Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

After all, I had just aced my checkride. The ice was simultaneously adding weight while destroying the shape of the wing and stabilizer air foils. We were about 1/2 mile from the threshold. It would not be easy getting perfectly aligned with the runway threshold by looking through the tiny hole in the ice.

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. On a normal landing, you’d pull the power over the threshold, begin your roundout, and flare around 10 feet AGL.

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. If it prevents you from landing close to the threshold, a short runway becomes even shorter. This gives you a safe buffer on the stall speed and plenty of time to stabilize. Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 26, 2024

In fact, I believe most pilots need fewer stalls and more slow flight in their training diet (at least after the Private checkride). The best go-arounds happen from 300 feet, not 30, which is why many airlines require a go-around if the airplane is not stabilized by 500 feet in VFR conditions.

Knot 98

Knot Runway Airplanes Pilot 98