Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

PARE: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator forward. An aft center of gravity increases flat spin risk. A flat spin happens when the center of gravity shifts too far aft (toward the tail), and the aircraft’s rotation becomes more horizontal. Ailerons: Neutral. Let’s get started!

Center of Gravity 98

Center of Gravity Weight-Shift-Control Aileron Rudder 98

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Longitudinal Stability Longitudinal stability exists about the pitch axis. Placing the center of gravity ahead of the aircraft’s center of lift improves longitudinal stability. The aircraft’s horizontal stabilizer (tailplane) creates a downward lift to counterbalance pitching moments.

Stability 52

Stability Center of Gravity Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Additional Dangers of Ice Accumulation Icing also makes your aircraft heavier and can even change the position of the center of gravity. It most commonly forms on the leading edges of your aircraft, including the wings, tail, and horizontal stabilizer, as well as on the propeller blades and pitot tubes.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The wing’s dead-smooth surface plus the tight-fitting aileron and flap brackets plus aileron gap seals give the build a professional factory look (left). Just recognizable in the background is a horizontal stabilizer and one-piece elevator. The old Grummans are, sadly, near extinction in workable form today.

Airplanes 59

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 59