Remove Airplanes Remove Crosswind Remove Turbulence
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Quick Crosswind Calculation for Pilots

Pilot Institute

In this article well demonstrate how to perform a quick crosswind calculation and why it is important to know. Key Takeaways Crosswinds are nearly always present Knowing how to calculate them is essential for safe flying. Use the clock face method A simple way to estimate crosswind components quickly. What Is a Crosswind?

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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

By far the strongest component of wake turbulence is the swirling air generated at the tips of the aircrafts wings. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence. Wake turbulence can cause severe roll and structural damage to smaller aircraft. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?

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Flight Review: Van’s RV-12 LSA—Singular Success

Plane and Pilot

How did any given airplane sell? In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. But successful? Not at all. Was it profitable for the company?

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Managing the wind

Air Facts

Subjective factors such as terrain, turbulence, and gust direction are as important as the numbers. It felt like pushing it for that airplane, but checkrides are so hard to schedule I went. Those little hills made for fiendish turbulence down low. I approach using the wing low method in a crosswind.

Knot 98
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How to Read a Windsock

Pilot Institute

These aircraft have lower crosswind limitations and are more affected by gusts and wind shear. Moving erratically : Conditions are gusty or turbulent. A windsock can become your main source of real-time wind information, especially when your aircraft radio equipment is unavailable or malfunctions. Why does this matter?

Knot 98
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The Complete Home Flight Simulator Setup Guide (2025)

Pilot Institute

Anyone who’s tried to enter a sideslip during a crosswind landing with a twist grip knows how hard it is. Mid-Tier The MFG Crosswind pedals are twice the price of the Logitech pedals, but they are a significant step up in quality. The Crosswinds use Hall sensors for both rudder and brakes, making them very precise.

Rudder 96
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How to Land an Airplane

Pilot Institute

Landing an airplane can be one of the most nerve-wracking tasks for a student pilot. Getting an airplane to fly is easy. If there is a crosswind at the airport, you should mention this in your brief. Discuss your nominated crosswind technique. For example, the crosswind is from left to right. Safe flying!