Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

This is called lift. Wingtip vortices are a byproduct of lift. Once the wing stops producing lift, the vortices dissipate instantly. Wing spoilers drastically reduce the lift generated by the wing. Its important because the lift is always produced perpendicular to the relative wind. Why is this important?

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Plane and Pilot

MARCH 25, 2025

She walked me through the foyer to the spotless, freshly painted hangar. The GameBird is right at home on the grass, pavement, or TacAeros clean hangar. After a few seconds, Ill lift the tail and then add full power. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Tessa Waghorn, Ians wife, who serves as the head administrator for TacAero.

Knot 111

Knot Airplanes Runway Rudder 111

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Once there, he put us in a slight right turn toward our first fuel stop 60 miles ahead, continuously fighting the stick as the gusting left crosswind did its best to push us off course. Wilkins guided the craft along the invisible roller coaster, working to keep the wings level while maintaining a crab as the Cub climbed the first 500 feet.

Runway 98

Runway Crosswind Rudder Pilot 98

Fear of Landing

OCTOBER 4, 2024

He went to the hangar and did a pre-flight walkaround of the 172, including checking the fuel. Satisfied, he pulled the 172 out of the hangar and started the engine. The pilot applied some aileron to compensate for the crosswind and then applied full power. The flaps had been extended for the take-off, in order to increase lift.

Runway 52

Runway Pilot Knot Weather 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

In fact, we have a window over the stove that looks into the hangar. A steep bank and strong pull is required for each turn, and I watch the airspeed and lift reserve indicator (LRI) to make sure I do not do anything stupid. A cruise climb as I make my crosswind turn, then downwind, more radio calls on the way.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2024

And the finest example of a Cirrus SR22 is not going to want to lift a full load out of a backcountry strip on a warm afternoon with a density altitude reading five digits. I’ll fly in crosswinds up to 10 mph, but no more, because I know the aged mechanical brakes aren’t able to prevent weathervaning above that figure.

Density Altitude 60

Density Altitude Airplanes Wind Shear Pilot 60

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

Thaws, rain, snow, and strong crosswinds can temporarily close the airport. As Warrior 481 lifted us to a cruise altitude of 7,500 feet, the first hint of the sunrise came in the form of a massive fireball turned vermillion by miles of low haze between us and the horizon. Warm spells can mean doom for this frozen Brigadoon.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68