Remove Drag Remove Pilot Remove Stability
article thumbnail

Stabilized Approaches

Plane and Pilot

Back in the early days of jet airliners, pilots long experienced in more forgiving two- and four-engine, piston-powered prop planes found themselves running out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas on the final approach to landing. Some pilots soar like eagles to a smooth touchdown, and others settle to the runway like wounded turkeys.

article thumbnail

The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know: Part one  

Aerotime

At this point, the pilots will contact ATC for push and start clearance , allowing the plane to be pushed back from its parking position (if applicable, depending on the airport) and to start its engines in sequence. Once this message is conveyed to the pilots, they disengage the aircraft’s parking brake, hence the ‘ wobble ’.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Convair F2Y Sea Dart

Vintage Aviation News

On December 14, 1952, the XF2Y Sea Dart began its first taxi tests, with Convair’s chief test pilot, Ellis Dent “Sam” Shannon, at the controls. It was also hoped that a seaplane fighter could also operate from remote areas that had no airbases but enough water for seaplane operations.

Cockpit 98
article thumbnail

Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

Whether you’re aiming for a private pilot license or seeking advanced certifications, Leopard Aviation provides personalized training programs to fit your schedule and goals. Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

Weather 52
article thumbnail

Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

Pilot Institute

For instance, an aircraft maintaining a steady IAS at 30,000 feet will have a faster TAS than at sea level due to reduced drag from thinner air. Using the VSI and Altimeter for Stability The vertical speed indicator and altimeter are your best tools for maintaining a steady altitude. This means less drag and faster ground speed.

article thumbnail

The remarkable career of Chuck Yeager – the first pilot to fly supersonic  

Aerotime

However, the Concorde, along with countless other military aircraft of various sizes and descriptions, could never have made that leap beyond Mach One, the official speed at which an aircraft is traveling faster than the speed of sound, without the bravery and spirit of adventure of one pilot and his unwavering passion for aviation.

Pilot 275
article thumbnail

Today in Aviation History: First flight of the Northrop YB-49 Flying Wing

Vintage Aviation News

The 1948 Incident The second YB-49, piloted by Major Daniel A. Air Force photo) Devil’s in the Details The YB-49 design aimed to create a highly efficient aircraft with low drag by its rare all-wing configuration. The YB-49 design featured four small vertical fins that were added to improve yaw stability.