Remove Center of Gravity Remove Lift Remove Tail
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What Is a Flat Spin?

Pilot Institute

An aft center of gravity increases flat spin risk. A flat spin happens when the center of gravity shifts too far aft (toward the tail), and the aircraft’s rotation becomes more horizontal. In this situation, the wings aren’t producing enough lift, and the aircraft essentially falls out of the sky while spinning.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Bell X-14

Vintage Aviation News

It was also the first VTOL aircraft to use a jet thrust diverter system for vertical lift. Air Force and NASA to explore using vectored thrust to transition from vertical and horizontal takeoffs to achieve level flight before making a vertical landing.

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What Is a Dutch Roll, and Is It Dangerous?

Pilot Institute

The outer wing generates more lift than the inner wing since it’s temporarily moving faster. Extra lift makes the wing rise. Increased lift on the raised wing immediately creates more induced drag. Placing the center of gravity ahead of the aircraft’s center of lift improves longitudinal stability.

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The Hazards of Aircraft Icing: Explained

Pilot Institute

And ice doesn’t just make things slippery, it messes with the airflow over the wings, cuts down on lift, and ramps up drag. Remember that wings, propeller blades, and tail surfaces are airfoil-shaped. This leads to a serious loss of lift and an increase in drag. If you don’t act quickly, you’ll soon feel its effects.

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Everything You Need To Know About Ailerons

Pilot Institute

Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing. The aircrafts wing is able to generate lift due to its shape. The more the wings shape is able to change the direction of the flow of air over the surface, the more lift it will produce. Why does this increase the lift? How Do Ailerons Work?

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How to Make a Perfect Soft Field Landing Every Time

Pilot Institute

This tendency is due to their high center of gravity and heavy engine over the nose wheel. Make sure not to pull back too hard, or you could cause a tail strike. The sudden loss of lift can cause the wheels to dig into the ground. If the nose wheel digs in at high speeds, it can result in a loss of control.

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Mastering Crosswind Landings (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Pilot Institute

High-wing aircraft are particularly vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity. But remember, the crosswind you just battled is still hitting the aircraft’s wing and tail. A bounce or skip is likely if the aircraft lands while the wing is generating significant lift. Fly the aircraft all the way to the parking spot.