AV Web

MAY 22, 2024

As the former owner of a vintage V-tail Bonanza, I always pay attention when one of them crashes. Both invoke traditional assumptions about V-tails, and even vintage Bonanza lovers like me acknowledge there is at least a grain or two of truth in each. Last week’s tragedy in Tennessee drew particularly wide interest for two reasons.

Tail 89

Tail Instrument Meteorological Conditions Knot Groundspeed 89

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

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. Some aircraft can enter flat spins even if their center of gravity is in the normal range.

Center of Gravity 98

Center of Gravity Weight-Shift-Control Aileron Rudder 98

AV Web

MAY 22, 2024

As the former owner of a vintage V-tail Bonanza, I always pay attention when one of them crashes. Both invoke traditional assumptions about V-tails, and even vintage Bonanza lovers like me acknowledge there is at least a grain or two of truth in each. Last week’s tragedy in Tennessee drew particularly wide interest for two reasons.

Tail 78

Tail Instrument Meteorological Conditions Knot Groundspeed 78

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Placing the center of gravity ahead of the aircraft’s center of lift improves longitudinal stability. Doing so provides more lateral stability since the aircraft’s Center of Gravity (CG) lies below the wings. Tail Design Larger, more effective stabilizers provide stronger restoring forces.

Stability 52

Stability Center of Gravity Aileron Rudder 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Remember that wings, propeller blades, and tail surfaces are airfoil-shaped. Additional Dangers of Ice Accumulation Icing also makes your aircraft heavier and can even change the position of the center of gravity. Many aircraft have heated leading edges on the wings, tail, and propellers.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

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. If the nose wheel digs in at high speeds, it can result in a loss of control. In extreme cases, a nose-over can occur. Rollout Maintain back pressure on the rollout.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

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. This prevents the crosswind from raising the upwind wing (and wheel), causing a loss of control.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52