Author: John Cox, Special to USA TODAY

Though landing in icy conditions is challenging, it can be done safely, says aviation columnist John Cox. Here’s how pilots manage to land safely.

This week, Capt. John Cox answers your questions about recovering data from the “black box” and why planes turn at very low altitudes.

Retired US Airways pilot John Cox looks back on his most memorable Christmases while flying and reveals how flight crews celebrate the holidays.

John Cox answers questions about whether pilots can request a different runway than the one assigned and how they train to fly into new airports.

This week, John Cox explains the process of getting certified on a new aircraft after yours is retired and the timeline for making captain.

Retired pilot John Cox explains how a hijacking code got entered erroneously and how air traffic control and authorities handle potential crises.

Captain John Cox explains what it’s like to switch back from Daylight Savings Time as a pilot as well as common causes for smoke in airplane cockpits.

Capt. John Cox tackles whether people who are afraid of heights can become pilots and which airports have the new, more efficient end-around taxiways.

This week, retired pilot John Cox explains what windshear is and how it affects planes. Plus, how do aircraft designers decide where to put the wings?

While it may seem silly to fly a nearly-empty plane, airlines do it anyway because the flight needs to be somewhere the next day or to move cargo.