You’re 25 times more likely to suffer a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) crash if you’re flying a circling approach rather than a straight-in procedure, according to accident statistics compiled by the Flight Safety Foundation. As such, IFR circling approaches are among the highest risk manoeuvres attempted by pilots. The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual…
“We all know to increase airspeed in gusty potential wind-shear conditions. But the question is how much? When experiencing a large and abrupt decease in airspeed, the ground speed stays constant. If an airplane has a normal approach reference airspeed of 120 knots and is flying into 20-knots headwind, its ground speed is 100 knots.…
Highly advanced cockpit automation, particularly full-function Flight Management System (FMS), can reduce pilot workload and increase the flight crew’s time available to manage all cockpit resources. Just program the FMS, twist the knobs and push the buttons on the flight guidance panel and you’re ready to go. After takeoff, clean up the aircraft, engage the…
One thing that has always helped make the airline industry strong and safe is the concept that pilot’s all captain’s authority. What that means is we have a measure of autonomy, the ability to make an independent, professional judgment within the framework of professional standards. The problem today is that pilots are viewed differently. Over…
