Expert Opinion
AINsight: A Visual Approach Gone Bad
A visual approach in a large turbine-powered aircraft can be a challenge.

A visual approach is the first type of approach taught during primary flight training. A well-flown VFR traffic pattern in a light aircraft is benign. At each point, downwind, abeam the numbers, base leg, and turning final, student pilots are taught to fly the appropriate power setting, airspeed, and configuration, all leading to a nice stable uneventful approach and landing. 

In a large turbine-powered aircraft, a visual approach is far less common or predictable. A past Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) study found that 41 percent of all approach and landing accidents began with a visual approach.

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Stuart “Kipp” Lau
Contributor - Safety
About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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