Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 4, 2024

When I was working on my PPL, I learned crosswind landings proficiently, plenty good enough for the check ride, but we never had an ugly, gusty, strong crosswind landing day. I was telling him how I had just made a whole series of beautiful, one-wheel, crosswind landings. He looked puzzled. Why might that be? Hopefully not.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aileron Runway Pilot 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. Will you need a crosswind correction? Full flaps, 1.3

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Descent 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

NTSB ERA22LA169 describes a funny engine noise that prompted an earlier than planned turn to crosswind for an anticipated return to the airport. When power was added, there were brief pitch oscillations before the plane departed the left side of the runway, as if P-factor and lack of right rudder input were present.

Runway 98

Runway Gross Weight Airplanes Pilot 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. The rudder hardly calls attention to itself outside of having plenty of authority. A nuance, perhaps.

Airplanes 86

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 86

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. The rudder hardly calls attention to itself outside of having plenty of authority. A nuance, perhaps.

Airplanes 76

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 76

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,400 pounds and a maximum gross weight that ensures stability, this aircraft is robust enough to handle a variety of flying conditions. The control yoke and rudder pedals offer precise control, contributing to the ease of flying.

Knot 52

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Combining the Gweduck’s advanced hull with its counter-rotating propellers means differential power allows crosswind water taxiing impossible in floatplanes along with higher hull-in-water taxiing speeds. “We But I have maintained 5000 feet at 6000 pounds gross weight,” notes Ross. A not so obvious advantage is taxiing.

Airplanes 61

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 61