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From albatrosses to slimy eels: Aircraft design and concepts inspired by nature 

Aerotime

Winglets and Sharklets Both Airbus and Boeing operate aircraft with wingtip devices that are designed to increase aircraft efficiency by removing drag. The devices would prove to “reduce wingtip drag” and increase “fuel efficiency by 6-7%” but would need be positioned uniquely for each aircraft type.

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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

This horizontal component of lift is called Induced Drag. Its called induced drag since it only exists as a consequence of lift. If youre generating lift, youre stuck with induced drag as well. Increased Drag Moving air around is hard work! What Does the Vortex Strength Depend On?

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The physics of mobility: an interesting comparison of road, rail, and air travel

Aerotime

Energy is always required for acceleration, to overcome air drag, as well as rolling and friction resistance of wheels on road and rail, and for “lifting work”, i.e., working against gravity. It must be noted that energy to overcome air drag is only required when the movement takes place in an atmospheric environment.

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What Is the Average Flying Altitude of a Commercial Plane?

Pilot's Life Blog

However, flying a small plane often means operating at much lower altitudes, usually between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, depending on weather conditions, terrain, and air traffic. Flying a small plane at lower altitudes allows pilots to navigate visually and avoid the complexities of high-altitude air traffic control.

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Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Lift is generated by the wings as air flows over them, counteracting weight, which pulls the plane downward due to gravity.

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The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know: Part one  

Aerotime

Once in the air and with airspeed building, the crew will note “ Positive Cimb ” and raise the landing gear and retract the flaps to their fully stowed position, making the wing profile an efficient shape for flight and decreasing drag.

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Airport Runways: What do those big numbers mean?

Aeroclass Blog

Therefore, it is vital for the pilots, air traffic control , and other aviation personnel to be familiar and clear with the airport layout and regulations, especially the critical and busy areas including the runways and the taxiways. Each of these runways has the same heading of 274.4

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