Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right? For a Cessna 172, the recommended indicated airspeed for the maneuver is 105 knots. At this point, you should be flying at the slowest speed (5-10 knots above stall speed). Airspeed ±10 knots from entry airspeed.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing. As the airspeed decayed, the right yaw increased. As the airspeed decayed, the right yaw increased. The pilot reported two miles out.

Torque 76

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 76

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

This is consistent with Rick’s report, which referenced 9 knots of wind. Under normal circumstances Shmulik would have had sufficient altitude to delay the landing by several minutes: his glider’s minimum descent rate in still air was just 100 fpm. He may have expected an easy and uneventful landing.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

To get the extra lift required for the turns, I had to dive to get extra airspeed so that the plane could turn at that same AOA. Tedious numerical interpolation is not required when adjusting airspeed for weight, contrary to the claims of some AOA advocates. That produced a strange traffic pattern with roller coasters at the corners.)

General Aviation 73

General Aviation Pilot Approach Runway 73