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

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

He only needed a glide ratio of 14:1 to reach the airfield to arrive at a typical pattern altitude of 1,000 ft AGL. There were some patches of moderate lift and sink as would be expected on a normal summer soaring day. Shmulik flew quite fast at ground speeds between 100 and 130 kt, carrying a lot of extra energy.

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. To get the extra lift required for the turns, I had to dive to get extra airspeed so that the plane could turn at that same AOA. That phenomenon is best named Failure to Achieve Sustained Flight (FASF).

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. 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.

Airplanes 61

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 61