Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

It shows the helicopter flying normally, aligned to the runway, and then begin a gentle climb. The pilot told the airport tower controller that he may need the runway. The controller asked the pilot to report when two miles out and to expect runway 28. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing.

Torque 83

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 83

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

What is the runway lighting? Only accurate within 10 degrees of runway heading). If you choose to fly a Circle-to Land approach to a runway without a VASI or PAPI, you are greatly increasing your vertical flight error path (possibility/probability). What speed on final approach? No later than).

Approach 97

Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Air Facts

OCTOBER 7, 2024

It was a beefed up, militarized version of the Beechcraft Bonanza with a narrowed fuselage and conventional tail, seating two pilots in tandem cockpits with controls and indicators configured similarly to tactical aircraft of the period. The Navy’s primary trainer was the T-34B.

Cockpit 98

Cockpit Rudder Tail Indicated Airspeed 98

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

ATC was great, the FBO (FlightLevel - Beverly) treated us well and charged reasonable fees, and radar services were managed by the perennially capable Boston Approach. We made an IFR departure that morning on runway 16 and climbed above the ceiling in short order. This was not a good setup to manage an approach down to minimums.

Approach 52

Approach Ceiling Weather Runway 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

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. 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.

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98