Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

At first glance, ailerons look like ordinary hinged panels on the wings, but don’t be fooledthey’re important for keeping an aircraft both stable and maneuverable. These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. What Is an Aileron?

Aileron 87

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 87

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Learn to use aircraft references to establish a stable descent rate and pitch, ending up in a smooth roundout and flare. Watch out for some common mistakes, such as over-controlling and reacting incorrectly to visual cues. A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52