Remove Drag Remove Ground Effect Remove Runway
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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

This horizontal component of lift is called Induced Drag. Its called induced drag since it only exists as a consequence of lift. If youre generating lift, youre stuck with induced drag as well. Vortex size is also affected by proximity to the ground. Increased Drag Moving air around is hard work!

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What Is Ground Effect?

Pilot Institute

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.

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Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance

Flight Training Central

What is ground effect? The result of an alteration in airflow patterns increasing induced drag about the wings of an airplane. 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?

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High Wing or Low Wing – Which Trainer Should I Choose?

Flight Training Central

Those struts and wires create a lot of parasite drag, an anathema for aircraft whose design and mission is speed. Short field landings can be shorter because the drag robbing ground effect is lessened by the greater distance between the wing and ground. The bi-wing design has one serious flaw.

Lift 97
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How to Make a Perfect Soft Field Landing Every Time

Pilot Institute

Unlike paved runways, every soft landing surface is different. However, the increased drag might make it impossible to take off again. Obstructions: Ensure the runway is clear of obstacles, from stones to animals. Ground Inspection The best way to check the field’s condition is by inspecting it in person.

NOTAMs 52
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Tow Plane Flies Too Slow – Glider Heavy with Water Ballast

Chess In the Air

However, perhaps the safest response for everyone involved would have been the following: Rather than trying to climb with the tow plane, I should have stayed in ground effect while communicating the request for a greater airspeed. Staying in ground effect protects the glider from a stall because of lower induced drag.

Knot 52
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Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: A Temporal Anomaly in the Hudson Valley

Photographic Logbook

Though renowned for its maneuverability, the Triplane struggled to pull away from the Camel, fighting against the fundamental drag of its triple tiered wings. Naming it Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (ORA), Palen built a turf runway and got those old airplanes flying again. Over time, he built an extensive flying menagerie. A Bristol F.2B