Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

After all, I had just aced my checkride. It was a decision I would soon regret… We transitioned from the holding pattern to the outbound leg of the VOR approach and began a descent to 2,700 feet, the minimum altitude for that leg of the approach. It would also require a descent to 2,200 feet before crossing the outer marker.

VOR 52

VOR Weather Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. As with any landing, it’s vital to have a stabilized approach. If you’re not stabilized at 200 feet AGL, go around. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. Well, not exactly.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

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. This gives you a safe buffer on the stall speed and plenty of time to stabilize. Power controls the rate of descent, and pitch controls airspeed.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Additionally, both private and commercial pilot checkrides require the demonstration of slow flight. Trim for level flight once you’re stabilized at your target speed. Climbs and Descents During Slow Flight It’s counterintuitive, but pitching up will not result in a climb during slow flight.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag Checkride 52

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.

Pilot 52

Pilot Wind Shear Instrument Meteorological Conditions Runway 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Top Reasons for Go-Arounds Unstabilized Approach An aircraft must have a stabilized approach before landing. An approach is stabilized when: The aircraft is on the correct flight path, i.e., on runway centerline and glideslope. If the crew had gone around, they could’ve returned for a safer, stabilized approach and landing.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Aeronautical Decision-Making Approach 52