Combatting Crosswinds and Turbulence
Although the more pleasant temperatures of spring are now upon us, gusty winds are also on the rise in many areas. A good (and safe!) way to start your flying year is to get some crosswind flying practice with your favorite flight instructor. It’s also a good idea to review some of the best practices and procedures for dealing with winds and turbulence. For example, prior to landing, pilots should always review what their Plan B is going to be should excessive crosswinds or turbulence factor in. It’s much better to execute a well-thought-out contingency plan than to make radical decisions during critical phases of flight.
For more helpful tips on how to combat crosswinds and turbulence, check out “Getting Crossed-Eyed with Crosswinds and Turbulence” in the March/April 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/MarApr2015.pdf.
Understand the Challenges of Mountain Flying
Flying over the beautiful scenery of a mountain range involves more risks than flying over flat land. It can be a challenge for any pilot, especially those without a lot of experience. Get the facts about mountain flying at http://1.usa.gov/1H36HVH.
