Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

Approach speeds typically range from 80 to 90 knots depending on weight and flap settings, while full flaps are often used to provide the necessary lift during landing. The aircrafts landing gear is retractable, which must be extended during the final approach. The final approach is a delicate balance of power, pitch, and speed.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Aerotime

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Depending on other traffic ahead, not least at the destination, air traffic controllers (ATC) will clear the flight to descend in stages, to be level at certain waypoints on the arrival route. This may be accompanied by the deployment of spoilers on top of the wing.

Cabin Crew 274

Cabin Crew Descent Runway Approach 274

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 13, 2025

Poor Radio Communication Skills The Mistake: Many student pilots struggle with radio communication, which can lead to misunderstandings with air traffic control (ATC) and other pilots. Overcontrolling the Aircraft The Mistake: New pilots often overcorrect control inputs, especially during takeoffs, landings, and slow flight.

Pilot 52

Pilot Crosswind Final Approach Cockpit 52

Fear of Landing

DECEMBER 6, 2024

During the final stages of the flight, air traffic control told the pilot to expect the RNAV A approach to Montgomery County. The pilot asked for the RNAV GPS RWY 14 approach, which had lower minimums. His troubles began before he even started the approach. Runway 14, a 4,202 foot runway , was in use.

Approach 97

Approach Runway Descent Air Traffic Control 97

Ask Captain Lim

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

The crew was not obligated to accept this runway and could have requested an alternative or allowed more time for a stabilized approach. However, during final approach, we were instructed to switch to Runway 22L, a shorter runway typically used for departures.

Pilot 59

Pilot Runway Air Traffic Control AGL 59

Air Facts

MAY 7, 2025

It was common practice for tower controllers to monitor the area control centre enroute frequency. It was a winter night shift in a Western Ontario air traffic control tower. One controller on duty was the norm on most snowy nights when most of the flying activities had ended for the day.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control VOR Runway Distance Measuring Equipment 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 9, 2024

Instead, new concerns were raised about the structural stability of a building that could twist under certain wind loadings. The window panels were ultimately replaced with improved versions and the structural stability enhanced with the addition of diagonal steel bracing. It was a text message from Carl. How was it?"

Clearance 52

Clearance Runway Approach Stability 52