Air Facts

MAY 14, 2025

Our Talon accelerated as it climbed toward pattern altitude1,500 feet AGL. Add half the gust factor to final approach and touchdown speeds. The final turn in the T-38 is a nose-low, 180-degree turn designed to arrive on final one mile from the threshold at 500 feet AGL. Gusty winds? Once again, the throttles had not moved.

AGL

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

A power-off 180 is a critical maneuver that simulates an engine failure on final approach, requiring pilots to glide the aircraft and execute a precise 180-degree turn to a safe landing spot. Maintain the proper approach speed to maximize glide distance, typically the best glide speed for your aircraft.

Pilot

Flying Magazine

JUNE 5, 2025

Located in Berryville, Arkansas, the airport is roughly a 19-minute drive from Eureka Springs downtown business district, and it boasts a single asphalt runway. Airport At an elevation of 1,206 feet agl, Carroll County Airports 3,554-feet-long-by-75-feet-wide runway sticks out amongst the rural area that immediately surrounds it.

Runway

Flying Magazine

JULY 22, 2025

The yaw damper automatically activates when 250 feet up on takeoff and deactivates at 200 feet agl on landing. The batteries provided so much cranking power that both cold and hot starts never even approached engine temperature limits.

Rudder

Air Facts

JUNE 30, 2025

In aviation, there are memorable firsts too: that first flight when you catch the flying bug; the first solo, slipping the surly bonds all by yourself; your first VFR flight plan that unexpectedly ends up in IMC; or your first precision approach where you spot the runway right at minimums. I have my own memorable aviation firsts.

Weather

AV Web

OCTOBER 30, 2024

miles south-southwest of the airport when he made his last call at 2,700 feet MSL (1,424 feet AGL) and planning a straight-in approach to Runway 5. Audio recordings reveal the pilot announced the flight was 3.7

Pilot

AV Web

DECEMBER 11, 2024

I had plenty of altitude and enough engine power to reach a nearby 9000-foot-long runway after a couple of 360-degree turns to lose altitude. Pro tip: Keep as much altitude as you can as long as you can until descending for the runway in such a situation.) Regardless, we were done flying that day. Or all three.

Runway

Flying Magazine

JULY 16, 2025

Our training for the instrument ticket focused on flying by reference to instruments, how to shoot approaches, holds, etc. Your approach speed is an essential precursor to a good landing, even—or, perhaps, especially—for an instrument pilot. Thus, high-energy approaches continue to be the norm for the GA pilot.

Approach

AV Web

APRIL 15, 2025

Student pilots get a free pass, because theyre adorable skittering off runways in Loss of Directional Control (LODC) events that vex the best among us. As he approached the herd, with the intention of driving the cattle into the corral, the bull departed and headed toward an area covered with heavy mesquite brush. Im roped in, Sam.

Pilot

Flying Magazine

JULY 2, 2025

An hour and a half later, they approached Nashville in darkness. Tune Airport (KJWN) tower and was cleared to land on Runway 20. The Lance’s track was aligned with the runway, but rather than begin a descent it remained at 2,000 agl. A mile from the threshold the pilot asked to overfly the runway and go around.

Approach

Flying Magazine

MAY 27, 2025

There was an overcast at 1,300 agl (1,850 msl), but no precipitation and good visibility below the clouds. After taxiing to Runway 32, he was instructed to turn to a heading of 090 after takeoff and maintain 3,000. READ MORE: Wildcat Approaches: Anti-Authority Attitude Goes Away Departure gave him a nudge: N66BK, are you on frequency?

Pilot

Aerotime

MARCH 21, 2025

TSB Approach sequence Due to reported wind gusts as the CRJ900 approached Toronto Pearson following a flight from MinneapolisSaint Paul International Airport (MSP) the aircraft was flown at 149 knots. The aircraft was slightly below the glide slope, but on the visual segment of the approach and tracking the runway centerline.

Indicated Airspeed

Air Facts

MAY 10, 2024

Danger lurks in circling approaches Air Facts Journal the circling approach maneuver is designed as a last resort, non-precision approach. The very first question that should pop up into our head during a circling approach is “Why are we circling in the first place”? The n ext one is “What are our other options?”

Approach

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precision approach and provides both lateral and vertical guidance to a runway. For most general aviation operations, it allows a pilot to descend to as low as 200′ AGL and assist a pilot in locating the runway in as low as 3/8 mile visibility.

Approach

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The go-to instrument approach for keeping the mail moving is: Cleared for the visual. So its worth a review of the corner-cases and gotchas hidden in the plain-sight (visual) approach. There is no missed approach procedure for a visual. Thats a clearance, and changing runways requires permission.

Approach

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The go-to instrument approach for keeping the mail moving is: Cleared for the visual. So its worth a review of the corner-cases and gotchas hidden in the plain-sight (visual) approach. There is no missed approach procedure for a visual. Thats a clearance, and changing runways requires permission.

Approach

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

This is not an instrument procedure, but rather a way to enter the traffic pattern when approaching from the opposite side of the runway. In other words, how you get to the runway is mostly a matter of manners , not regulations. The AFH specifically recommends overflying the pattern by two miles before turning inbound.

Crosswind

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 7, 2024

Last year, the app added Traffic on Runway alerts to notify pilots about potential conflicts between aircraft on final approach with another aircraft on the runway. The visual depiction of the wake provides an aid to situational awareness when approaching wake turbulence. It will not trigger again for at least one minute.

Turbulence

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

The approach for the soft-field landing is similar to the normal approach. The final approach speed for a soft field approach and landing should be the same as is used for a short field technique to minimuze float once you enter ground effect. Execute your soft field approach and landing with these steps: 1.

Approach

Ask Captain Lim

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

One possible consideration is whether the captain could have declined the last-minute runway change from the original plan to land on Runway 1. The pilot-in-command has ultimate authority over the aircraft’s safety and can refuse a runway change if it compromises safety.

Pilot

Flight Training Central

MAY 14, 2024

To taxi from the ramp to the runway at a towered airport, (across the “movement area”), you need to receive a taxi clearance from the Ground controller. This makes it easy for the controller to quickly plan how to get you from your current location to the active runway that’s most aligned with where you’re going.

Runway

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

Louis Approach Control. Approach vectored us for the downwind for 26L. At 1,000’ AGL on mid-downwind, we could see Doc parked at the FBO. Two F/A-18 Hornets, the Blue Angels, on low approach, sped towards the runway on final. Eventually, approach cleared us to turn base. We were going to make our ride.

Approach

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Soon, the eagerly expected runway came into view, and the briefest of traffic patterns put us on the pavement, rolling out in relief. My companion claimed to spot runway lights directly below as I executed the miss. As you near the destination, never confuse the MSA pie chart on the approach plate with what ATC can allow.

Weather

iPad Pilot News

DECEMBER 17, 2024

It takes just a few taps to get to any location in the app which youll appreciate when you need to access information quickly, like finding an instrument approach chart or airspace information. In the air, theyll notify when approaching Class, B, C or D airspace, a TFR or the Washington, D.C. and jump to its location in the app.

Pilot

Flying Magazine

MAY 16, 2025

For pilots on their way to enjoy the areas coastline, here is a look at the RNAV GPS Runway 12 approach to get in when the weather isnt quite VFR. Subscribe Now Here’s a step-by-step look at the approach to Vero Beach Regional Airport. Easterly winds frequently make pilots approach using easterly-facing runways.

Final Approach

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. Don’t accept the excuses of “I can’t fly if I can’t see the runway,” or “I can’t feel the airplane.” VFR to MVFR…then 2 miles visibility and a ceiling of 1,200 feet agl. It’s an ATD. What could go wrong?

Crosswind

Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

It shows the helicopter flying normally, aligned to the runway, and then begin a gentle climb. The pilot told the airport tower controller that he may need the runway. The controller asked the pilot to report when two miles out and to expect runway 28. It rotated several times before crashing into the grass north of runway 28.

Torque

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Not only must you fly unnervingly slow, but you also have to pick a spot on the runway and hit it. It’s a runway that is too short for a normal takeoff or landing but still usable with certain precautions. This allows them to safely operate into and out of these tight runways. You’re not alone.

Weight-Shift-Control

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Unlike paved runways, every soft landing surface is different. Obstructions: Ensure the runway is clear of obstacles, from stones to animals. You can walk down the length of the runway. If the runway is too wet, it might be temporarily closed. They’re happy to tell you the status of the airport and runways.

NOTAMs

Air Facts

OCTOBER 21, 2024

As briefed, we launched and headed to and entered one of our low-level training routes to fly tactical formation (below) at 500 feet AGL and 480 knots. Hung bombs would require that you fly a hung bomb approach, which would avoid overflying populated areas as the bomb might release at an inopportune time.

Runway

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Runway incursions are caused by lapses in awareness and communication. This standard procedure spells out how youll approach, enter, and exit the airspace around the airport. Its key elements include: Upwind leg: After takeoff, you fly straight out, climbing away from the runway. What are the parts of a traffic pattern?

Pilot

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Soon, the eagerly expected runway came into view, and the briefest of traffic patterns put us on the pavement, rolling out in relief. My companion claimed to spot runway lights directly below as I executed the miss. As you near the destination, never confuse the MSA pie chart on the approach plate with what ATC can allow.

Weather

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Runway visual range (RVR) under 2,400 feet triggers a SPECI, and another is issued if it rises to 2,400 feet or more within 10 minutes. Well, these events can quickly affect visibility or runway conditions so much that they call for a special report. Runway visual range (RVR). Let’s look at each weather condition. Visibility.

Altimeter

Northstar VFR

JANUARY 4, 2023

Flight planning becomes more advanced than before, flying SIDs and STARs, and instrument approaches. Ideally, you should choose one that is at least 50 nautical miles away, with a long runway, abundant FBO/ maintenance services, and a precision approach. B) For a n on-precision approach procedure.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions

Flying Magazine

APRIL 30, 2024

That’s why the fresh approach Cirrus took to its next model in the SR series makes a lot of sense. Stephen Yeates] A Beginner’s Mind When you must approach something from a fresh perspective, it helps to go into a beginner’s mindset. Having been the former kind, I’ve had trouble putting myself in the latter’s point of view.

Pilot

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

If we can wait for the threat to pass this is clearly the best approach; especially when the virga is fairly isolated and the clouds are cycling. Sometimes the wind socks at both ends of the runway point in opposite directions! Rapidly approaching cold fronts (or other fronts, e.g. sea breeze fronts). Very well said!

Wind Shear

Pilot Institute

MAY 25, 2024

An airport has closed a runway/taxiway/apron for maintenance. He landed on a closed turf runway, causing the aircraft to nose over. In their example, runway 04L/22R is closed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). RWY 04L/22R tells us the subject is runway (RWY) 04L/22R. a closed runway has been reopened).

NOTAMs