article thumbnail

What Is a Flat Spin?

Pilot Institute

A flat spin is a thrilling (and potentially dangerous) flight phenomenon that pilots must prepare for. In reality, flat spins can challenge even experienced pilots, making it important for you to understand what they are and how to handle them. Ready to become a safer pilot? An aft center of gravity increases flat spin risk.

article thumbnail

How to calculate airplane weight and balance: Pilot video tutorial

Flight Training Central

Take the time to compute the total weight of the airplane and center of gravity (CG) before every flight, based on the number of occupants, baggage and fuel and where each item is positioned in the airplane. The video clip belowis from Sporty’s 2025 Learn to Fly Course

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

The automatic pilot (autopilot) has to be one of aviations finest technological inventions. Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times.

article thumbnail

Chord Line in Aviation? What It Is and Why It Is Important

Pilot Institute

Center of Gravity: Used to calculate and balance the aircraft’s center of gravity. This issue aside, there is another reason why pilots, aircraft engineers, and designers talk about chord lines. Where its pivot point is, is called the center of gravity. What Is the Chord Line in Aviation?

article thumbnail

The Difference Between Category, Class, and Type of Aircraft

Pilot Institute

Whether you are an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about the subject, this article is for you. Category also has different meanings in pilot certification, aircraft certification, and instrument approaches. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and lets dive into the world of aircraft certification!

article thumbnail

Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know

Pilot Institute

Drones have their own language, and its filled with abbreviations and acronyms that can be overwhelming for new drone pilots. Common Drone Acronyms and What They Mean Lets start off with the most basic acronyms that even beginner drone pilots should know. The effect is that the pilot feels like they are flying while inside the drone.

Pilot 52
article thumbnail

What Are the 10 Hardest FAA Private Pilot Written Exam Questions?

Plane and Pilot

Becoming a private pilot is a challenging process and a big accomplishment. Student pilots go through many hours of flight and ground training to become proficient in the required skills and knowledge to ultimately earn their private pilot certificate. What Is the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam?