Fear of Landing

JUNE 28, 2024

The flight plan referenced the current weather, specifically noting a westerly wind at 15 knots at 5,000 feet above mean sea level, with gusts up to 25 knots at higher altitudes. At about 50 meters (165 feet) above the ground, the pilot turned left, planning to fly over the grass runway as the start of his routing.

Rudder 96

Rudder Tail Lift Knot 96

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

It shows the helicopter flying normally, aligned to the runway, and then begin a gentle climb. The helicopter turned left to return to the airport, travelling at about 85 knots. The pilot told the airport tower controller that he may need the runway. The indicated airspeed had fallen below 65 knots and was still decreasing.

Torque 76

Torque Tail Indicated Airspeed Knot 76

Vintage Aviation News

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

In a T-6, I don’t care what you do, realistically, normal conditions, you might get 140 knots. That P-64 will cruise around all day at 180, 190 knots. As soon as the weather gets right,’ because during the winter months down there, that runway gets soft. It’s a rocket. It just doesn’t dry out. It was that fast.”

Pilot 105

Pilot Airplanes Runway Cockpit 105