Plane and Pilot

APRIL 1, 2025

Feet on rudder pedals. I felt I was strapped into a runaway jet. I crossed the runway threshold at 70 mph and let a little more speed bleed off as I attempted to stay a few inches off the runway with the nosewheel slightly up. My breathing quickened as I gripped the stick, applying power with my left hand. It happened so fast.

Runway 67

Runway Gross Weight Airplanes Crosswind 67

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

I watched the stick flutter to and fro in sync with the rudder pedals as Wilkins fought to maintain the centerline, all the while pushing in the throttle. Just before our appointed entry time, a privately owned performance jet somehow missed the approach to the 12,000-foot-long runway and then declared a low-fuel emergency.

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 98

Vintage Aviation News

OCTOBER 18, 2024

And then when you get down near the threshold, you just hold it off and gently let the wheels down. You have to use a lot of rudder—I mean you have to be rabid as far as using the rudder to control the airplane, and it wheel lands very nicely.” It’s the rudder that is doing everything.

Airplanes 125

Airplanes Crosswind Tail Cockpit 125

Air Facts

JANUARY 29, 2025

To get a little better view approaching the threshold I leaned to my left and stretched up to maybe see a little more of the runway. And there it was, a bracket with both hydraulic lines from the rudder pedals only about 1 apart and 8 of flexible line to the brakes. The view from the rear seat is mostly out the side window.

Runway 52

Runway Airplanes Pilot Pilot in Command 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

In business jets and airliners, the issue is usually being too fast, leading to a runway excursion and often substantial damage or even fatalities. The pilot reduced the engine power and continued his attempt to align the airplane with the runway using the rudder. Too much speed is almost as bad as too little.

Knot 98

Knot Runway Airplanes Pilot 98