Professional Pilot

MAY 7, 2025

A pproaching the threshold, the flying pilot was trying to keep the wings level in the gusty crosswind. They throttled up, but the rapid descent in the last 50 ft resulted in a hard landing that burst 2 of the mains and collapsed a strut. Suddenly, the stall warning activated and the aircraft seemed to drop from the sky.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Turbulence Approach Runway 52

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

The pre-landing check is the first step in ensuring the aircraft is ready for a stable descent. Wind shear, turbulence, or gusty winds can create challenges during the landing phase, so knowing how to adjust for these factors is critical. Additionally, configure the aircraft for a stable descent.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

If there is a crosswind at the airport, you should mention this in your brief. Discuss your nominated crosswind technique. Explain what aircraft input you will require to land the aircraft in the crosswind. For example, the crosswind is from left to right. This will reduce your workload in turbulent conditions.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Crosswind 52

Photographic Logbook

MAY 19, 2025

Nevertheless, I was anxious about managing a 15 knot gusty crosswind for my first taildragger stick time in seven years. Despite the crosswind, take-off was perfunctory. As the airplane shuddered in turbulent air roiling from the nearly stalled wings, Don goosed in some power and stomped on the left rudder. He was right.

Rudder 60

Rudder Crosswind Airplanes Runway 60

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Once there, he put us in a slight right turn toward our first fuel stop 60 miles ahead, continuously fighting the stick as the gusting left crosswind did its best to push us off course. As the sun began its descent, we began the final leg of what would end up being a four-hour trek.

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 98

Professional Pilot

JULY 3, 2024

Understanding turbulence can be key to a smooth flight. Immediately, the pilot monitoring told the passengers to buckle up as the pilot flying disengaged the autopilot and pushed the stick forward into a smooth but rapid descent. Both pilots had heard stories of smaller aircraft being upset by wake turbulence from the massive A380s.

Turbulence 40

Turbulence Weather Jet Pilot 40

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 27, 2024

Our friends at the Flight Safety Foundation take the definition of a stabilized approach a bit further and specify that all briefings and checklists have been completed, sink rates are no more than 1,000 feet per minute (for jets), and only small changes in pitch, power, and heading are required to maintain the planned descent and touchdown point.

Stability 89

Stability Approach Runway Pilot 89