Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

Approach speeds typically range from 80 to 90 knots depending on weight and flap settings, while full flaps are often used to provide the necessary lift during landing. Review current weather conditions, including wind speed, direction, and visibility, as these can significantly impact the approach.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Air

MAY 21, 2025

Pilots must use specific techniques, applying rudder and aileron inputs, to maintain directional control and keep the aircraft aligned. Wind Shear: The Abrupt Shift Wind shear refers to any abrupt divergence in wind characteristics be it speed, direction, or both that unfolds over a minimal distance.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Wind Shear Groundspeed Flight Computer 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. By doing so, a recognizable, firm input demonstrates that using all the aileron travel wasn’t the answer—those rudder pedals are not footrests.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Crosswind Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. By doing so, a recognizable, firm input demonstrates that using all the aileron travel wasn’t the answer—those rudder pedals are not footrests.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Crosswind Ceiling 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

Moderate wind shear in some areas could make some thermals somewhat difficult to work but that, too, is typical. Between 5:10 and 5:34 PM, Rifle’s AWOS system reported light winds out of the west in the range of 4 to 9 kts (see chart below) with no wind gusts. Some passing high clouds were unlikely to be a factor.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52