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

Fear of Landing

MAY 3, 2024

The prototype lifted off, hovered and flew at a speed of 40 knots before landing. The forward five-bladed propellers tilt in an angle range of 0° (straight ahead) to 100° (slightly past vertically upwards), allowing the aircraft to shift between vertical lift and forward propulsion. G-EVTL lifted off with all EPUs operating.

Descent 88

Descent Thrust Knot Lift 88

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Hold this extra power as you enter ground effect. Low-wing aircraft perform better in ground effect because of the wing’s proximity to the ground. High-wing aircraft might need more power or pitch to arrest the descent. The sudden loss of lift can cause the wheels to dig into the ground.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Lift : The aerodynamic force generated due to airflow over the wings. The aircraft’s deceleration reduces the airflow over the wings, which reduces lift. When the lift force is less than the force of gravity, the aircraft descends. So, how do we increase lift to maintain altitude? The gear adds lots of drag but zero lift.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag AGL 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

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. Sometimes you fly through virga and you can even find yourself in lift.

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. The takeoff technique is conventional taildragger—add full power, let the tail come up, then lift off when you get above Vmc. Overall, the controls were wonderful.

Airplanes 61

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 61