Descent Threshold Turbulence 
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. If not recognized quickly, it can lead to incorrect pilot inputs and loss of control.
Air Facts
MAY 5, 2025
The general prognosis indicated no icing in the clouds, no turbulence and a quartering headwind from the west resulting in a mere five knots of headwind component. It got turbulent, and then very turbulent. I had never flown on instruments in heavy rain and turbulence. We were about 1/2 mile from the threshold.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Charles Ryan's Flying Adventure
JUNE 3, 2025
The flying condition towards Barcelona was nice and there was hardly any turbulence on this flight. At this point, we reached the threshold of the runway. The rain got a bit heavy at one point but it was hardly turbulent. After an hour of flying, we started our descent into Barcelona. We were out of the rainy clouds.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 16, 2024
Depending on the wind direction and airport surroundings, you may experience some turbulence. This will reduce your workload in turbulent conditions. Descent Point Nominate a descent point that will give you a constant 3° profile to the threshold. Add a zero to this number, and you have your target rate of descent.
Plane and Pilot
AUGUST 27, 2024
GA pilots find time-tested and more creative ways to skitter off the side of the runway, land short of the threshold, or slide off the far end with the brakes smoking and tires squealing. Add in some crosswind and turbulence from preceding aircraft, and these arrivals can get a bit hairy.
Plane and Pilot
SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
As the sun began its descent, we began the final leg of what would end up being a four-hour trek. The afternoon turbulence had subsided a bit, making it easier to maintain a holding pattern over the town of Cabot, located 6 miles from the approach end of Runway 25.
Photographic Logbook
FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Alton Bay's floating bandstand about 100 feet south of the runway threshold. An approaching cold front from the west was forecast to bring wind, turbulence, and snow with it that afternoon. I slowed the Warrior down to better manage the turbulence and this, combined with the headwind, dropped our ground speed as low as 73 knots.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
52 
Let's personalize your content