Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

You’ll have to determine the correct point for your particular airplane, but once you do, you can set up your downwind leg perfectly for any runway. Flying the Base Leg All aircraft land into the wind, so the base leg usually involves some crosswind. The crosswind can push you out and mess up your glidepath if you’re not careful.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Full flaps are generally used since they lower approach speed and increase drag. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Will you need a crosswind correction? Airplanes with higher wing loading may need power all the way until the flare. Full flaps, 1.3

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

It is one of the main factors affecting lift, and airplanes need a constant source of lift to fly. Managing the angle of attack matters because it directly influences lift generation and drag in all phases of flight. Your instructor will teach you how to safely fly the airplane at low speeds and a high AOA.

Lift 52

Lift Turbulence Drag Pilot 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

However, the increased drag might make it impossible to take off again. A faster, reduced-flaps approach improves aircraft control during strong crosswinds or gusts. This does two things: it keeps the load on the wings and increases drag. It’s okay if you’re pushed off the center by crosswinds as long as you recover.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Application of Newton’s Third Law in Aviation When we talk about airplanes, we focus primarily on two forces: Lift (how the aircraft stays aloft). So, an airplane with a propeller or jet doesnt need to push on stationary air molecules in the atmosphere; it simply grabs and throws whichever air molecules are available backward.

Lift 52

Lift Thrust Torque Aileron 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

Landing an airplane is not easy, even for experienced pilots. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to confidently master crosswind landings. Key Takeaways Manage crosswind landing challenges using the crab and sideslip techniques. Plan for crosswind conditions with step-by-step procedures.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52

AV Web

JANUARY 22, 2025

Most accounts point outcorrectlyhow decisions about spacing and glide path management, and even whether it was wise to hold the pick-up game contest in winds that caused cancellation of a larger, planned STOL Drag event, may have contributed to this crash. Mayday STOL Drag Races, a slow-flight competition. Those lessons are all valid.

Final Approach 52

Final Approach Airplanes Drag Pilot 52

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 7, 2025

All of which makes picking 10 airplanes for your fly-before-you-die list more than just a bit subjective. Meanwhile, Marc Cook, Plane & Pilot editor in chief, has 43 years in the left seat and had the good fortune to work a decade for AOPA and fly a bunch of interesting airplanes. T-6’s performat EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Tail Pilot Jet 98

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

I was very fortunate this year to share my airplane with a varied cast of terrific friends both old and new. 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. Except for a single airplane tied down on the ramp, the parking apron was empty.

Runway 82

Runway Approach Knot Drag 82

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 15, 2024

As part of your preflight preparation, you should always consult the POH/AFM performance charts to determine the airplane performance is acceptable for a safe takeoff and climb for the conditions and location. Once the brakes are released as the airplane accelerates, adjust the airplane’s pitch to attain minimum drag and maximum acceleration.

Density Altitude 52

Density Altitude Indicated Airspeed Lift Runway 52

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

Pilot Institute

JUNE 26, 2024

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. When going around, the pilot should immediately remove full flaps to reduce drag and increase performance. Radio Calls When you perform a go-around, you must inform ATC.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Approach Aeronautical Decision-Making 52

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

A strong or soft market overall can dramatically influence any given airplanes success, quite apart from how it looks or performs. Plus, you know, the airplanes were pretty OK. Literally overnight we got eight semitruck loads of equipment outtooling, molds, and even airplanes. General aviation is driven by myriad forces.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Rudder Aileron Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Since then, the team has advanced the airplane into a kit, one made out of carbon fiber and incorporating more than 1400 hours of the prototype’s operation. But now they are, and as no other Experimental—or certified airplane for that matter—can do what the Gweduck can, it’s time to take a good look at the program.

Airplanes 80

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 80