Remove Crosswind Remove Drag Remove Turbulence
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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

By far the strongest component of wake turbulence is the swirling air generated at the tips of the aircrafts wings. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence. Wake turbulence can cause severe roll and structural damage to smaller aircraft. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?

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

Pilot Institute

In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to confidently master crosswind landings. Key Takeaways Manage crosswind landing challenges using the crab and sideslip techniques. Plan for crosswind conditions with step-by-step procedures. The greater the crosswind, the steeper the aircraft’s bank into the wind.

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Simulated Austria Is Wild, Wonderful

Flying Magazine

The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. As is often the case with swept-wing jets, sometimes extra drag is required beyond gear and flaps. Landing was wild, leading to the aircraft’s big wings striking the ground at times in the crosswinds approaching 35 knots. This was in XP12.

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Stabilized Approaches

Plane and Pilot

Add in some crosswind and turbulence from preceding aircraft, and these arrivals can get a bit hairy. It reminds us that just as low, dragged-in approaches are bad, a steeper-than-normal approach has equal potential to cause unsafe touchdowns and landings.

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Cessna Skyhawk C172: Features, Performance, and Flight Experience

Airspeed Junkie

Other modifications include flap gap seals that reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency, and a nose wheel pant that encloses the lower nose strut for better aerodynamics. The reliability of the Cessna 172 shines through in various flight conditions, including crosswinds and turbulence.

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What Is a Dutch Roll, and Is It Dangerous?

Pilot Institute

Increased lift on the raised wing immediately creates more induced drag. What’s induced drag? Induced drag is the resistance that happens as a result of creating lift, caused by swirling air around the wings that slows the airplane down. The higher drag on the raised wing reduces its speed relative to the lower wing.

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What is the Angle of Attack?

Pilot Institute

Managing the angle of attack matters because it directly influences lift generation and drag in all phases of flight. Proper angle of attack management also maintains safety during slow flight, crosswind landings, and when encountering wake turbulence. Different wings offer a different lift-to-drag ratio.

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