Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

If you’ve ever been on a flight and felt the airplane swaying side to side, you might’ve experienced a taste of what’s known as a Dutch roll. Learning about the Dutch roll can make your next flight feel a little more grounded, even when the airplane isn’t. Increased lift on the raised wing immediately creates more induced drag.

Stability 52

Stability Center of Gravity Aileron Rudder 52

Learn to Fly

JULY 11, 2024

An airplane will, however, always stall at the same angle of attack, called the critical angle of attack. This happens regardless of weight, bank angle, temperature, density altitude, or center of gravity. Additionally, these devices can give a visual rendering of the energy management state of the airplane.

Airfoil 40

Airfoil Center of Gravity Density Altitude Drag 40

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Ice can affect everything from how the airplane flies to the engines staying functional. 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.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Or how do modern airplanes reduce dangerous effects like aileron flutter or adverse yaw? Unstable aircraft designs are better suited for high-maneuverability aircraft like aerobatic stunt airplanes or military fighters. The problem is that the aileron can only be deflected to a point after which the drag becomes significant.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

This tendency is due to their high center of gravity and heavy engine over the nose wheel. However, the increased drag might make it impossible to take off again. This does two things: it keeps the load on the wings and increases drag. Check out How to Perfect Your Airplane Landings.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

Landing an airplane is not easy, even for experienced pilots. A sideslip approach creates excess drag and requires more control inputs. The control surfaces become less effective when the airplane slows during the roundout. High-wing aircraft are particularly vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 7, 2025

The aircraft ended up being overloaded by 580 pounds, with its center of gravity positioned too far back. Icing: Ice buildup can reduce lift and increase drag. This mistake limited the pilot’s ability to control the aircrafts pitch. On top of that, the passenger weight estimates were outdated.

Weather 52

Weather NOTAMs Pilot Center of Gravity 52