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Quiz: Understanding Aircraft Performance

Flight Training Central

What is ground effect? What is the headwind component for a landing on Runway 18 if the tower reports the wind as 215° at 30 knots? Ground effect is most likely to result in which problem? 187 knots 162 knots 165 knots Correct! It reduces climb performance. a higher-than-normal angle of attack.

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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

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 lateral movement takes place at a speed of about two or three knots. As at higher altitudes, the vortex movement near the ground is affected by crosswinds.

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Air Taxi Prototype Crash at Cotswold Airport

Fear of Landing

The prototype lifted off, hovered and flew at a speed of 40 knots before landing. Once stable in ground effect, the pilot shut down EPU1 (left-side outboard) to simulate the performance in the case of an engine failure. The pilot then increased acceleration with a target of seven knots ground speed.

Descent 105
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Tow Plane Flies Too Slow – Glider Heavy with Water Ballast

Chess In the Air

However, perhaps the safest response for everyone involved would have been the following: Rather than trying to climb with the tow plane, I should have stayed in ground effect while communicating the request for a greater airspeed. Staying in ground effect protects the glider from a stall because of lower induced drag.

Knot 52
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2025 Richard Collins Writing Prize Runner-Up: Tailstrikes and Tiedowns

Air Facts

The airspeed indicator registered 55 knots, close to the Cessna 172s stall speed. Just before touching down, I checked my airspeed and the pit in my stomach deepened: 85 knots far above the 172s normal landing speed of 65 knots. Time seemed to freeze as I floated in ground effect.

Knot 52
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How to Make a Perfect Soft Field Landing Every Time

Pilot Institute

Hold this extra power as you enter ground effect. Low-wing aircraft perform better in ground effect because of the wing’s proximity to the ground. Once you enter ground effect, too much speed will cause the aircraft to float or balloon. It is the safest and smartest decision.

NOTAMs 52
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How to Master Slow Flight (Step-By-Step)

Pilot Institute

The stall warning horn sounds at least 5 knots above the actual stall speed. Since you need to fly without triggering the warning, select a target airspeed of about 2 to 5 knots more. Your target airspeed should be 5 knots above the speed that triggers the stall warning horn. Turbulent air will require a larger airspeed margin.

Lift 52