Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Pilots avoid vortices by maintaining safe separation and adjusting flight paths. Vortex size is also affected by proximity to the ground. If youre flying low enough to be in ground effect, the vortex isnt able to fully develop. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Flight Training Central

MARCH 29, 2024

The FAA continues to add new questions based on guidance from the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards. Quartering tailwind Quartering headwind Direct crosswind Correct! What are the reporting requirements for a pilot convicted of possessing and selling marijuana? Read the complete March 2024 update here.

Aileron 52

Aileron Crosswind Ground Effect Thrust 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 4, 2023

A pilot needs to control the airplane in a manner that the wings support the weight of the airplane as long as practical to minimize stresses imposed on the landing gear by a rough surface or to prevent sinking into a soft surface. Allow the airspeed to slowly dissipate while the airplane is flown just above the surface in ground effect.

Approach 52

Approach Ground Effect Final Approach Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Crowd Source Information The next best resource for information about runway conditions is other pilots. Calculate your landing and takeoff distances using the pilot’s operating handbook (POH).

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

Winter's Airport For pilots in the Northeast, one of the most eagerly anticipated events each year is the freezing of Alton Bay, a narrow, southerly oriented limb off the main body of New Hampshire's expansive Lake Winnipesaukee. Thaws, rain, snow, and strong crosswinds can temporarily close the airport. Photo by Ed.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

When spelled geoduck it represents a grotesque, oversized mollusk, or clam to we pilot simpletons. Much depends on the aircraft’s weight, pilot skill and, surprisingly, “how much abuse you want to experience. Checking the oil is the main attraction to the pilot. The airplane will handle more than you want to.”

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79