Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

And lets face it, the key to that flawless approach is often a well-planned descent. In the airline world, descent planning and execution receives a lot of attention. Like so much of aviation, there are several ways to skin this descent cat. Planning the Descent So, when is a good time to start planning the descent ?

Descent

Northstar VFR

JUNE 8, 2025

ATC had vectored an Alaska Airlines to turn base just over my position, 1,000 ft above me. Environmental Factors Turbulence : Turbulence from wind shear, mountainous terrain, thunderstorms, or microbursts can put your aircraft into an unusual attitude. The vertical speed indicator indicates a descent.

Turbulence

Flying Magazine

JULY 8, 2025

This often happens when the customer has been doing “research” and learns they will need X number of multiengine hours to qualify for a job at an airline where they will be flying either a turboprop or jet.

Wind Shear

Pilot Institute

JULY 11, 2025

For example, as a cold front passes, surface winds may shift from southwesterly to northwesterly, while winds above may continue from the west. All these and more create the perfect recipe for wind shear. If conditions get too rough near descent, don’t hesitate to delay or hold off until it’s safe to continue.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Weather Go-arounds due to weather occur due to wind shear caused by gusting winds or microbursts. When an aircraft encounters horizontal wind shear, it could be blown off centerline. Similarly, if an aircraft encounters vertical wind shear, it reduces or increases the sink rate.

Wind Shear