plan continuation bias

aeronautical decision making alternate airport cross-country flight safety flight training go-around IFR diversion instrument flying landing technique pilot judgment scud running stabilized approach student pilot VFR into IMC weather diversion

Traffic Pattern May 13, 2026

Scud running under a dropping ceiling and the airport you already passed that could have saved your life

Learn why scud running kills VFR pilots and how the Two Descent Rule can save your life on a cross-country flight.

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Traffic Pattern Apr 21, 2026

The stabilized approach and knowing when to go around

Learn the five criteria for a stabilized approach and when to execute a go-around instead of forcing a bad landing.

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Traffic Pattern Apr 17, 2026

When your alternate airport disappears

When your destination and alternate both drop below minimums, your next 60 seconds of decision-making matter more than your stick-and-rudder skills.

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