Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 12, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Flight Principles of Flight: Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag Flying a plane for the first time requires a basic understanding of the forces that make flight possible. Lift is generated by the wings, counteracting the force of weight, which pulls the plane down. Ready to experience the skies with us?

Aileron 52

Aileron Drag Rudder Descent 52

Plane and Pilot

MARCH 25, 2025

Although I havent spent much time around GB1s (except for drooling over them while they are on display and flying at airshows) I am always taken aback by how much larger the airplane appears to be in personparticularly, the tall, sweeping rudder that curves down to a sharp point with just enough ground clearance. Sounds good.

Knot 111

Knot Airplanes Runway Rudder 111

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 27, 2024

Under VFR, the MEF guarantees 100’ obstacle/terrain clearance within that quadrant. 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. When the aileron is deflected up on one side, lift is decreased on that wing.

Longitudinal Axis 59

Longitudinal Axis Pitot Tube Checkride Pilot 59

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

This can greatly impact landing performance and obstacle clearance. Reducing lift puts more weight on the wheels. Use the rudder to keep the aircraft in line with the runway and apply aileron into the wind. You will need more aileron input as you slow down as the controls become less effective. Consult your POH.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

More air molecules in engine cylinders allow the engine to produce more power; more air molecules moving across the propellor blades and wings means more efficient thrust and lift. As altitude increases, air molecules spread out, resulting in less power and lift. Will this aircraft perform exactly as the factory charts say it should?

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude OAT Airplanes Fixed Base Operator 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. 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).

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79