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The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know:   Part two   

Aerotime

We will also examine the next most critical phase of our flight, from descent and deceleration to the approach and landing phases, even touching upon what happens when the aircraft arrives safely at the gate. Mario Hagen / Shutterstock The announcement will also be one of the first items on the pilots before-descent checklist.

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Arriving in Style

Plane and Pilot

We often hear that the key to a great landing is an equally great approach. And lets face it, the key to that flawless approach is often a well-planned descent. In the airline world, descent planning and execution receives a lot of attention. Like so much of aviation, there are several ways to skin this descent cat.

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NTSB: Pilot Was Flying Too Low Before Hitting Smokestack in Idaho

Flying Magazine

The accident happened as the pilot was attempting to fly the RNAV 20 approach, which takes the aircraft directly over the potato processing plant with numerous vent stacks constantly in operation. The standard for airspeed after passing the final approach fix was 120 kias indicated, according to the Flight Maneuvers Description Manual (FMDM).

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VLE vs. VLO Speeds: What’s the Difference?

Pilot Institute

Landing Gear Operating Speed (VLO) Explained Youre on the final approach. Now its time to extend the landing gear and complete your final approach checklist. Having a structured approach to your descent and landing procedures is another helpful strategy. Theres just one problem youre too fast.

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Step-by-Step Guide to No-Flaps Landings for Pilots

Pilot Institute

The flaps on an aircraft are used for controlled descents with slower airspeed during the approach and landing. When landing without flaps, pilots must adjust their techniques to compensate for higher approach speeds, a shallow descent angle, and longer landing distances. What is the purpose of flaps? What should you do?

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How to Read an IFR Approach Chart

Pilot Institute

Theyre officially called Instrument Approach Procedure (or IAP) charts, but pilots often casually call them approach plates. IFR approaches can be very complicated, and you need to keep track of lots of data, including: The route. The descent profile. The procedure for the missed approach. Approach minima.

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Power-off Stall: Recovery Steps Made Easy

Pilot Institute

On final approach, it can be the difference between recovering and crashing. Initiating a Power-off Stall Now, let’s dive into the stall: Reduce Power Simulate Approach Descent Watch for Stall Warnings 1. Use of Flaps During Recovery Once you arrest the descent and recover from the stall, you need to clean up.

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