Pilot Institute

APRIL 4, 2025

If you dream of becoming a pilot, you might be wondering if its a hard career to enter. So, is it hard to be a pilot? Key Takeaways To become a pilot, you must invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and money. Pilots face many challenges, but the rewards and incentives make them worthwhile.

Pilot 98

Pilot Checkride Cabin Crew Airplanes 98

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 31, 2024

It might sound a bit scary, but its a valuable skill for a pilot to master. 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. What is the purpose of flaps?

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Pilot Drag Descent Approach 52

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 13, 2025

Mistakes are a natural part of learning, but understanding common pitfalls ahead of time can help you progress more efficiently, build confidence, and become a safer pilot. In this comprehensive guide, well take a deep dive into the top 10 mistakes student pilots make, why they happen, and actionable strategies to avoid them.

Pilot 52

Pilot Crosswind Final Approach Cockpit 52

Air Facts

MAY 19, 2025

” The book spoke of how humans approach the world in two fundamental ways: I-It , where we analyze, use, and experience things objectively, and I-Thou , where we enter into genuine relationships with them. The checklist transformed from mere procedure into a ritual of relationship, a dialogue between pilot and machine.

Crosswind 92

Crosswind Approach Tail Weather 92

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.

Stability 92

Stability Approach Runway Pilot 92

Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Pilots avoid vortices by maintaining safe separation and adjusting flight paths. When the aircraft encounters a vortex and its strong enough to induce roll, the pilot counters it by using the ailerons against the roll and tries to fly out of the wake as soon as possible. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Pilot Institute

JUNE 9, 2025

Holding procedures often leave many prospective IFR pilots in a cold sweat. Pilots use holds for traffic delays, weather, emergencies, planning, or runway changes. Wind correction is critical, especially crosswind drift on the outbound leg. Pilot Planning Nobody likes being put under pressure. What Is a Hold?

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Crosswind Approach Knot 52

Aerotime

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

And the scenario could become even more concerning if a high-crosswind or an engine-out condition were to occur simultaneously with a jammed or restricted rudder. However, operators of the aircraft would be precluded from performing category IIIB approaches.

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Rudder Crosswind Airplanes Pilot 297

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 18, 2025

Not only that, but there was quite a crosswind, as wind was blowing at a direction 40 degrees off the runway heading. What makes this noteworthy is that the air traffic controller advised the pilots that somebody saw some sparks from one of your wings, and asked you guys feel anything?

Air Traffic Control 95

Air Traffic Control Knot Runway Crosswind 95

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 3, 2025

Have you ever wondered how pilots determine wind direction and speed at a glance? If youre preparing for takeoff, navigating an approach, or landing at an uncontrolled airport, knowing how to read a windsock can give you quick wind information. A windsock is an essential aviation tool that helps pilots make safe decisions.

Knot 98

Knot Weather Wind Shear Weight-Shift-Control 98

Professional Pilot

MAY 7, 2025

Climate Scientist Downburst windshear can cause aircraft to deviate from the approach path. If not recognized quickly, it can lead to incorrect pilot inputs and loss of control. A pproaching the threshold, the flying pilot was trying to keep the wings level in the gusty crosswind. miles (2 km).

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Turbulence Approach Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

It is the first time you will step into the cockpit and demonstrate to your examiner, the FAA, and yourself that youre ready to safely and competently operate as a private pilot. The Importance of Your First Check Ride Passing your private pilot check ride signals that youre competent to fly independently and carry passengers safely.

Federal Aviation Regulations 94

Federal Aviation Regulations Weather Pilot VOR 94

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we approached the gate, my phone rang again. I say a favor, but once you pick up the phone, calling it a favor is candy-coating an assignment, unless it is blatantly in violation of our pilot contract or regulations. Now, if you’re on a 25-mile, straight-in approach to an 11,000-foot runway, there’s time to process that.

Runway 73

Runway Approach Knot Crosswind 73

Air Facts

APRIL 14, 2025

Rather, the system, in the largest sense, includes VAOAI advocates and promoters, regulators, pilots, aircraft, regulations, training, airports, air traffic, airspace, weather, publications, public opinion, and more. An historical antecedent is the concept of the unstable approach. This was not acknowledged until decades later.

Final Approach 90

Final Approach General Aviation Approach Wind Shear 90

Ask Captain Lim

DECEMBER 11, 2024

An Airbus A350 in a strong crosswind with nose pointing away How do pilots handle their planes in strong crosswinds? Landing in strong crosswinds is among the most challenging tasks for pilots, requiring precise techniques to ensure the aircraft touches down safely. Some airlines impose a lower limitation.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Pilot Final Approach Approach 52

Vintage Aviation News

MAY 27, 2025

The curved display line offers spectacular topside passes, especially when aircraft approach from the left, emerging from behind the crowd with the sun perfectly illuminating them as they round the corner above the control tower. The gently sloping ground also ensures a great view, even for those further back. Thats why we keep coming back.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Tail Approach Hangar 105

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Many sim pilots also purchase dedicated peripherals to control the rudder and engines. Never before have sim pilots seen the world portrayed with such stunning accuracy. For the first time, sim pilots can navigate visually using real-world landmarks. .” Well, except Ercoupe pilots.

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Rudder Crosswind Pilot Air Traffic Control 96

Air Facts

APRIL 9, 2025

That new plan, when combined with the portable Starlink Mini hardware kit ($499), means pilots can finally have high speed internet access in flight, without large external antennas or prohibitively expensive monthly fees. If this anecdotal sample is any guide, pilots have noticed the news. The system is hardly perfect.

Weather 98

Weather Airplanes Pilot Cockpit 98

WayMan

APRIL 17, 2025

How to Read a Windsock Knowing how to read a windsock is a foundational skill for any pilot. At Wayman College of Aeronautics, we emphasize this essential skill early in our pilot training programs to build situational awareness from day one. Improved judgment: Reacting confidently to shifting or crosswind conditions.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Crosswind Pilot 52

Flight Training Central

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course , but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. Here are the five most often missed questions from August 20204 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test. Denotes entrance to runway from a taxiway.

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Aileron Pilot Drag 98

Air Facts

MAY 14, 2025

Throttle Mismanagement: A T-38 Lesson That Stuck Air Facts Journal An Air Force instructor teaches a powerful lesson on throttle finessein a jet that doesnt forgive overcorrections Have you ever been in a car or plane where the person driving or piloting is constantly adjusting the throttle? At least he didnt light the afterburners!

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AGL Threshold Crosswind Final Approach 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

In reality it’s neither, but the bigger problem is that most pilots don’t even know what it means. And since 95% of airports in the US are nontowered, most pilots will use some type of pattern entry every time they fly. ” What about the old fashioned midfield crosswind, which many of us grew up flying? .”

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Airplanes AGL Runway 98

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

One of the most reliable aircraft for training is the Piper Seminole, a twin-engine plane that offers hands-on experience for future pilots. Section 1: Getting to Know the Piper Seminole The Piper Seminole is a versatile twin-engine aircraft frequently used for flight training, particularly for pilots advancing to multi-engine ratings.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Flying Magazine

JUNE 5, 2025

Pilots will notice that the natural spoils of the greater Ozarks region are as stunning from the air than they are on the ground. The runway and the surrounding apron area were repaved in late 2022, and there is an RNAV (GPS) approach on both ends. The Thorncrown Chapel is a popular architectural staple that stands 48 feet high.

Runway 88

Runway Pilot AGL Crosswind 88

Inflight Pilot Training

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Earning your wings is about more than just learning to flyits about developing the skills, confidence, and decision-making abilities that will shape you into a safe and competent pilot. If you plan to pursue a Private Pilot Certificate, you must be at least 17 years old to obtain it, though you can begin training earlier.

Aileron 52

Aileron Approach Visual Flight Rules Rudder 52

Plane and Pilot

JUNE 15, 2025

Piper PA-28-180 Riverside, California/Injuries: 1 Minor NTSB Report: WPR23LA156 The pilot completed the airplane’s engine run-up and carburetor heat function checks with no anomalies noted. The pilot initiated a forced landing straight ahead in a field. The owner reported that he discussed the turbocharger operation with the pilot.

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Instrument Meteorological Conditions Airplanes Runway Calibrated Airspeed 52

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Airline Pilots Continuing education is required for airline pilots. Most professional pilots will be required to complete a flight proficiency check, either in an actual aircraft, or in a simulator, every six to 12 months. Most professional pilots will be required to complete a flight proficiency check every six to 12 months.

Pilot 94

Pilot Wind Shear Airlines Airline 94

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

So I decided to try the approach, and see how it felt. A low approach couldn’t break anything. Several times I’ve landed smoothly in a strong crosswind, then had trouble keeping the airplane on the runway. I approach using the wing low method. I approach using the wing low method in a crosswind.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Knot Rudder Turbulence 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Sometimes it’s emotional—the Beech Starship, what few of them are still in the wild, inevitably wow viewers of both the pilot and nonpilot persuasion. Sure, the economics put the airplane in the high-value category in the wild world of 2024 aviation, but this approach ignores what it’s like to fly the RV-12. But successful? Not at all.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 12, 2025

Whether you’re aiming for a private pilot license or seeking advanced certifications, Leopard Aviation provides personalized training programs to fit your schedule and goals. Understanding aerodynamics gives you confidence as a pilot and ensures you make informed decisions while flying a small plane.

Weather 52

Weather Pilot Drag Rudder 52

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. Runway 27 and expect a crosswind from the right. a long straight in final approach to the active runway.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Runway Clearance Air Traffic Control 98

Northstar VFR

MARCH 30, 2025

Turns Around a Point This is a classic maneuver that helps pilots learn how to maintain a constant radius around a point on the ground while compensating for the wind. Rectangular Course This maneuver essentially mimics a standard traffic pattern and helps pilots learn to compensate for wind when flying a set ground track.

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Groundspeed AGL Crosswind Rudder 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

If utilizing Runway 17 with left traffic, the crosswind turn will be heading 080, downwind 350, base 260, etc. You’re not supposed to feel it like you do the aircraft, but this can make you a better pilot as you will develop instrument scan and interpretation skills. Talk about how “get-there-itis” can make a pilot do foolish things.

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Crosswind VOR Airplanes Runway 111

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Just to be clear, although I avoid flying in “hard” IFR, all of my IFR practice includes approaches to minimums, go-arounds, and holding patterns—just in case. Kentland has a 4,000-foot runway, east/west, with a crosswind straight out of the north. The post Two Weeks in the RV appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Weather 82

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 82

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 8, 2025

Every reference to a crosswinds in the operators manual are as follows: Hydraulic disc brakes and a steerable nosewheel aid in positive directional control during taxiing and crosswind landings. Theres no maximum demonstrated crosswind component, much less an actual limitation.

Crosswind 97

Crosswind Wind Shear Knot Airplanes 97

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. VS0 should be used.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 25, 2025

After a low pass for the public and the press that had gathered to watch, Captain Thomas made the approach on runway 36 north. The aircraft had to land into a 15-knot crosswind, and the plane landed at a speed of 115 mph, well below the standard landing speed of between 150-175 mph. of airmail in an enclosed cabin.

Cockpit 95

Cockpit Pilot Ceiling Rudder 95