Plane and Pilot

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

We often end up at higher altitudes to escape the wind shear layer, cumulus buildups, and turbulence below. Of course, in the descent, we will encounter each of these turbulence producers again, and at a higher airspeed. So, I am careful to watch the speed heading downhill into the turbulence. Image: Shutterstock.

Descent 54

Descent Approach Final Approach Turbulence 54

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. The ELSA is a different animal. Modest wing loading—10.4

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,400 pounds and a maximum gross weight that ensures stability, this aircraft is robust enough to handle a variety of flying conditions. The reliability of the Cessna 172 shines through in various flight conditions, including crosswinds and turbulence.

Knot 98

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 98

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 19, 2024

From here, you can use the slider to move through the route, and tap the menu button at the bottom left to overlay icing, turbulence, and cloud forecasts. Maximum fuel is a great option: it will show the most fuel you can take without going over max gross weight, given the people and cargo you entered in the Payload section.

Gross Weight 52

Gross Weight Pilot Payload Turbulence 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. The ELSA is a different animal. Modest wing loading—10.4

Airplanes 96

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 96

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 4, 2024

If you learned in a four-seater, chances are most of your flying was with only two people on board, with a nice cushion below max gross weight and with a mid- or forward CG. He was later inducted into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame at Oshkosh, and I was lucky enough to be there when it happened. Hopefully not.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aileron Runway Gross Weight 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Higher altitudes are also less prone to turbulence and have fewer birds. This is often the clean configuration at max gross weight. Turbulent air will require a larger airspeed margin. Wind gusts and turbulence can also throw you off your heading. Inexperienced pilots may drop up to 200 feet in a single stall.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag Checkride 52