Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Vortex size is also affected by proximity to the ground. If youre flying low enough to be in ground effect, the vortex isnt able to fully develop. This phenomenon is called Ground Effect. Note that the ground effect doesnt eliminate the vortex entirely. Can Wingtip Vortices Be Useful?

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

CockPit Conversation

JANUARY 30, 2023

They just hop into hangar flying mode and pull out a favourite "there I was" story. Was he really going to tell me how hard it was to pull that Beaver off the water and then get enough speed in ground effect to clear the trees? There are two things a pilot can learn from making dumb decisions and getting into trouble.

Ground Effect 40

Ground Effect Pilot Weather Cargo 40

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

An observation of salt stains on my hangar floor ultimately led to the fire department hosing off the entire 4,800 foot long runway. A Deflating Experience On short final, I clicked off the autopilot and brought Warrior 481 into ground effect, pulling the yoke back until she settled softly to the runway. Still.not cool.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

At that point the project is trucked 5 miles to the Prineville Airport where final assembly takes place in a hangar. Resist pulling back, instead letting it accelerate in ground effect (or should we say water effect) for a few seconds. The plane will fly itself off.

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77

Photographic Logbook

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

I spotted something new incongruously placed in the Curtiss hangar. ORA does not fly their pioneer era aircraft above the treetops, but the Pusher climbed out of ground effect and flew along the runway before setting back to the turf at the far end. New Kid in Town 1917 Fokker D.VI (reproduction). The Fokker D.VI

Airplanes 56

Airplanes Runway Pilot Aileron 56