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.
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
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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