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What Is Ground Effect?

Pilot Institute

It’s not magic—it’s ground effect. When you’re flying near the ground, within one wingspan, the aerodynamic forces start to change. Ground effect is a phenomenon that every pilot must master. Key Takeaways Ground effect increases an aircraft’s lift and decreases drag. You feel in control.

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Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance

Flight Training Central

What is ground effect? Ground effect is most likely to result in which problem? Floating caused by the phenomenon of ground effect will be most realized during an approach to land when at less than the length of the wingspan above the surface. Becoming airborne before reaching recommended takeoff speed.

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No Spruce Goose: US Takes Second Shot At 'Ekranoplan' With Liberty Lifter

Simple Flying

Ekranoplans (or ground-effect vehicles (GEVs)) are among the most interesting vehicles and combine a boat with a seaplane. DARPA is working to develop an ekranoplan called the Liberty Lifter with a payload capacity similar to the C-17 Globemaster.

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Fish Or Fowl: What Is The Liberty Lifter & How Would It Work For The US Navy?

Simple Flying

Ekranoplans, or as they are also forgettably known, ground effect vehicles (GEV), were a major area of study and development during the Soviet Union. It has long been understood that if some formidable engineering challenges can be overcome, ekranoplans could be revolutionary in hybrid sea/airborne transportation.

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What To Know About The Northrop Grumman & JetZero Future Blended Wing Aircraft For The USAF

Simple Flying

Blended-wing aircraft are not the only revolutionary military transport design currently in the works; the DARPA is working on a ground-effect vehicle (ekranoplan) called the Liberty Lifter , which would burr the distinction between a ship and an aircraft.

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High Wing or Low Wing – Which Trainer Should I Choose?

Flight Training Central

Short field landings can be shorter because the drag robbing ground effect is lessened by the greater distance between the wing and ground. High wing aircraft are inherently stable as the center of mass is located beneath the center of lift (compare hanging from a rope as compared to sitting on one).

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How to fly a perfect soft field approach and landing

Flight Training Central

This allows the airspeed to slowly dissipate while the airplane is flown just above the surface in ground effect. When the wheels first touch the ground, the proper technique allows the wings to continue supporting much of the weight of the airplane.