Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

This allows the airspeed to slowly dissipate while the airplane is flown just above the surface in ground effect. When the wheels first touch the ground, the proper technique allows the wings to continue supporting much of the weight of the airplane.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Air Facts

MARCH 26, 2025

But as I banked into my final approach, my heart sank. Time seemed to freeze as I floated in ground effect. The main gear struck the runway with surprising force, causing me to balloon far above the runway. Arriving at the runway with too much energy will lead to a long flare. I had failed myself.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Tail 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

I was listening intently to the ASOS for wind or gusts, letting it repeat 5 or 6 times with the exact same report: 9 kts straight down the runway; no gusts. That was the runway we would use to land. It’s worth noting that Shmulik had a close call in the past: a jet pulled onto the runway in front of him with no radio call.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

When bay ice consistently thickens to over 12 inches, a team of dedicated volunteers collaborates with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to open the Alton Bay Ice Runway. Over the years, its coveted status as the only FAA-authorized ice runway in the continental United States has endeared it to aviators seeking novelty.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

An incomplete summary description of FASF is whether the airplane made it out of ground effect. On downwind, ATC had me at 3,000 feet going over the departure end of the crossing runway. Turning final, I was still way, way high. That phenomenon is best named Failure to Achieve Sustained Flight (FASF).

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98