Flying Magazine

APRIL 26, 2024

Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places on earth with an airport that can support a variety of airline equipment up to a small widebody such as the Boeing 767-300ER. The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. Taking off in violent winds was a task.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Weather Knot Aileron 105

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 27, 2024

Back in the early days of jet airliners, pilots long experienced in more forgiving two- and four-engine, piston-powered prop planes found themselves running out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas on the final approach to landing. Add in some crosswind and turbulence from preceding aircraft, and these arrivals can get a bit hairy.

Stability 87

Stability Approach Runway Pilot 87

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

From simple mechanical linkages in small aircraft to high-tech fly-by-wire systems in airliners, ailerons have evolved with aviation itself. You might be surprised to learn that tiny four-seater Cessna 172s and 140-passenger Boeing 707 airliners both use simple cables for moving the ailerons and elevators!

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

In the 1930s, Island Airways operated Ford Trimotors on one of the shortest airline routes ever created between what is now Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Kelley's Island, and the Bass Islands. I was intrigued by what appeared to be a grass crosswind runway at North Bass Island, but no such runway is listed in official publications.

Runway 82

Runway Approach Knot Drag 82

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Increased lift on the raised wing immediately creates more induced drag. What’s induced drag? Induced drag is the resistance that happens as a result of creating lift, caused by swirling air around the wings that slows the airplane down. The higher drag on the raised wing reduces its speed relative to the lower wing.

Stability 52

Stability Center of Gravity Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

Example of a Preventable Accident A prime example of when a go-around could’ve prevented an accident is in the case of Southwest Airlines Flight 1455. For instance, if an aircraft is on the crosswind leg, they’ll ask you to extend the upwind If you don’t have the time, that’s okay. Many passengers were injured.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 7, 2025

Credit: Cayla McLeod] Douglas DC-3 : Todays commercial airliners dont excite me, but the airliner that changed the world certainly does. Although todays airline pilots might scoff at the DC-3, true aviators could never. Airliners these days can’t even compare to the looks of the Boeing 707. A time capsule, indeed.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Tail Pilot Jet 98