Air Facts

MAY 7, 2025

The snow plow operators were happy to be able to go about their clearing operations without having to hold short or vacate runways to wait for arrivals or departures. We were able to break out of the clouds on long final approach; however, forward visibility was virtually impossible due to the windshield being almost totally covered with Ice.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control VOR Runway Distance Measuring Equipment 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

RNAV approaches are now available at thousands of airports worldwide. Theyre especially useful for airports that dont have the budget or suitable terrain to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS). This makes more airports accessible under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Thats up to you!

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Descent Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 17, 2024

They are the Visual Approach Slope Indicator and Precision Approach Path Indicator. These systems are designed to help you stay on the correct glide path as you approach the runway. VASI and PAPI each have their own approach. Knowing their differences can significantly impact your landing.

Runway 98

Runway Approach Threshold Clearance 98

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

This type of approach is a non-precision instrument procedure that uses ground-based radio signals to guide you safely to a waypoint or the runway, even when visibility is poor. A VOR approach gives you accurate guidance by following specific VOR radials. Follow the published descent gradient from the approach chart.

VOR 52

VOR Approach Descent Final Approach 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Including how it became the most reliable approach for pilots in aviation history. You might have heard pilots talking about the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). The ILS is a type of approach pilots use to land. It is a precision approach aid based on two radio beams. What is an ILS? But what is it?

Knot 52

Knot Approach Distance Measuring Equipment Runway 52

Aerotime

JULY 26, 2024

The United States Air Force has published its final report on the accident involving an Air Force B-1B from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota which occurred on January 4, 2024. The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a low-visibility approach through dense fog.

Wind Shear 271

Wind Shear Instrument Landing System Final Approach Runway 271

Aerotime

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

2024, a Boeing 737-400 freighter operated by Swift Air of Spain on behalf of global logistics giant DHL crashed on final approach into Vilnius Airport (VNO) in Lithuania, the aircraft’s intended destination. However, while ATC had transmitted a landing clearance to the crew of BCS18D, no meaningful response was received.

Final Approach 336

Final Approach Approach Instrument Landing System Runway 336