Pilot Institute

JUNE 9, 2025

Today we will explain airplane holding patterns in detail, answer some common questions, and even teach you a few ‘hacks’ to make flying a hold a real breeze. Wind correction is critical, especially crosswind drift on the outbound leg. Why Do Airplanes Use Holding Procedures? Here’s why airplanes take up the hold.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Crosswind Approach Knot 52

Flight Training Central

MAY 13, 2025

Best glide speed is only effective in strong crosswinds. The forward slip turns the airplanes fuselage into the relative wind. How does this affect the airplane aerodynamically? When on final approach with a strong headwind your groundspeed will be lower than in a zero wind condition. Approach speed is a fixed value.

Approach 78

Approach Descent Final Approach Drag 78

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

The electronic E6B is equally useful when in the airplane, to help determine actual winds aloft, true airspeed, fuel burn, and descent planning. Find the crosswind component for Runway 36 if the reported wind direction is 320 at 12 knots. Determine the actual groundspeed in flight with a leg time of 24.5 926 175 167 Correct!

Flight Plan 52

Flight Plan True Airspeed Flight Computer Groundspeed 52

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

It felt like pushing it for that airplane, but checkrides are so hard to schedule I went. It was fun doing over 200 knots groundspeed over Rawlings until I realized a solid wall of thunderstorms had formed between me and home, and there were 35 knot winds below. I approach using the wing low method in a crosswind. What to do?

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Knot Rudder Turbulence 98

Pilot Institute

APRIL 22, 2025

Ground reference maneuvers aim to train you to accurately control your airplane under various wind conditions. Be respectful, and remember that your airplane makes a lot of noise. When the wind is coming from directly behind the airplane, ideally, no wind correction angle is necessary.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Airplanes Aileron Rudder 52

Flight Training Central

MARCH 4, 2024

The airplane will be flown at 1,000’ AGL parallel to and at an equal distance from the field boundaries – about ½ – ¾ miles from the boundary as you would fly a traffic pattern. The entry into the maneuver should be accomplished downwind as you would enter the traffic pattern where groundspeed will be the greatest.

Groundspeed 52

Groundspeed Crosswind Aileron Rudder 52

Air Facts

JUNE 6, 2025

The ink was barely dry on my newly earned Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license, and I had zero experience on that particular airplane. Second, there was a strong south wind blowing straight down the runway—great for slowing the airplane’s groundspeed. The airplane came to rest at what looked like walking speed.

Runway 52

Runway Torque Groundspeed Tail 52