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Membership: What can we do for you?

AOPA’s member services call center has the answers

October 1, 2020
Did you know that there are two dedicated call centers at AOPA for members?
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ASK AOPA: Turbulence troubles

By Craig Brown

Q: Since I cannot fly a standard traffic pattern when the winds are strong and gusty and the air is turbulent, is it acceptable to just fly a straight-in approach?

A: I know it is bad form to answer a question with a question, but why can you not fly a standard traffic pattern when it is gusty and turbulent? I agree that it can be challenging, but it is far from impossible.

The natural movement of an air mass carries an aircraft within it. This is an important concept to understand for pattern work. Crabbing is the compensation applied to prevent drift, and to maintain a desired ground track. A traffic pattern is a rectangle; unless the wind is directly down or across the runway, it is safe to assume some amount of crab must be applied on all four legs.

The up and down air movement within that air mass is called turbulence, and it is what causes the airplane to bounce, sometimes lightly and sometimes violently. Gusty turbulence dictates a little more speed on approach and landing. That speed aids in aircraft control as the control surfaces have more authority with more speed. Check your flight manual for recommendations.

When both wind and turbulence are present, the traffic pattern and ensuing landing are going to be more challenging to fly than under ideal conditions. It can be done safely, and it can be done confidently. But the point is, it can be done. If you are still of the opinion that it cannot, then I would recommend some practice with an instructor to sharpen those skills and help you change your mind from doubtful to confident.

Questions? Contact the AOPA Pilot Information Center Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time at 800-872-2672 or [email protected]

Craig Brown is a senior aviation technical specialist in the AOPA Pilot Information Center.

One is staffed by pilots who can answer your aviation-related questions (AOPA’s Pilot Information Center) and the other is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your membership. Staffed by nine experienced member service specialists, the AOPA Member Services department helps new members, students, and long-term members alike with questions such as: how can I apply for scholarships? What’s in my member benefit package? How do I get the magazines in digital format? How can I take advantage of member discounts from AOPA partners? Where do I find the flight planning tools? Another big question: How do I reset my password? There are so many options and benefits to your AOPA membership that a call to Member Services will open a whole new world of possibilities to you, especially as a student pilot. Find out about our free six-month trial membership; discover travel and flight planning possibilities; learn about the legal and medical protection offered to members; and take advantage of our online courses. And, if you have a question about AOPA or its activities outside of membership, Member Services will direct your call to the right person in the right department. Member Services representatives are available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time toll-free at 800-872-2672.

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