Final Approach Knot Wind Shear 
Plane and Pilot
FEBRUARY 28, 2025
To cope with these challenges, airline glass flight decks contain a vertical navigation function (VNAV) that keeps the autopilot, and the crew, on the right path to arrive at the final approach fix, or downwind leg, at speed and on altitude. Both of these approaches work with one significant caution. When to Start Down?
Air Facts
OCTOBER 14, 2024
The mechanical force is via the wind velocity and direction. Wind velocity of greater than 20 knots with higher gusts, especially flowing over rough terrain, can lead to an unwelcome flight. As we got crossed the final approach fix, the rain shaft grew. I looked at the airspeed and it was jumping +/-5-10 knots.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 6, 2025
VORTAC – VHF Omni-directional Range/Tactical Air Navigation VORTAC is a navigational aid operating in the VHF band that is used to provide guidance along airways, air traffic service routes, and intermediate and final approach tracks. It consists of two independent components VOR and TACAN.
Photographic Logbook
APRIL 19, 2024
I intercepted the approach course and after a few moments, reached the final approach fix at JUNIA. I pulled the power back and set a notch of flaps to establish a 90 knot, 500 foot/minute descent. My clever plan was to beat it, but the rain was faster and arrived early. At least there were no witnesses.
Chess In the Air
JULY 4, 2022
Considering the delay in the AWOS reporting, it may also be helpful to proactively use the radio to ask anyone on the ground for the current winds (e.g. Microbursts are not the only source of severe wind-shear close to the ground. Sudden and very powerful surface winds can have various other causes. the local FBO).
Air Facts
APRIL 24, 2024
Seconds later, now within 50 feet of the ground, the turbulence completely vanished, granting us a steady, moderate wind straight down the runway, and allowing us our standard over-the-fence speed of 65 knots, a gentle flair, and a greased on landing like Dad had done countless times on our little airstrip in St. Peter, Wisconsin.
Chess In the Air
JUNE 24, 2022
Moderate wind shear in some areas could make some thermals somewhat difficult to work but that, too, is typical. Between 5:10 and 5:34 PM, Rifle’s AWOS system reported light winds out of the west in the range of 4 to 9 kts (see chart below) with no wind gusts. Some passing high clouds were unlikely to be a factor.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
55 
Let's personalize your content