Flying Magazine

MAY 1, 2024

The ability to bank is essential to controlled flight. Otto Lilienthal did it by shifting his weight, but for the much larger Wright Flyer the solution was to make one wing produce more lift than the other by twisting them in opposite directions. The wind hits the deflected surface of the aileron and pushes on it.

Aileron 108

Aileron Airfoil Weight-Shift-Control Airplanes 108

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

In the Cessna 172S Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), the landing distance decreases by 10% for every 9 knots of headwind. For the Cessna 172, landing distance increases by 10% for every 2 knots of tailwind. Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Watch out for some common mistakes, such as over-controlling and reacting incorrectly to visual cues. Flying at 60 knots? Approach Path Control Energy Management How to Improve Approach Path Control Using Ground References Your pattern work will improve the more you standardize it. Two key aspects make good approaches.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52