Navigating Rough Air: Strategies for a Secure Landing
Switchin' the Script on Rough Landings
Navigating tough skies ain't no walk in the park. Here's the lowdown on how to nudge your approach into the runway like a pro during turbulent times.
Don't let turbulence hijack your landing
From airport obstacles to thermal chaos, turbulence can turn an easy landing into a rollercoaster ride. Most of the time, it isn't severe enough to wreck a perfectly good landing. But hey, who needs extra bumps when you're trying to touch down, right?
Want the smooth touchdown of your dreams? Read on!
Power-On Approach: The Turbulence Tamer
According to the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (8-18), power-on approaches with more airspeed and positive control help you stay on top of things when turbulence rears its not-so-friendly head. Instead of focusing on airspeed exclusively, this technique allows you to counteract updrafts, downdrafts, and wind gusts with momentum and better control[1].
In gusty conditions, your airspeed indicator can flip-flop like crazy. So it's always better to err on the faster side than to hang on for dear life as you just barely avoid stall speed. The secret? Add some speed!
For gusty days, the FAA suggests adding half the gust factor to your approach airspeed. If the winds are reported at 18 knots, gusting 30 knots, you'd be looking at a gust factor of 12 knots (30-18 = 12), and half of that (12/2 = 6) knot boost to your approach speed should do the trick.
Less Flaps, More Control
In some aircraft, reducing flaps can also help with turbulence. Flying with less flaps means a higher pitch attitude, requiring less pitch adjustments as you transition to touchdown. Plus, landing at a higher airspeed gives you better control[2].
Remember, more speed isn't always the answer. Landing with excessive approach speed could make you float off course. But with half the gust factor, your landing will be on target with just the right amount of float.
Skillful Steering, Not Obsessive Over-Controlling
Avoid driving your plane like a maniac, especially during takeoff and landing. In an ideal world, you'd take off, trim the controls, and cruise to your destination without a touch. But we don't live in a perfect world, so you'll be making adjustments based on winds, drafts, and gusts[3].
Staying calm and making small, measured corrections prevents unnecessary over-correction that can destabilize your approach. During turbulent conditions, the FAA advises against intense left/right aileron inputs. Smooth corrections are key to keeping your plane steady as you approach the runway.
Say No to Harsh Landings when Turbulence Knocks on Your Door
The FAA suggests not to fully idle the throttle until your wheels touch the ground. Sudden power reductions could intensify a rapid descent, leading to a hard landing[4]. Instead, delay throttle reductions for a softer touchdown.
Wrapping Up
Fly slightly faster than usual,correcting gently as needed, delay throttle reduction until touchdown, and aim for a gentle brake. It's the secret recipe for a picture-perfect turbulent landing.
Improve your landings for less than the cost of a flight lesson
Still struggling to nail your takeoffs and landings every time? Our Mastering Takeoffs and Landings online course has got your back!
Get tailored strategies, tactics, and fundamental principles that can transform your next flight — all for less than the cost of a single flight lesson! Plus, enjoy lifetime access to tools designed to boost your confidence and enhance your landings.
Ready to level up? Click here to purchase Mastering Takeoffs and Landings now
Become a better pilot. Subscribe to the Boldmethod email and get real-world flying tips and info straight in your inbox, every week!
- In turbulent skies, maintaining control during landing can be challenging due to airport obstacles and thermal chaos.
- The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (8-18) recommends power-on approaches with more airspeed and positive control to combat turbulence.
- During gusty conditions, adding half the gust factor to your approach airspeed can help counteract updrafts, downdrafts, and wind gusts.
- Reducing flaps in some aircraft can help with turbulence, providing better control during landing.
- Making small, measured corrections instead of obsessive over-controlling during takeoff and landing prevents unnecessary destabilization.
- The FAA advises against intense left/right aileron inputs during turbulent conditions to keep the plane steady.
- Delaying throttle reductions until the wheels touch the ground can lead to a softer landing, according to FAA recommendations.
- By refraining from fully idling the throttle until touchdown, harsh landings can be avoided.
- The secret recipe for a picture-perfect turbulent landing includes flying slightly faster than usual, making gentle corrections, delaying throttle reduction, and aiming for a gentle brake.
- Boldmethod's Mastering Takeoffs and Landings online course provides tailored strategies, tactics, and fundamental principles to improve your landings for less than the cost of a single flight lesson.
