Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Learn to use aircraft references to establish a stable descent rate and pitch, ending up in a smooth roundout and flare. A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five. Flying at 60 knots? 60 x 5 = 300 feet per minute is your recommended descent rate.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right? We counteract adverse yaw by applying rudder in the direction of the turn. The amount of rudder required depends on roll rate and airspeed. Airspeed and attitude change constantly, and we must change rudder input along with them. Heading ±10° from entry heading.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 3, 2024

One benefit of these aerodynamic tweaks is a vibration, or “initial buffet,” that is felt in the seat of the pants and flight controls, about 10-15 knots above stall speed. If the engine does not restart, maintaining the descent and a margin above the critical angle of attack is a better bet than stalling.

Approach 74

Approach Airplanes Horizontal Stabilizer Pilot 74

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

This system includes modes for: roll pitch heading vertical speed altitude hold approach These modes allow for a steady rate of descent, ascent, and consistent speed and altitude ranges. For instance, Knots 2U offers a Cessna 172 Cowl / Body Fairing Kit that improves aerodynamics and can increase cruise speed by 3-4 mph.

Knot 52

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 52

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 11, 2024

The standards for slow flight on a Private Pilot checkride are: maintain the specified altitude, ±100 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +10/-0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±10°. Right rudder input will be necessary to maintain coordination. If you’re in choppy air, make the target airspeed a little more.

Checkride 52

Checkride Airplanes Pilot AGL 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

READ MORE: Cirrus Adds Second Vision Jet Simulator In this scenario, the options are a 180-degree turn using only rudder to avoid overbanking—common when you lose the outside horizon reference—to get back to VFR conditions or contacting ATC to ask where the nearest VFR is. It might be no greater than 6 knots with gusts to 10 mph.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Airplanes VOR Runway 105