Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

It’s not magic—it’s ground effect. When you’re flying near the ground, within one wingspan, the aerodynamic forces start to change. Ground effect is a phenomenon that every pilot must master. Key Takeaways Ground effect increases an aircraft’s lift and decreases drag. You feel in control.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

The major difference between the two is that a degree of power is used throughout the level-off and touchdown for the soft-field landing so as to control the descent rate all the way to touch down. This allows the airspeed to slowly dissipate while the airplane is flown just above the surface in ground effect.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

If you’re not stabilized at 200 feet AGL, go around. On a normal landing, you’d pull the power over the threshold, begin your roundout, and flare around 10 feet AGL. Hold this extra power as you enter ground effect. Low-wing aircraft perform better in ground effect because of the wing’s proximity to the ground.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

He only needed a glide ratio of 14:1 to reach the airfield to arrive at a typical pattern altitude of 1,000 ft AGL. Shmulik flew quite fast at ground speeds between 100 and 130 kt, carrying a lot of extra energy. At this point he still had an altitude of 8,275 ft MSL, i.e. 2,739 ft AGL. Shmulik was directly south of midfield.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Fly at least 1,500 above ground level (AGL) to allow room for recovery in case you stall the aircraft. For a greater margin of safety, select an altitude that leaves you 1,500 feet AGL after recovery from a stall. So, if you’re inexperienced or out of practice, consider starting at 3,000 feet AGL.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag AGL 52