Register

Diving And Driving

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • One pilot argues that for light aircraft, the "true stabilized flight concept" for non-precision approaches may be overstated, and the "dive and drive" method offers advantages, especially considering pilot workload and potential for mental errors under pressure.
  • Multiple readers strongly advocate for including N-numbers in self-announcements at non-towered airports, citing significant safety and situational awareness benefits (particularly with ADS-B for identifying position errors or distinguishing similar aircraft) that outweigh the minimal time added to transmissions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

After reading Tom Turner’s excellent article on non-precision approaches (“Non-Precision Stability,” January 2021), I’d like to add a couple of comments as a “legacy dive and driver” (instrument-rated in 1961).

First of all, the Instrument Flying Handbook talks about the benefits of stable descent for swept-wing jet aircraft, and they do exist; I flew them for 35 years. However, I suspect the majority of your readers are flying light singles and twins, which don’t have adverse aileron effects at low speed and are far more responsive in that regime. For that majority, I think that while being the mark of a competent airman and always desirable, the true stabilized flight concept is overstated.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE