Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

We often hear that the key to a great landing is an equally great approach. And lets face it, the key to that flawless approach is often a well-planned descent. In the airline world, descent planning and execution receives a lot of attention. Like so much of aviation, there are several ways to skin this descent cat.

Descent 54

Descent Approach Final Approach Wind Shear 54

Flying Magazine

MAY 3, 2024

The accident happened as the pilot was attempting to fly the RNAV 20 approach, which takes the aircraft directly over the potato processing plant with numerous vent stacks constantly in operation. The standard for airspeed after passing the final approach fix was 120 kias indicated, according to the Flight Maneuvers Description Manual (FMDM).

Pilot 122

Pilot Descent Aeronautical Information Manual Wind Shear 122

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

The briefing information section contains the most important elements of the approach, including: NAVAID and communications frequencies. Final approach course. Approach notes. Missed approach procedures. The plan view shows a top-down look at the approach path and includes: Courses and radials.

Approach 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

I intercepted the approach course and after a few moments, reached the final approach fix at JUNIA. I pulled the power back and set a notch of flaps to establish a 90 knot, 500 foot/minute descent. Inbound to WALCO on the RNAV-28 approach with Sodus Bay in sight.

Approach 69

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 69

Aerotime

JULY 26, 2024

The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a low-visibility approach through dense fog. During the final approach, the pilot reduced engine throttles to manage airspeed and align with the Instrument Landing System glideslope. The crew did not notice the aircraft’s dropping vertical velocity until it was too late.

Wind Shear 274

Wind Shear Instrument Landing System Final Approach Runway 274

Northstar VFR

MARCH 23, 2025

As the plane descends toward the runway on final approach, it may encounter various scenarios where a safe landing cannot be assured. As soon as the pilot realizes this, they must abort the landing and climb back to traffic pattern altitude and attempt the approach and landing again.

Pilot 52

Pilot Wind Shear Runway Instrument Meteorological Conditions 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

A go-around is a maneuver performed to abort or reject a landing on the final approach or once the aircraft has already touched down. Weather Go-arounds due to weather occur due to wind shear caused by gusting winds or microbursts. When an aircraft encounters horizontal wind shear, it could be blown off centerline.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52