Aileron Descent True Airspeed 
Plane and Pilot
JUNE 23, 2025
After a shallow turn from downwind, the Bonanza was positioned on base at a proper altitude and airspeed and with a constant descent rate. While it wasn’t a particularly hot day, Big Bear’s density altitude was reported as 8,200 feet, resulting in a higher true airspeed compared to indicated airspeed.
Plane and Pilot
JUNE 15, 2025
The right aileron sustained substantial damage. Recorded track data revealed that the pilot began a descent to the destination airport and crossed over the approach end of the runway on a heading perpendicular to the runway heading. The pilot was able to taxi the airplane to parking without further incident.
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Plane and Pilot
JUNE 2, 2025
The right aileron sustained substantial damage. Recorded track data revealed that the pilot began a descent to the destination airport and crossed over the approach end of the runway on a heading perpendicular to the runway heading. The pilot was able to taxi the airplane to parking without further incident.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
Your aircraft will fly at a faster true airspeed at higher density altitudes. Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Power controls the rate of descent, and pitch controls airspeed.
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
“A few seconds later the airplane data showed a maneuver consistent with an aileron roll followed by a rapid descent about 1,000 feet before regaining its prior altitude and track above the highway.” I did my first aileron roll in an RV-4. Airspeed reached 248 kias, well over the never exceed VNE of 200 kias.
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
“A few seconds later the airplane data showed a maneuver consistent with an aileron roll followed by a rapid descent about 1,000 feet before regaining its prior altitude and track above the highway.” I did my first aileron roll in an RV-4. Airspeed reached 248 kias, well over the never exceed VNE of 200 kias.
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