Checkride Crosswind Descent 
Pilot's Life Blog
JUNE 24, 2025
We help verify that you’re ready before scheduling a checkride with an FAA examiner. Pass a practical test (checkride) with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, including oral and flight portions. We support you from the first lessons through the checkride with structured training that mirrors FAA standards.
Pilot's Life Blog
JUNE 18, 2025
From basic turns to emergency descents, every maneuver shapes how a student reacts under pressure and handles real-world flying. Climbs and Descents: Knowing how to manage pitch and power to gain or lose altitude smoothly is critical. Proper climbs and descents help maintain safe altitude margins and optimize fuel efficiency.
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Northstar VFR
MARCH 23, 2025
The go-around is a maneuver tested during your private pilot checkride. The standards set for the private pilot checkride are found in the Airman Certification Standards , Area of Operation IV: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds, Task N: Go-Around/Rejected Landing. Wind shear can create landing hazards for all sizes of aircraft.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Will you need a crosswind correction?
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2024
Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. A faster, reduced-flaps approach improves aircraft control during strong crosswinds or gusts. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. Soft field landings are widely misunderstood. Well, not exactly.
Pilot Institute
MAY 9, 2024
Lazy eights sound like the least challenging commercial checkride maneuver to learn. It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right? What standards does the commercial checkride require? A strong, gusty crosswind will push your stick and rudder skills to the limit. Perform the maneuver no lower than 1,500ft AGL.
iPad Pilot News
MARCH 27, 2025
NRST: Descent Rate and Airport Finder Designed for pilots of any size aircraft, this app provides location-based information to guide you to the nearest airport should an unplanned deviation become necessary.Offers Apple Watch app. Pilot Workshops Explore Pilot Workshops’ collection of pilot proficiency courses in this app.
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