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From albatrosses to slimy eels: Aircraft design and concepts inspired by nature 

Aerotime

Winglets and Sharklets Both Airbus and Boeing operate aircraft with wingtip devices that are designed to increase aircraft efficiency by removing drag. The devices would prove to “reduce wingtip drag” and increase “fuel efficiency by 6-7%” but would need be positioned uniquely for each aircraft type.

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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. Increased Drag Moving air around is hard work! What Does the Vortex Strength Depend On?

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Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Thrust, produced by the engine, propels the plane forward, overcoming drag, which is the resistance caused by air. These forces must work in harmony to maintain flight stability.

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How High Do Planes Fly?

WayMan

This range, also known as the stratosphere, is ideal for several reasons: Fuel Efficiency : The thinner air at high altitudes reduces drag, helping aircraft consume less fuel. Weather Avoidance : Cruising at these heights keeps planes above turbulent weather patterns and clouds, ensuring smoother flights.

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Top Ten Tips for Managing Risk

AV Web

( This story originally appeared in Aviation Safety Magazine.) “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it. The typical GA pilot is exposed to three broad areas of risk: weather, aircraft suitability, and pilot capability. Weather is a what-you-see-is -what-you-get kind of thing. if it fails.

Weather 52
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Weather planning with Garmin Pilot: widgets and flight profile

iPad Pilot News

Weather planning with Garmin Pilot: widgets and flight profile iPad Pilot News One of Garmin Pilot’s standout features is its split-screen mode. While many pilots know how to use split-screen for viewing approach charts or traffic, there are also some valuable tools for weather planning, both before takeoff and during cruise.

Weather 52
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How to Choose the Best Alternate Airport for Your IFR Flight: A Pilot’s Guide

Flight Training Central

For a flight under IFR or a flight not in the vicinity of an airport, weather reports and forecasts, fuel requirements, alternatives available if the planned flight cannot be completed , and any known traffic delays of which the pilot in command has been advised by ATC. Is there widespread fog?

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