Plane and Pilot

MARCH 25, 2025

A steam gauge airspeed indicator, Garmin G3X, autopilot, Garmin G5, transponder, fuel selector, accelerometer, and steam gauge altimeter were centered directly in front of me. The airplane is incredibly sensitive, thanks to sweeping, full-span ailerons and an unnaturally tall stick that exaggerates any and all inputs.

Knot 111

Knot Airplanes Runway Rudder 111

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 27, 2024

If ailerons affect the longitudinal axis of the plane, then how do they turn the plane? Ailerons control the roll of the plane by turning around its longitudinal axis. Ailerons (“little wings” in French) are like smaller wings attached to the trailing edges of the main wings. What altitude does Class A airspace extend to?

Longitudinal Axis 59

Longitudinal Axis Pitot Tube Checkride Pilot 59

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

We correct for the overbanking tendency with aileron opposite the turn. The aileron on the right wing deflects down, increasing the camber and creating more lift. The left wing’s aileron deflects up, decreasing lift. Keep the overbanking tendency in check with aileron opposite the turn. Glance at your altimeter.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

In maintaining a properly coordinated steep turn, the pilot must use the opposite aileron to maintain bank. You may need to apply the opposite aileron to counter the overbanking tendency. Adverse Yaw Adverse yaw is when an aircraft tends to yaw towards a raised wing due to the aerodynamic forces of an aileron deflected down.

Lift 52

Lift Aileron Drag Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

The local altimeter setting is 29.65, the temperature is 25°C, and we have a 9-knot headwind. Subtract the altimeter setting from 29.92, multiply it by 1,000, and add that to the field elevation. Use the rudder to keep the aircraft in line with the runway and apply aileron into the wind.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Brief that you will use the right rudder to align the aircraft straight with the runway and the left aileron to counteract drift. But this can be hard to judge when the altimeter is so sensitive. Explain what aircraft input you will require to land the aircraft in the crosswind. For example, the crosswind is from left to right.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Descent Approach Final Approach 52