Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

But, as you near the runway, the airplane starts to float. It’s not magic—it’s ground effect. When you’re flying near the ground, within one wingspan, the aerodynamic forces start to change. Ground effect is a phenomenon that every pilot must master. What Is Ground Effect in Aviation?

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

A pilot needs to control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical to minimize stresses imposed on the landing gear by a rough surface or to prevent sinking into a soft surface. The approach for the soft-field landing is similar to the normal approach.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Hold this extra power as you enter ground effect. Low-wing aircraft perform better in ground effect because of the wing’s proximity to the ground. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. Overcorrecting for a high descent rate will cause the aircraft to balloon.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Climbs and Descents During Slow Flight It’s counterintuitive, but pitching up will not result in a climb during slow flight. You’ll have to accelerate to V x while staying within ground effect. When you’re proficient, you’ll confidently maintain altitude a few feet off the ground while accelerating from slow flight.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag AGL 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

This is a hard one to gain insight from other than this: Some atmospheric events are bigger than our plastic airplanes. Under normal circumstances Shmulik would have had sufficient altitude to delay the landing by several minutes: his glider’s minimum descent rate in still air was just 100 fpm.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

The many analyses and videos on these topics have been done in what can best be described as laboratory conditions, carefully selected optimum conditions of pilot, airplane, and environment. An incomplete summary description of FASF is whether the airplane made it out of ground effect.

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 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 72

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 72