Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

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. Planning the Descent So, when is a good time to start planning the descent ?

Descent 55

Descent Approach Final Approach Wind Shear 55

Northstar VFR

JUNE 8, 2025

Environmental Factors Turbulence : Turbulence from wind shear, mountainous terrain, thunderstorms, or microbursts can put your aircraft into an unusual attitude. They are tired, the weather is marginal, and there is a system failure on the flight. The vertical speed indicator indicates a descent.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Aileron Rudder 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. Review current weather conditions, including wind speed, direction, and visibility, as these can significantly impact the approach. Additionally, configure the aircraft for a stable descent.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

This year, a promising weather forecast featuring high freezing levels (expected to be 9,000+ feet) led to a decision to fly myself. The day before departure, satisfied that days of consistent weather forecasts reasonably assured a successful flight, I cancelled the rental car reservation. So that was of no help to me.

Approach 77

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 77

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

The landing minimums section includes: Minimum descent altitudes. Preflight Planning Some pilots believe an approach briefing means skimming the chart right before descent. The weather can change, and approach equipment can fail. Get the destination weather as soon as possible. Decision altitudes/heights.

Approach 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52

Aerotime

JULY 26, 2024

However, the aircraft experienced wind shear, dropped below the glideslope and became thrust deficient. The Accident Investigation Board found that the primary cause of the crash was the crew’s ineffective crosscheck, which failed to notice the aircraft’s decreasing airspeed and descent rate.

Wind Shear 274

Wind Shear Instrument Landing System Final Approach Runway 274

Northstar VFR

MARCH 23, 2025

Weather, hazardous conditions, wind, or a congested pattern can also add challenges to the approach making it more likely to be unstable. There are several criteria that must be met for a pilot to descend below Decision Altitude/Decision Height (DA/DH) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) on an instrument approach.

Pilot 52

Pilot Wind Shear Instrument Meteorological Conditions Runway 52