Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

But, as you near the runway, the airplane starts to float. 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 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? What is the headwind component for a landing on Runway 18 if the tower reports the wind as 215° at 30 knots? Ground effect is most likely to result in which problem? It increases takeoff performance.

Density Altitude 105

Density Altitude Knot Ground Effect True Airspeed 105

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

I was listening intently to the ASOS for wind or gusts, letting it repeat 5 or 6 times with the exact same report: 9 kts straight down the runway; no gusts. That was the runway we would use to land. It’s worth noting that Shmulik had a close call in the past: a jet pulled onto the runway in front of him with no radio call.

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. On downwind, ATC had me at 3,000 feet going over the departure end of the crossing runway. I could see that the spot on the ground in the windshield that was not moving was short of the runway.

General Aviation 98

General Aviation Pilot Approach Airplanes 98