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Trial by Ice

Air Facts

After all, I had just aced my checkride. A few minutes later, we heard the center controller clear a Trans Missouri Airlines commuter plane for the VOR Runway 30 approach to Jefferson City. In eight minutes, we would be a pile of bent aluminum in some field short of the runway. What else was there to know?

VOR
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Types of Aircraft Maneuvers Every Student Pilot Should Learn

Pilot's Life Blog

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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When To Go Around: 6 Scenarios Every Pilot Should Prepare For

Northstar VFR

As an aircraft enters the traffic pattern, it begins the process of getting configured to land on the runway. As the plane descends toward the runway on final approach, it may encounter various scenarios where a safe landing cannot be assured. The go-around is a maneuver tested during your private pilot checkride.

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A Big Surprise from a FAA Inspector

Air Facts

Our passenger flight was getting a checkride from the FAA. I preached that you could not flunk a checkride if you go by the book. The weather at O’Hare was IFR and the airport was using the ILS to runway 14L. I advised the first officer to change the decision altitude of 852 feet to the minimum descent altitude of 1,140 feet.

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

Pilot Institute

They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Not only must you fly unnervingly slow, but you also have to pick a spot on the runway and hit it. It’s a runway that is too short for a normal takeoff or landing but still usable with certain precautions. What Makes a Short Field Short ?

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How to Make a Perfect Soft Field Landing Every Time

Pilot Institute

Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. Unlike paved runways, every soft landing surface is different. Obstructions: Ensure the runway is clear of obstacles, from stones to animals. You can walk down the length of the runway. Well, not exactly.

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What Is Ground Effect?

Pilot Institute

But, as you near the runway, the airplane starts to float. The aircraft will float and try to takeoff too early or float over the runway and delay touchdown while landing. Conversely, an aircraft may float down the runway during landing due to the ground effect, making it challenging to make a smooth landing at the desired location.