Pilot Institute

JULY 11, 2025

That’s the speed your airspeed indicator shows based on ram air pressure in the pitot tube. Lift, drag, and handling correlate well with IAS in the lower atmosphere. This means the inboard wing loses lift first, while the wingtips might still be lifting. This nose-down pitching moment is called Mach tuck.

Pilot 52

Pilot True Airspeed Indicated Airspeed Lift 52

AV Web

OCTOBER 8, 2024

Windows and doors should be firmly latched and engine inlets, pitot tubes, and static ports covered. A lap belt secured to the control wheel can serve as a substitute for external aileron and elevator locks. Also, lift fences that serve as spoilers can keep an airplane from trying to “fly” while tied down.

Pitot Tube 105

Pitot Tube Aileron Hangar Lift 105

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. You are at 8,000’ MSL and climbing at 85kt.

Longitudinal Axis 67

Longitudinal Axis Pitot Tube Checkride Pilot 67

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

And ice doesn’t just make things slippery, it messes with the airflow over the wings, cuts down on lift, and ramps up drag. This leads to a serious loss of lift and an increase in drag. This roughness adds to friction drag, which can reduce lift and increase drag by as much as 50% on a wing’s leading edge and upper surface.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52