Approach Descent Turbulence 
Ask Captain Lim
JULY 13, 2025
Even if it’s sunny at departure and arrival airports, turbulence or storms along the route may necessitate adjustments. If turbulence arises, they may adjust altitude or route – not because it’s dangerous, but for passenger comfort. Weather plays a crucial role. While rare, emergencies do happen.
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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One Mile at a Time
NOVEMBER 10, 2024
I was expecting there would be bad turbulence, but to my surprise, it was just really light chop. LATAM 787 arrival in Santiago At 5:25AM local time, the captain announced that we’d be landing in about 25 minutes, at which point we began our descent. The sign stayed on for about 15 minutes.
Plane and Pilot
JULY 2, 2025
This is new territory for beginning pilots, who must be taught the right—and wrong—ways to manage ascent and descent. For climbing, full or recommended climb power is usually employed, and for descent or landing approach, a power setting that produces the desired descent rate is selected.
Professional Pilot
MAY 7, 2025
Climate Scientist Downburst windshear can cause aircraft to deviate from the approach path. They throttled up, but the rapid descent in the last 50 ft resulted in a hard landing that burst 2 of the mains and collapsed a strut. Smaller aircraft often have approach speeds closer to their stall speed than do larger aircraft.
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.
One Mile at a Time
DECEMBER 22, 2024
For example, the cabin had to be prepared for landing a bit earlier than usual, due to anticipated turbulence. We had started our slow descent pretty early, around 9:15PM. There was indeed chop on the approach, as it was a stormy evening in the Tokyo area. A few minutes after that, the crew had to be seated.
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