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How to Read a Windsock

Pilot Institute

More Safety Private Pilots usually fly lighter aircraft that are more sensitive to wind. These aircraft have lower crosswind limitations and are more affected by gusts and wind shear. A windsock can help you quickly evaluate if the wind conditions are within your aircraft’s capabilities. Why does this matter?

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Recognising NASA Technology on Modern Airliners

Fear of Landing

Airborne Wind Shear Detection During the 1980s and 1990s, NASA led a comprehensive research program to identify the characteristics of dangerous wind shear and validated technologies that can predict its severity while in flight. The original PDF is available for download on NASA’s website.

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Today in Aviation History: Loss of USS Macon

Vintage Aviation News

The airship initially recovered, dumping ballast and stabilizing at 700 feet above the sea and returning to its cruising altitude of 1,600 feet, but the ship was sent into another plunge, falling a rate of 14 feet per second tail-down. Then, off Big Sur, near Monterey Bay, the USS Macon was caught in a storm.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Land a Piper Seminole Safely

Pilot's Life Blog

Review current weather conditions, including wind speed, direction, and visibility, as these can significantly impact the approach. Wind shear, turbulence, or gusty winds can create challenges during the landing phase, so knowing how to adjust for these factors is critical.

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Top 10 aviation weather apps for pilots

iPad Pilot News

To learn the finer points of atmospheric stability, wind shear, and potential cloud layers, there’s nothing better than a Skew-T log (p) chart. There’s also an excellent Apple Watch version that is a handy way to monitor changing conditions. Get the app here. SkewTLogPro.

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What Is a SPECI and When Is It Issued?

Pilot Institute

Thunderstorms can also bring wind shear and lightning. For example, “WS” means wind shear, which is important for approach and landing, while “SLP” provides detailed sea-level pressure information for adjusting your altimeter. This can be when the weather stabilizes or when another report is issued.

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When Training Turns Too Realistic

Plane and Pilot

The peppering of rain on the windshield, the darkening of thick clouds, or the battering of wind shear all deliver a clear message that some piloting is now required. Constant manipulation of attitude and power while chasing errant airspeed are signs that a CFI needs to step in to stabilize things.

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