Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

Though wind is reported using such simple numbers like 270@15G20, I’ve come to believe that 20 knots here is not always the same as 20 knots there. I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. Then came the landing in 20 knots in the Hill Country of Texas, west of Austin.

Knot 75

Knot Crosswind Rudder Runway 75

Flight Training Central

MARCH 4, 2024

The entry into the maneuver should be accomplished downwind as you would enter the traffic pattern where groundspeed will be the greatest. The turn from the downwind leg onto the base leg is entered with a relatively steep bank angle since the groundspeed is greatest.

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed Crosswind Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five. Flying at 60 knots? For example, it’s good practice to add a few knots to V-ref when landing in gusty conditions. So, for a stall speed of 50 knots, the reference airspeed would be: 50 x 1.4 = 70 knots.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52