Crosswind Descent Drag 
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 31, 2024
The flaps on an aircraft are used for controlled descents with slower airspeed during the approach and landing. When landing without flaps, pilots must adjust their techniques to compensate for higher approach speeds, a shallow descent angle, and longer landing distances. Flatter approach angle (due to less drag).
Pilot's Life Blog
JANUARY 5, 2025
The pre-landing check is the first step in ensuring the aircraft is ready for a stable descent. Additionally, configure the aircraft for a stable descent. Throttle adjustments, trim settings, and speed control are all important in setting up for a controlled, smooth descent to the runway.
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Pilot Institute
JULY 12, 2024
Learn to use aircraft references to establish a stable descent rate and pitch, ending up in a smooth roundout and flare. A quick way to estimate the correct descent rate for a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply your groundspeed by five. 60 x 5 = 300 feet per minute is your recommended descent rate. Flying at 60 knots?
Pilot Institute
MAY 4, 2024
Any substantial changes to speed and descent rate will destabilize the landing. Full flaps are generally used since they lower approach speed and increase drag. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Will you need a crosswind correction?
Pilot's Life Blog
JANUARY 12, 2025
Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Thrust, produced by the engine, propels the plane forward, overcoming drag, which is the resistance caused by air. These forces must work in harmony to maintain flight stability.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2024
However, the increased drag might make it impossible to take off again. A faster, reduced-flaps approach improves aircraft control during strong crosswinds or gusts. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. This does two things: it keeps the load on the wings and increases drag.
Pilot Institute
MAY 9, 2024
It’s just S-turns with climbs and descents, right? While the tilting lift vectors are an important source of adverse yaw, drag also plays a part. Any time a wing creates lift, it creates induced drag. In our example, the right wing has more lift, and thus more drag, than the left wing as the airplane rolls.
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