 7025 ft MSL, i.e. a normally very “safe” pattern altitude of almost 1500 ft, and prudently began to head toward the east end of the runway.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52