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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

Vortex size is also affected by proximity to the ground. If youre flying low enough to be in ground effect, the vortex isnt able to fully develop. As the swirling air strikes the ground, the vortex is pushed laterally along the surface. As at higher altitudes, the vortex movement near the ground is affected by crosswinds.

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Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance

Flight Training Central

What is ground effect? Ground effect is most likely to result in which problem? Floating caused by the phenomenon of ground effect will be most realized during an approach to land when at less than the length of the wingspan above the surface. 1,000 feet MSL 1,525 feet MSL 1,600 feet MSL Correct!

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How to fly a perfect soft field approach and landing

Flight Training Central

The approach for the soft-field landing is similar to the normal approach. This allows the airspeed to slowly dissipate while the airplane is flown just above the surface in ground effect. Allow the airspeed to slowly dissipate while the airplane is flown just above the surface in ground effect.

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Jeju Air flight 2216

Fear of Landing

On approach, the captain made a mayday alert, declaring bird strike, bird strike. This was done early in the program (737-100/200) because it was discovered the 737 was prone to float in ground effect enough that it could prevent WoW from going true after touchdown – same with wheel speed.

Thrust 59
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How to Make a Perfect Soft Field Landing Every Time

Pilot Institute

As you approach the airport, monitor UNICOM for landing or departing traffic. Another performance factor is the approach speed. The slower the approach, the shorter the landing distance. Many aircraft have specific recommended normal and short-field approach speeds. It will allow you to fine-tune your approach.

NOTAMs 52
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Air Taxi Prototype Crash at Cotswold Airport

Fear of Landing

Once stable in ground effect, the pilot shut down EPU1 (left-side outboard) to simulate the performance in the case of an engine failure. The second pilot put on protective gear and approached the aircraft with a “high-voltage trained hook man” to shut down the electrical systems.

Descent 100
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2025 Richard Collins Writing Prize Runner-Up: Tailstrikes and Tiedowns

Air Facts

But as I banked into my final approach, my heart sank. I did the worst thing possible and tried to lose altitude by steepening my approach. Time seemed to freeze as I floated in ground effect. I had fully cut power and had flaps at twenty, but I was still far too high. I knew I should go-around, but panic gripped me.

Knot 52