by Joseph E. Burnside

Few things are more satisfying to me than riding the ILS rails to a smooth landing after a lengthy flight in IMC. But preparation for that landing began long before the mains touch down. In fact, before just about every “for-real” approach I make, I still hear my double-I’s admonition: “Now, while you’re flying straight and level, is a good time to get ready for the approach.”

Among other things, his point was that a good approach usually results from good planning. Yes, I’ve forgotten those words on occasion, and those results were good enough that I got down and could use the airplane again afterward. But that’s…