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.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

A pilot needs to control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical to minimize stresses imposed on the landing gear by a rough surface or to prevent sinking into a soft surface. Allow 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

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Crowd Source Information The next best resource for information about runway conditions is other pilots. Calculate your landing and takeoff distances using the pilot’s operating handbook (POH).

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Key Takeaways Slow flight trains pilots to handle the aircraft at speeds just above stalling. The aircraft’s proximity to the ground leaves you with little to no room to recover from a loss of control. That’s why it’s crucial for pilots to learn aircraft control at low speeds. Pilots use reference stalling speeds instead.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag AGL 52