Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing. As the airspeed decayed, the right yaw increased. As the airspeed decayed, the right yaw increased. The pilot reported two miles out.

Torque 76

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 76

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

This is consistent with Rick’s report, which referenced 9 knots of wind. Pattern Entry and the Challenger Complication The normal landing pattern for Runway 26 at Rifle is north of the airport with right turns to base and final. His ground speed had dropped to 75 kt so he also had less kinetic energy reserve.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

To get the extra lift required for the turns, I had to dive to get extra airspeed so that the plane could turn at that same AOA. Tedious numerical interpolation is not required when adjusting airspeed for weight, contrary to the claims of some AOA advocates. That produced a strange traffic pattern with roller coasters at the corners.)

General Aviation 73

General Aviation Pilot Approach Runway 73