CFI Academy

MARCH 28, 2025

Why It Matters: This mimics a common accident scenario where a pilot overshoots the final approach centerline and tries to “force” the turn with rudder, leading to a stall/spin. How to Perform: Trim the airplane for a climb or approach speed (e.g., 65 knots in a Cessna 172). 45 bank) at a stable airspeed (e.g.,

Aileron 96

Aileron Rudder Checkride AGL 96

Fear of Landing

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

The wing tip struck the runway after which the wing and the tail separated and the fuel from the wing caught fire. The wing tip then struck the ground, at which point the wing and the tail section broke. The wing and tail on runway 23 as photographed by Brennan Milroy (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Runway 59

Runway Tail Knot Altimeter 59

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we pushed back, the colors popped on the various tails parked down the row of gates, and we sat in line for takeoff with the low sun angle perfectly lighting a yellow Spirit Airbus against an ominous dark sky, save for the rainbow that arched high across the vista. Go-around , flaps 13,” I called.

Runway 69

Runway Approach Knot Jet 69

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. The helicopter was at treetop height with an indicated airspeed of zero knots when the right yaw ceased. The pilot reported two miles out.

Torque 98

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 98

Air Facts

MARCH 26, 2025

The airspeed indicator registered 55 knots, close to the Cessna 172s stall speed. But as I banked into my final approach, my heart sank. I did the worst thing possible and tried to lose altitude by steepening my approach. There in his hand, hung elegantly from a necklace chain, was the tail tie-down.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Tail 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we pushed back, the colors popped on the various tails parked down the row of gates, and we sat in line for takeoff with the low sun angle perfectly lighting a yellow Spirit Airbus against an ominous dark sky, save for the rainbow that arched high across the vista. Go-around , flaps 13,” I called.

Runway 52

Runway Approach Knot Jet 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

In certain conditions blowing dust (a “ haboob “) can make an approaching front easily visible. Imagine being on final approach right when a small-scale thermal breaks off the ground that can even send a 300 pound porta-potty flying high into the air. (Btw That does very little when you’re in 10-20 knot sink.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52