Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

Though wind is reported using such simple numbers like 270@15G20, I’ve come to believe that 20 knots here is not always the same as 20 knots there. I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. Then came the landing in 20 knots in the Hill Country of Texas, west of Austin.

Crosswind

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Skillset The ACS (Airmen Certification Standards) dictates to what standards that specific rating’s checkride will be conducted. Each maneuver has limitations as well, for example: Airspeed must be + or - 5 knots, bank angle must be within a certain degree setting and altitude needs to be + or - 100’, etc. But that will change!

Pilot

Jetwhine

JANUARY 17, 2024

Cram enough L–39 knowledge and skill into my brain to pass a type-rating checkride. Only if a pilot chooses the complete course with a checkride is an instrument rating required. Down low, maximum speeds can easily exceed 425 knots. My 200-knot steep turns begin at 14,500 feet with gentle banks. In a non-U.S.-certified

Knot

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 11, 2024

The standards for slow flight on a Private Pilot checkride are: maintain the specified altitude, ±100 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +10/-0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±10°. Private Pilot Airplane ACS, Area of Operation VII, Task A ) Note: The standards are different for the Commercial and Multi-Engine checkrides.

Checkride

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

Comparative Analysis Let’s break down how these multi-engine trainer aircraft compare in ways that matter most to student pilots: Performance Metrics Piper PA-44 Seminole : Cruise speed of around 162 knots, range of around 700 nautical miles. Diamond DA42 : Higher cruise speed (approximately 180 knots), longer range, and sleek aerodynamics.

Pilot

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Additionally, both private and commercial pilot checkrides require the demonstration of slow flight. The stall warning horn sounds at least 5 knots above the actual stall speed. Since you need to fly without triggering the warning, select a target airspeed of about 2 to 5 knots more. Readjust trim to remove control pressure.

Lift

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 20, 2023

Excessive surface wind of 30 knots or more as well as moderate turbulence in the air will require this Airmet to be issued. Specifically convective activity leading to embedded thunderstorms, a line of thunderstorms, surface winds greater than 50 knots due to convective activity, hail greater than ¾ of an inch or tornadoes.

Turbulence

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind.

Weight-Shift-Control

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

Lazy eights sound like the least challenging commercial checkride maneuver to learn. For a Cessna 172, the recommended indicated airspeed for the maneuver is 105 knots. At this point, you should be flying at the slowest speed (5-10 knots above stall speed). What standards does the commercial checkride require?

Rudder

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. Private Pilot and Commercial ACS Standards Are you preparing for your Private or Commercial Pilot checkride? Soft field landings are widely misunderstood. They’re just like a normal landing but… softer , right?

NOTAMs

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Many applicants have failed the checkride due to not clearing the area. Maintain the entry altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±10 knots, bank ±5°, and roll out on the entry heading ±10°. Maintain the entry altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±10 knots, bank ±5°; and roll out on the entry heading, ±10°. Clear the area.

Lift

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

The aircraft was 44 knots higher than its target landing speed, which resulted in a runway overrun. Private and Commercial Pilot ACS Standards During a checkride, you must perform a go-around. You have to achieve and maintain Vx or Vy within +10/-5 knots. Many passengers were injured.

Wind Shear

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

Make this one of the key measures of your pilot proficiency: can you maintain a predetermined airspeed with a maximum deviation of +10/-5 knots (the Private Pilot ACS)? In fact, I believe most pilots need fewer stalls and more slow flight in their training diet (at least after the Private checkride). or just chasing the gauges?

Knot