article thumbnail

What Is a Flat Spin?

Pilot Institute

Key Takeaways A flat spin is a dangerous, level-flight spin with reduced control effectiveness. A flat spin happens when the center of gravity shifts too far aft (toward the tail), and the aircraft’s rotation becomes more horizontal. Ready to become a safer pilot? Let’s get started! An aft center of gravity increases flat spin risk.

article thumbnail

How to Read a Windsock

Pilot Institute

Non-Towered Airports Compared to commercial airports that have tower services, many general aviation airports are uncontrolled. The best windsocks strike a balance between weight and strength. A well-installed windsock should rotate freely on bearings, allowing it to turn smoothly as the wind direction shifts.

Knot 98
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

30,000-foot view of the McSpadden Report

Plane and Pilot

As general aviation pilots, were all too familiar with the phrase, fly safe, let me when you land. Our families, friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances know how unforgiving aviation can be. The 38th edition of this annual report covers general aviation, aircraft and helicopter accidents from 2022 across the United States.

article thumbnail

Pilot Safety Simplified: Proficiency vs. Currency Explained

Pilot Institute

And during these maneuvers, you need to: Act as the sole manipulator of the flight controls. Youd be far less likely to lose control in unexpected situations when you stay proficient. Loss of Control Why does loss of control happen in general aviation (GA)? These five are the most common root causes.

Pilot 52
article thumbnail

Everything You Need To Know About Ailerons

Pilot Institute

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing.

Aileron 90
article thumbnail

United Kingdom: 2024 Business Aviation Destination Guide

Universal Weather

At some UK airbases – such as RAF Leuchars (EGQL) – PPRs are only issued to General Aviation (GA) during significant golfing events. Tech Stops For tech stops, a general aviation report is submitted to Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) authorities, who will process the information and determine if a clearance is required.

article thumbnail

Seventh Time is the Charm: The Skyline Route

Photographic Logbook

Being able to flying East River and truly circumnavigate the island of Manhattan is the main advantage of the Skyline Route procedure, the reduced chaos of being under positive control is another. A shift change! Our new controller was only too happy to put us in for flight following to the Skyline Route. It looks.impossible.