Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

Subjective factors such as terrain, turbulence, and gust direction are as important as the numbers. I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. I’ve landed in strong winds enough times that 30 knots can seem routine, as long as it’s reasonably aligned with the runway.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Knot Rudder Turbulence 98

Air Facts

JULY 17, 2024

With groundspeed above 185 kts., How can you land in this turbulence? With a 20+ knot headwind straight down the runway, my touchdown was slow and thankfully smooth. And YES, the flight home was far worse as I was flying low to keep the groundspeed in positive numbers and thinking the truck drivers were going to beat me home.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Turbulence Knot Pilot 98

Flying Magazine

APRIL 25, 2024

Along with several other forecasts not shown here, this made me believe that a route around the west side of Washington would provide the least exposure to adverse weather, especially as it relates to convective turbulence. Our groundspeed was a meager 72 knots as we descended on the glideslope.

Weather 108

Weather Wind Shear Clearance Turbulence 108

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

At the current groundspeed, I believed it shouldn’t be of much concern unless the cell began producing lightning. I would then level off, slow down, dirty up, run a tight circle to land on the opposing runway. The approach end of runway 24 came into view, followed by the rest of the airport as we entered the left downwind to runway 6.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

When the wind is blowing across the runway instead of along it, things get more challenging. A headwind lowers groundspeed , making landing easier. However, the wind rarely aligns perfectly with the runway. Touching down with the aircraft’s longitudinal axis aligned with the runway. A runway excursion can quickly follow.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52

Professional Pilot

DECEMBER 10, 2024

Fortunately, there is a runway at the end of every ILS. If an airport has a single runway, its always possible it may close. Basically, I diverted to an airport with a long runway to accommodate a long landing run in the event of brake loss too. Ive also deviated for airport closures due to incapacitated aircraft on the runway.

Weather 98

Weather Approach Descent Runway 98