Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Descent Point Nominate a descent point that will give you a constant 3° profile to the threshold. We can calculate the rate of descent required to achieve a 3° profile. Take your ground speed in knots and divide it by two. Add a zero to this number, and you have your target rate of descent.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Key Takeaways Start by setting up your approach correctly to ensure you arrive at the threshold perfectly every time. Learn to use aircraft references to establish a stable descent rate and pitch, ending up in a smooth roundout and flare. You should arrive at the threshold on the centerline at the proper height and speed each time.

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. Choose an aiming point.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 13, 2024

Key Takeaways Bounced landings can result from excessive speed, improper flare, or high descent rates. Improper Flare Technique The flare is a maneuver where you elevate the aircraft’s nose slightly just before landing to decrease the descent rate. Use power as necessary to control the descent rate.

Descent 52

Descent Runway Rudder Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

On a normal landing, you’d pull the power over the threshold, begin your roundout, and flare around 10 feet AGL. When crossing the threshold, start reducing the power. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. Overcorrecting for a high descent rate will cause the aircraft to balloon.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

The weather briefing we had reviewed a half hour earlier promised a 20-knot headwind that would require two fuel stops on the 130-mile trip from our home airport in Kennett, Missouri (KTKX), to Little Rock Air Force Base (KLRF) in Arkansas. As the sun began its descent, we began the final leg of what would end up being a four-hour trek.

Runway 84

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 84

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

I checked the weather by phone and was assured it would be great CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited) with 2-3-knot winds from 090 degrees. It looked like I was still on a descent to touch down at the threshold on Runway 15. I was to be the first to fly it since the checkup. I lined up and continued to descend.

Runway 60

Runway Threshold Approach AGL 60