Pilot Institute

JUNE 9, 2025

If it is obvious that the bad weather is transitory, air traffic control may ask approaching aircraft to take up a holding pattern while the weather subsides. To avoid airplanes constantly changing direction and approach procedures, ATC may ask them to take up the hold while the airport is reconfigured. Want an example? Here’s why.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Crosswind Approach Knot 52

Air Facts

DECEMBER 30, 2024

The year was 2017, and I was two months into my first pilot job flying skydivers in the C182 at a small Canadian drop zone, when my boss approached me with this question. My approach into St. I encountered unexpected headwinds to start, slowing my groundspeed down to 75 knots at times.

Weather 98

Weather Approach VFR On Top Knot 98

Air

MAY 21, 2025

For landing, it means a shorter landing roll and a slower approach speed over the ground, offering enhanced control. Drawbacks: In cruise, a headwind reduces your groundspeed , meaning your journey will take longer and consume more fuel. It increases your groundspeed , shortening your flight time and saving fuel.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Wind Shear Groundspeed Flight Computer 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 5, 2024

Your CFI-I back in SoCal always taught you to look at the approach plate for the departure airport as well as the departure procedure/takeoff minimums/ODPs. So why bother to look at an approach chart for your departure airport? My response would be, “what if ?” Fill in the blank yourself. feet per minute). Multiply 1.5

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Ceiling Runway Weather 98

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

At the current groundspeed, I believed it shouldn’t be of much concern unless the cell began producing lightning. Continued along at 6,000’ I advised ATC that the weather was received and requested the RNAV 24 approach. ATC then informed us we were number two for the approach and to maintain 4,000’. Was this rule being broken?

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98