Flight Training Central

MAY 7, 2024

As much as it seems sometimes that airplanes fly by magic, it’s important for every pilot to understand at least the basic fundamentals of aerodynamics. Understanding these concepts will create a smoother and safer pilot. The four forces acting on an airplane in flight are lift, weight, thrust, and drag.

Gross Weight 98

Gross Weight Longitudinal Axis Airfoil Lift 98

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? Roll or bank is the aircrafts movement about its longitudinal axis. The pilot is able to control the aircrafts roll by turning the control yoke or sidestick in the cockpit. How Do Ailerons Work?

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Newton’s Third Law helps pilots and engineers improve flight safety and aircraft performance. If the pilot increases the wings angle of attack too much, the airflow can separate from the wings surface, causing a stall – an abrupt loss of lift. What does Newtons Third law tell pilots about thrust?

Lift 52

Lift Thrust Torque Aileron 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

Landing an airplane is not easy, even for experienced pilots. Why Crosswind Landings Aren’t Easy Ideally, pilots want the wind to hit the aircraft dead on the nose while landing. Touching down with the aircraft’s longitudinal axis aligned with the runway. Many pilots de-crab right before touchdown.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52