Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

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. Planning the Descent So, when is a good time to start planning the descent ?

Descent 54

Descent Approach Final Approach Turbulence 54

Flying Magazine

MAY 3, 2024

The FMDM also stated that “after passing the final approach fix inbound, begin descent to MDA or step-down fix, if applicable. Descent should be approximately 1,000 fpm [feet per minute] to ensure that you are at the next required altitude. The approach plate for the RNAV 20 at KBYI notes the descent angle for the approach is 3.75

Pilot 122

Pilot Descent Aeronautical Information Manual Wind Shear 122

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

I pulled the power back and set a notch of flaps to establish a 90 knot, 500 foot/minute descent. As usual, the field AWOS (automated weather observation system) lied its nonexistent ass off with a declaration of five knot winds. I intercepted the approach course and after a few moments, reached the final approach fix at JUNIA.

Approach 69

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 69

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

The landing minimums section includes: Minimum descent altitudes. Preflight Planning Some pilots believe an approach briefing means skimming the chart right before descent. Identify the decision altitude (DA) or minimum descent altitude (MDA) valid for your approach. Decision altitudes/heights. Minimum visibilities.

Approach 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52

Aerotime

JULY 26, 2024

However, the aircraft experienced wind shear, dropped below the glideslope and became thrust deficient. The Accident Investigation Board found that the primary cause of the crash was the crew’s ineffective crosscheck, which failed to notice the aircraft’s decreasing airspeed and descent rate.

Wind Shear 274

Wind Shear Instrument Landing System Final Approach Runway 274

Northstar VFR

MARCH 23, 2025

There are several criteria that must be met for a pilot to descend below Decision Altitude/Decision Height (DA/DH) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on an instrument approach. Weather Hazards Low visibility and wind shear are weather hazards that can create the need to go-around.

Pilot 52

Pilot Wind Shear Runway Approach 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Weather Go-arounds due to weather occur due to wind shear caused by gusting winds or microbursts. When an aircraft encounters horizontal wind shear, it could be blown off centerline. Similarly, if an aircraft encounters vertical wind shear, it reduces or increases the sink rate.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52