Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

A circling approach is one that, by dwindling numbers and its inherent design, forces the pilot(s) into a seldom used and high-risk evolution–often migrating us to an unexpected and seldom visited zip code of the threat/error management neighborhood. When was the last time either pilot (single pilot) performed this exact approach?

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Fear of Landing

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

Both pilots were very experienced, each with over 5,000 hours of flight experience. One of the pilots turned the airframe de-icing system back on. In order to do this, the APM uses the calculated take-off weight entered by the pilots at engine start using a rotary knob on the APM panel. The ATR’s airspeed was 191 knots.

Knot 98

Knot Approach Descent Weather 98

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

As the complete instrument pilot, you should be able to maintain heading, altitude, and airspeed at speeds ranging from cruise to approach. Within the normal speed range of an airplane, there are many combinations of power and pitch which will maintain altitude at different airspeeds. Now let’s look at descents.

Descent 52

Descent Altimeter Airplanes Approach 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right? Despite the easygoing name, many pilots find lazy eights harder than they thought. There’s a reason why it’s been a commercial pilot practical test staple for decades. However, the aircraft tends to overbank at a low airspeed or when the bank angle is steep.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

Caught in series of up and down drafts, the autopilot pitched the Warrior aggressively to maintain altitude and the indicated airspeed trended too high in each updraft. Unanticipated Consequences Earlier this year, I hand flew a couple of approaches with a safety pilot (Ed) and was extremely displeased with my performance.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Approach Weather Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

The current emphasis in general aviation (GA) safety is on visual angle of attack (AOA) indicators and impossible turns (return to the airport following engine failure). Would a visual AOA indicator have helped? Was this a power loss after takeoff, whether or not the pilot chose to fly an impossible turn?

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98