Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Have you ever thought about landing an airplane without using flaps? Think about these scenarios: maybe the flaps stop working, or youre flying an older airplane that doesnt even have them. Pilots must adapt their approach and landing technique during flap failure. Flatter approach angle (due to less drag).

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Pilot Drag Descent Approach 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 27, 2024

Back in the early days of jet airliners, pilots long experienced in more forgiving two- and four-engine, piston-powered prop planes found themselves running out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas on the final approach to landing. Several of these unstabilized approaches resulted in major aircraft damage or worse. And one more thing.

Stability 89

Stability Approach Runway Pilot 89

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

We often hear that the key to a great landing is an equally great approach. 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.

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Descent Approach Final Approach Wind Shear 55

Plane and Pilot

MARCH 10, 2025

Any airplane developed since the early 1950s needing around 160 hp was probably penned with this engine in mindor its slightly larger but fundamentally similar O-360. Specifically, Rotaxs approach to putting 160 hp to the prop flange is fundamentally different from Lycomings. And what Rotax doesnt want to buy, it can create in house.

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Descent Airplanes Torque Pilot 97

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?”

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Approach AGL Descent Runway 97

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Flight controls mean ailerons, elevator, and rudder, of course, but on some airplanes, if the trim is mis-set, the plane might be difficult or impossible to control. That flap retraction was not performed, and although the airplane made it into the air, it did not maintain sustained flight. Your airplane may be different.

Airplanes 95

Airplanes Cockpit Pilot Aileron 95

One Mile at a Time

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

LATAM business class bed 787 LATAM business class bed 787 I ended up falling asleep with around 5hr50min remaining to Santiago, as we were approaching Panama… LATAM 787 map enroute to Santiago LATAM 787 map enroute to Santiago …and I woke up with around 1hr10min remaining to Santiago, as we were approaching the coast of Chile.

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Approach Descent Runway Airplanes 108

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

Key Takeaways Power-off stalls mimic a stall during the flight’s approach and landing phase. On final approach, it can be the difference between recovering and crashing. We practice power-off stalls to help us identify the signs of a stall and the characteristics of your airplane when it stalls. Why should this matter to you?

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Descent Approach AGL Lift 52

Northstar VFR

MAY 26, 2025

Flaps are movable surfaces on the trailing edge of an airplanes wings that can be extended downward to change the shape of the wing during flight. When deployed, they increase the wings lift and drag, allowing the airplane to fly safely at slower speeds. At the same time, flaps create extra drag, which helps slow the airplane down.

Camber 52

Camber Drag Lift Airplanes 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 6, 2024

Even though synthetic vision might help me perform an emergency descent to a valley that might not be cloud filled, that’s pretty sketchy as a risk-mitigation strategy. It wasn’t a big deal, but after a long week at EAA AirVenture and a long day in the airplane, the detour wasn’t appreciated. That’s what Plan B is for.

Airplanes 94

Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 94

Plane and Pilot

JUNE 15, 2025

Velocity Andrews, North Carolina/Injuries: 1 Fatal NTSB Report: ERA23FA194 The owner recently purchased the experimental amateur-built, modified airplane. He did not have a lot of experience in the make and model airplane, so he hired the accident pilot to conduct the first flight since recent modifications.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Airplanes Runway Pilot 52

Fear of Landing

MARCH 21, 2025

Close up of the chart, showing the airport to the left, with Route 1 coming from the top and Route 4 leading to the bottom The FAA’s Helicopter Route Chart shows clearly that a helicopter following Route 4 would cross the approach path for runway 33. An aircraft descending on a 3 slope would pass this point at 300 feet.

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Runway Air Traffic Control Approach Descent 73

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Landing an airplane can be one of the most nerve-wracking tasks for a student pilot. Getting an airplane to fly is easy. Briefing A pre-landing briefing highlights essential points critical to the approach and landing phase. It also allows you to focus on flying during the last stages of the approach and landing.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Final Approach 52

Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

Flying a single engine airplane, under IFR, in the clouds, in a non-radar environment and without an autopilot, adds a great deal to the pilots work load. With three airplanes, we departed Springfield for Fairfield, Iowa to compete in an NIFA competition against five other schools. This was the situation on Friday, December 1, 1972.

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VOR Weather Approach Runway 52

Ask a Flight Instructor

MAY 15, 2024

I am going to fly a cross country in an airplane equipped with an STec 20/30. I anticipate flying an instrument approach in IMC at my destination and would prefer to use the AP to reduce my workload. However, I am proficient and current in hand flying approaches. I am used to GFC 500 and STec 55x.

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Approach Descent Airplanes 52

Aerotime

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

In the case of certain passengers, a flight may represent the first time they have ever been onboard an airplane, generating feelings of excitement and trepidation in equal measure about what may lie ahead. One of the first items on before taxi checklists is to set the take-off flaps well before the aircraft approaches the runway.

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Cabin Crew Runway Clearance Knot 273

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Are you curious about flying a VOR approach? If you’re aiming to master instrument-rated flying, it’d be valuable to learn about VOR approaches. We’ll cover what a VOR approach is, how to fly it step-by-step, and even whether GPS can replace it in today’s navigation. Ready to make VOR approaches easy?

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VOR Approach Descent Final Approach 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 30, 2025

He lost 200 feet before even noticing the descent. Radio calls, hold entries, and approach briefs all contribute to the mental stacka skill in itself to manage. One of the most essential tools for staying ahead of the airplane is the electronic flight bag (EFB). This is particularly helpful when briefing an approach.

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Pilot NOTAMs Clearance Approach 104

Plane and Pilot

APRIL 11, 2025

The feel of the airplane, amount of wind and engine noise, and the G-force sensations all can lead to sensory overload. You learn the sound of the slipstream passing by the not-quite-sealed window at the correct approach speed. Some airplanes have a notable pop on descent at very low power. It all starts to make sense.

Airplanes 60

Airplanes Descent Pilot Approach 60

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

A pilot needs to control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical to minimize stresses imposed on the landing gear by a rough surface or to prevent sinking into a soft surface. The approach for the soft-field landing is similar to the normal approach.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 11, 2025

AGL (or when AGL is unknown), the descent rate exceeds 4,000 ft. AGL and the descent rate exceeds 3,000 ft. AGL, the descent rate is between 3000 ft. Runway Final Approach Alert – Alerts when approaching any runway, based on altitude, vertical speed, track, and when within 4 nm of the runway threshold.

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AGL Runway Groundspeed Descent 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 17, 2024

They are the Visual Approach Slope Indicator and Precision Approach Path Indicator. These systems are designed to help you stay on the correct glide path as you approach the runway. VASI and PAPI each have their own approach. However, not all types of aircraft are meant to take the same approach path. What Is VASI?

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Runway Approach Threshold Clearance 98

Flight Training Central

MAY 28, 2024

But as the destination traffic pattern approaches, workload increases dramatically. A firm understanding of the proper terminal area procedures is essential for staying safe as you depart or approach the airport. a long straight in final approach to the active runway. Safe obstruction clearance in the approach area.

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Crosswind Runway Clearance Air Traffic Control 98

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Its easy to get in a rut practicing approaches around your home drome. Its easy to get in a rut practicing approaches around your home drome. Or, maybe you dont even practice approaches enough to have a same. Maybe today its partial-panel approaches with an ILS or LPV. Rate the approaches and have the loser buy lunch.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Ceiling Descent 52

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 27, 2025

This article dives into the most prevalent landing errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they can sneak into even the most carefully executed approaches. This would result in the airplane stalling and dropping hard onto the runway. This not only stops the descent, but actually starts the airplane climbing.

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Airplanes Runway Accelerated Stall Lift 89

AV Web

JANUARY 8, 2025

Also see the sidebar on the opposite page for a real-world example involving the editor-in-chiefs airplane. If instrument rated and filing IFR, a good variety of approaches. Pre-Flight Checks All the preflight planning in the world will not help you if the airplane is mis-fueled. Fuel is available and affordable. gallons.

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Payload Airplanes Approach Descent 105

Pilot Institute

APRIL 23, 2025

Landing Gear Operating Speed (VLO) Explained Youre on the final approach. Now its time to extend the landing gear and complete your final approach checklist. Having a structured approach to your descent and landing procedures is another helpful strategy. Lets take a closer look at how this works in the context of VLO.

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Final Approach V Speed Descent Pilot 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. The Mooney continued its approach.

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Approach Runway Descent Air Traffic Control 97

Inflight Pilot Training

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

This regimented approach can be beneficial for students pursuing aviation as a full-time career, as it is often designed to meet airline and professional pilot training standards. For a deeper understanding of stall behavior and recovery techniques, the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook provides an excellent resource.

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Aileron Approach Visual Flight Rules Rudder 52

One Mile at a Time

APRIL 2, 2025

View enroute to Washington Dulles Austrian business class pre-landing snack Upon waking up, I first ordered an americano, which was served in a Julius Meinl branded mug, and was pretty great for airplane coffee. He warned of some turbulence on approach, and of strong winds at Washington Dulles, which were gusting up to 30 knots.

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Approach Descent Airlines Airline 76

Plane and Pilot

JUNE 2, 2025

Piper PA-28-180 Riverside, California/Injuries: 1 Minor NTSB Report: WPR23LA156 The pilot completed the airplanes engine run-up and carburetor heat function checks with no anomalies noted. Velocity Andrews, North Carolina/Injuries: 1 Fatal NTSB Report: ERA23FA194 The owner recently purchased the experimental amateur-built, modified airplane.

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Instrument Meteorological Conditions Airplanes Runway Pilot 87

One Mile at a Time

MAY 12, 2025

ANA takes a unique approach to its A380s, as the airline has three of these, referred to as the Flying Honu. It always amazes me how well airlines can serve some complex Japanese dishes on airplanes. ANA first class service touch ANA A380 arrival in Honolulu Before I knew it, we were already starting our descent to Honolulu.

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Tail Approach Descent Runway 90

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

For new instrument pilots, flying an approach to minimums is a big challenge. Adding an approach briefing to the mix feels like one task too many. Luckily, mastering approach briefings is not as hard as it seems. This article breaks down how to deliver a top-notch approach briefing, every time. Final approach course.

Approach 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 3, 2024

Is it to perfect the maneuver for the next check ride, learn how to recover the airplane after an inadvertent stall, or just avoid the whole thing in the first place? Most fatalities occurred during takeoff, climb, and go-around rather than the approach to landing. Why do we practice stalls? Each plane stalls a bit differently.

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Airplanes Horizontal Stabilizer Approach Pilot 83

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 13, 2024

Here are the five most often missed questions from November 2024 on the simulated Instrument Rating Airplane Knowledge Test. Refer to figure 208) While approaching the AUDIL intersection at FL290, ATC provides the following clearance: Cleared direct to AUDIL for the STELA ONE arrival. Let’s get to the quiz!

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Clearance VOR NOTAMs Descent 98

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

A positive reading means you’re climbing, while a negative one indicates descent. Airspeed and VSI: When you adjust airspeed, your rate of climb or descent may also change. Then, check the altimeter to confirm that you’re holding your altitude, or approaching the altitude you want. In a climb or descent, this is just as true.

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True Airspeed Indicated Airspeed Altimeter Lift 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Flight idle and nose down, which normally produced a 2,000-3,000-feet descent rate, resulted in a 2,000-feet-per-minute climb. Airspeed was approaching VMO. Anything in the airplane not tied down floated, even dust from the flight deck carpet, then slammed to the nearest surface moments later as we were caught by the next wave.

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Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 97