Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

It’s not magic—it’s ground effect. When you’re flying near the ground, within one wingspan, the aerodynamic forces start to change. Your wings don’t create as much drag as they would at higher altitudes, which gives you extra lift. Ground effect is a phenomenon that every pilot must master.

Ground Effect 52

Ground Effect Drag Lift Runway 52

Flight Training Central

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

What is ground effect? What effect does high density altitude have on aircraft performance? Ground effect is most likely to result in which problem? Determine the pressure altitude at an airport that is 1,300 feet MSL with an altimeter setting of 29.6. It increases takeoff performance.

Density Altitude 105

Density Altitude Knot Ground Effect True Airspeed 105

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

However, at 5:36:23 he still had an altitude of 7025 ft MSL, i.e. a normally very “safe” pattern altitude of almost 1500 ft, and prudently began to head toward the east end of the runway. At this point his ground speed was 81 kts, which – in still air – would reflect a normal pattern speed of approx.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

An incomplete summary description of FASF is whether the airplane made it out of ground effect. That phenomenon is best named Failure to Achieve Sustained Flight (FASF). This is more theoretical than practical for visual AOA, but can affect some proposals such as a general aviation stick shaker.

General Aviation 88

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 88

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

It was 87° F, a density altitude of 7300 feet and we ended up with four people, 120 gallons plus baggage, and we got off in 2400 feet with naturally aspirated engines. Resist pulling back, instead letting it accelerate in ground effect (or should we say water effect) for a few seconds.

Airplanes 59

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 59