Aileron Pilot Weight-Shift-Control 
Aerotime
APRIL 3, 2025
The automatic pilot (autopilot) has to be one of aviations finest technological inventions. Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times. What is an autopilot?
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?
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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.
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
Short field landings are a true test of a pilot’s skill. They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. Whether you’re new to short field landings or a pilot needing a refresher, this essential guide is for you. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights.
Vintage Aviation News
OCTOBER 19, 2024
Tasked with creating an aircraft that could meet the Navy’s evolving and often shifting requirements, Petty and his team faced an uphill battle. The wings were metal structures covered with fabric, a common practice that balanced strength and weight considerations. Leading the design team was British engineer G.
Pilot Institute
JULY 12, 2024
Even the best of pilots can mess up sometimes. But for new pilots, it can be tough to figure out where it all went wrong. Watch out for some common mistakes, such as over-controlling and reacting incorrectly to visual cues. Your aircraft may have recommended V-ref speeds for different aircraft weights.
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
A flat spin is a thrilling (and potentially dangerous) flight phenomenon that pilots must prepare for. In reality, flat spins can challenge even experienced pilots, making it important for you to understand what they are and how to handle them. Ready to become a safer pilot? Ailerons: Neutral. Let’s get started!
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