Approach, Crosswind and Lift - Aviator Connection

Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

This is called lift. Wingtip vortices are a byproduct of lift. Once the wing stops producing lift, the vortices dissipate instantly. Wing spoilers drastically reduce the lift generated by the wing. Its important because the lift is always produced perpendicular to the relative wind. Why is this important?

Turbulence

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway

Step-by-Step Guide to No-Flaps Landings for Pilots

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Pilots must adapt their approach and landing technique during flap failure. The flaps on an aircraft are used for controlled descents with slower airspeed during the approach and landing. Certain Conditions Certain conditions, such as severe icing or busy airspace (request for faster approach), may require a no-flaps landing.

Pilot

Pilot Drag Descent Approach

Low-level windshear

Professional Pilot

MAY 7, 2025

Climate Scientist Downburst windshear can cause aircraft to deviate from the approach path. A pproaching the threshold, the flying pilot was trying to keep the wings level in the gusty crosswind. Smaller aircraft often have approach speeds closer to their stall speed than do larger aircraft. miles (2 km).

Crosswind

Crosswind Turbulence Approach Runway

Throttle Mismanagement: A T-38 Lesson That Stuck

Air Facts

MAY 14, 2025

As he lifted off from a touch-and-go, I shook the control stick and said, Ive got the jet. After closing the speed brakes and raising the gear and flaps, I turned crosswind at the departure end. Add half the gust factor to final approach and touchdown speeds. One day, I had finally had enough. Gusty winds?

AGL

AGL Crosswind Final Approach Threshold

Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 12, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Lift is generated by the wings as air flows over them, counteracting weight, which pulls the plane downward due to gravity.

Weather

Weather Pilot Drag Rudder

How to Read a Windsock

WayMan

APRIL 17, 2025

Pilots use this visual cue to plan their runway approach and takeoff to ensure theyre flying into the winda practice that increases lift and aircraft control. Improved judgment: Reacting confidently to shifting or crosswind conditions. The narrow end trails downwind, showing the direction the wind is blowing toward.

Knot

Knot Runway Crosswind Pilot

Visual Angle of Attack Indicators and Systems Engineering Theory

Air Facts

APRIL 14, 2025

1] NASA provides this excellent but unavoidably long definition: At NASA, systems engineering is defined as a methodical, multi-disciplinary approach for the design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system. An historical antecedent is the concept of the unstable approach.

Final Approach

Final Approach General Aviation Approach Wind Shear

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Land a Piper Seminole Safely

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

When learning how to land a Piper Seminole, it is crucial to understand the role of each engine in the approach and landing phases. Pilots must be proficient in managing engine power, especially during the approach, where power settings and speed management are critical to a smooth and safe landing.

Descent

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway

Everything You Need To Know About Ailerons

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing. The aircrafts wing is able to generate lift due to its shape. The more the wings shape is able to change the direction of the flow of air over the surface, the more lift it will produce. Why does this increase the lift? How Do Ailerons Work?

Aileron

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis

Types of Aircraft Maneuvers Every Student Pilot Should Learn

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

Stalls and Stall Recovery No list of essential maneuvers would be complete without stalls, as they teach you to recognize and recover from the aircraft losing lift, a situation every pilot must handle safely. Normal Takeoff and Landing: Students learn the standard procedures to smoothly lift off and touch down.

Pilot

Pilot Descent Rudder Approach

The Role of Newton’s Third Law in Aviation

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Lift is the force that aircraft use to counter gravity. Newton’s Third Law is one of the key laws of physics that explains lift. Lets see what Newtons Third Law is, and why we need it to understand lift. This principle is fundamental in generating lift, thrust, and maneuverability, allowing aircraft to fly.

Torque

Torque Lift Thrust Aileron

Best Flight Simulator for Private Pilot Training: What to Look For

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 23, 2025

Though more common in commercial pilot training, they’re becoming accessible in elite flight schools and part of Leopard Aviation’s approach for serious learner. At Leopard Aviation, you’ll navigate through fog, thunderstorms, crosswinds, and busy airspace—so you know what to expect when you’re actually in the sky.

Pilot

Pilot Crosswind Cockpit Weather

Accident Briefs—June 2025

Plane and Pilot

JUNE 15, 2025

Witness statements and recorded video showed that during the takeoff roll from the 5,500-foot-long asphalt runway, the airplane accelerated slower than normal, used more runway than normal, and lifted off the runway in a nose-high attitude. The lowest weather minimums for the approach required at least one mile visibility.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Airplanes Runway Calibrated Airspeed

Solo, But Not Alone

Air Facts

AUGUST 1, 2025

I knew this milestone was approaching. The I-GITR lifted off and I was flying solo for the first time. A crosswind gust nudged me left; I corrected with right rudder. After landing, he turned to me and said, “OK, Nick, you are hereby ready to fly solo. Remember, the plane will be much lighter without me. Throttle full open.

Runway

Runway Tail Air Traffic Control Altimeter

What Is an Aircraft Go-Around and When Is It Used?

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

An aircraft go-around is when a pilot decides to abort a landing and climb back to a safe altitude for another approach. Whether it’s due to runway obstacles, unstable approaches, or weather changes, the aircraft go-around is a pilot’s best tool to avoid accidents and ensure a smooth, safe flight every time.

Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control Approach Runway Wind Shear

Stupid Pilot Tricks

AV Web

APRIL 15, 2025

With lateral options dwindling, the Bell 47D went into a vertical lift. As he approached the herd, with the intention of driving the cattle into the corral, the bull departed and headed toward an area covered with heavy mesquite brush. After one full revolution, the helicopter lifted rapidly from the ground and climbed immediately.

Pilot

Pilot Airplanes Runway Descent

Flight Sims for the Win: It’s All About Repetition and Drill

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. If the learner is not instrument rated but is training at an airport with an instrument approach, this might be a great time to teach them how to fly the approach as an emergency measure.

Crosswind

Crosswind VOR Airplanes Runway

Overcoming the Five Most Common Landing Errors

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 27, 2025

From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. 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 climbing during the roundout is known as ballooning.

Airplanes

Airplanes Runway Accelerated Stall Lift

A Bristol Bulldog Biplane Fighter is Once Again in the Sky

Vintage Aviation News

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Storo lifted the British fighter into the air for the first time on June 28, 2022, from Tillamook Municipal Airport near his home. At that point, you’re simply looking down the runway, and then it lifts off. I can control it now with the Red Line Brakes, but this airplane is not built for crosswinds. 19 Squadron.

Crosswind

Crosswind Airplanes Tail Cockpit

Aviation Winds Types Explained: A Pilot’s In-Depth Guide

Air

MAY 21, 2025

For landing, it means a shorter landing roll and a slower approach speed over the ground, offering enhanced control. For landing, it increases your groundspeed on approach and extends the landing distance. Every aeroplane has a maximum demonstrated crosswind component it’s certified to handle.

Crosswind

Crosswind Wind Shear Groundspeed Flight Computer

Airline Pilots Are the Most Scrutinized Profession

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

These maneuvers include an engine failure on takeoff, loss of lift on the wing during departure, en route, and approach, crosswind landings, wind shear scenarios, engine inoperative landings, low visibility landings, crash landings and evacuation.

Pilot

Pilot Wind Shear Airlines Airline

White-Knuckle Affair

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Once there, he put us in a slight right turn toward our first fuel stop 60 miles ahead, continuously fighting the stick as the gusting left crosswind did its best to push us off course. Wilkins guided the craft along the invisible roller coaster, working to keep the wings level while maintaining a crab as the Cub climbed the first 500 feet.

Runway

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot

Accident Briefs—June 2025

Plane and Pilot

JUNE 2, 2025

Witness statements and recorded video showed that during the takeoff roll from the 5,500-foot-long asphalt runway, the airplane accelerated slower than normal, used more runway than normal, and lifted off the runway in a nose-high attitude. The lowest weather minimums for the approach required at least one mile visibility.

Instrument Meteorological Conditions

Instrument Meteorological Conditions Airplanes Runway Pilot

What is the Angle of Attack?

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Proper AOA management affects lift generation and stall prevention. It is one of the main factors affecting lift, and airplanes need a constant source of lift to fly. As we stated a little while ago, understanding the angle of attack is fundamental to understanding aerodynamics and how lift is generated.

Lift

Lift Turbulence Drag Airplanes

Mastering Short Field Landings (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

It only takes a 10% increase in approach speed to increase the landing roll by 20%. These obstacles frequently affect the approach and missed approach paths. Plan your approach path carefully to eliminate large pitch and power changes. Full flaps are generally used since they lower approach speed and increase drag.

Weight-Shift-Control

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent

What Every Pilot Needs to Know about the Airplane Rudder

Northstar VFR

JULY 21, 2024

As air flows over it, a force like lift results, and the tail is pulled in the opposite direction of the deflection. But instead of an upward force of lift on a wing, it’s a horizontal force pushing the tail of the plane causing the nose of the plane to move left and right. This is especially vital during crosswind landings.

Rudder

Rudder Airplanes Pilot Stability

How to Make a Perfect Soft Field Landing Every Time

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

As you approach the airport, monitor UNICOM for landing or departing traffic. Another performance factor is the approach speed. The slower the approach, the shorter the landing distance. Many aircraft have specific recommended normal and short-field approach speeds. It will allow you to fine-tune your approach.

NOTAMs

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent

Overrun in Ireland

Fear of Landing

OCTOBER 4, 2024

” The pilot taxied to the holding point, checked the skies for any approaching aircraft, and lined up on the runway. The pilot applied some aileron to compensate for the crosswind and then applied full power. The flaps had been extended for the take-off, in order to increase lift. . “The more we have, the better.”

Runway

Runway Pilot Knot Weather

Flying on New Year's Day With A New Airline from Frankfurt to Athens!

Charles Ryan's Flying Adventure

JANUARY 14, 2024

To get there, you need to follow the signboard leading you to a lift and from the lower level, you can walk through the underpass to get to the other building. I spotted another green stripes livery on this A330-900neo on final approach to this airport. Do you recognise this cartoon character? This was my flight's final assigned gate.

Airlines

Airlines Airline Weather Turbulence

Mastering Crosswind Landings (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to confidently master crosswind landings. Key Takeaways Manage crosswind landing challenges using the crab and sideslip techniques. Plan for crosswind conditions with step-by-step procedures. Learn to avoid common mistakes during approach, roundout, touchdown, and rollout.

Crosswind

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder

A fun fuel run

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

A steep bank and strong pull is required for each turn, and I watch the airspeed and lift reserve indicator (LRI) to make sure I do not do anything stupid. As I approach 10 nm out, I make a call on 122.7 The radio is quiet as I approach, and the turn to the 45 degree entry is easy and smooth.

Groundspeed

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind

Alton Bay's "Excellent Water"

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

Thaws, rain, snow, and strong crosswinds can temporarily close the airport. As Warrior 481 lifted us to a cruise altitude of 7,500 feet, the first hint of the sunrise came in the form of a massive fireball turned vermillion by miles of low haze between us and the horizon. Warm spells can mean doom for this frozen Brigadoon.

Runway

Runway Threshold Airplanes Approach

How to fly the perfect short field takeoff and climb

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 15, 2024

Once in position and any crosswind corrections noted, takeoff power should be applied smoothly and continuously while holding the brakes until the maximum obtainable engine power. As YOU reach the recommended roation speed, apply back-elevator pressure until reaching the appropriate Vx attitude to ensure a smooth and firm lift-off.

Density Altitude

Density Altitude Indicated Airspeed Lift Runway

Triple Threat of Limitations

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

And the finest example of a Cirrus SR22 is not going to want to lift a full load out of a backcountry strip on a warm afternoon with a density altitude reading five digits. Can you fly a zero-thrust, single-engine approach to minimums today? That optimistic outlook doesn’t apply to pilots with rusty skills.

Density Altitude

Density Altitude Wind Shear Airplanes Pilot

How to Perform a Go-Around (The Right Way)

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

A bad approach results in a bad landing. A go-around is a maneuver performed to abort or reject a landing on the final approach or once the aircraft has already touched down. Top Reasons for Go-Arounds Unstabilized Approach An aircraft must have a stabilized approach before landing. What Is a Go-Around?

Wind Shear

Wind Shear Runway Aeronautical Decision-Making Approach

Avoiding The Impossible Turn (Engine Failure after Takeoff)

Pilot Institute

APRIL 19, 2024

When you bank, with all other factors constant, the total lift doesn’t change. However, the direction in which the lift acts does. The lift splits into a horizontal and vertical component. But now you have less vertical lift to counteract the aircraft’s weight, so you descend faster.

AGL

AGL Runway Descent Lift

What matters for VFR proficiency: better landings

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

Consider the Cherokee pilot in Wisconsin who approached too fast: “The pilot reported that during the landing at the destination airport, the airplane floated down the runway, landed long, and did not slow as expected. Neither one is good. IATA has made this a focus in recent years, with some positive results to show for it.

Knot

Knot Runway Airplanes Pilot

Nothing Small About It

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

But it was apparent the smallest Grumman flying boat was too small and full of quirks—the cabin door won’t open if the flaps are down, for example—to justify something approaching a direct copy. The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance.

Airplanes

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron