Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Pilots avoid vortices by maintaining safe separation and adjusting flight paths. 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. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Flight Training Central

SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

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? What true airspeed should a pilot expect at 9,000 feet on a standard day with 65 percent maximum continuous power?

Density Altitude 105

Density Altitude Knot Ground Effect True Airspeed 105

Fear of Landing

MAY 3, 2024

The five-seater aircraft (pilot and four passengers) is pitched as an urban air taxi, with plenty of room for luggage. The prototype is designed as a piloted aircraft but the initial test flight in July 2023 was unmanned. The prototype lifted off, hovered and flew at a speed of 40 knots before landing.

Descent 104

Descent Knot Thrust Lift 104

Chess In the Air

JULY 24, 2022

Here is the video: The comments indicate that these incidents are relatively common and occur most frequently when the tow pilot is used to pulling very light gliders that only require a low tow speed. A clear and deliberate briefing of the tow pilot before the flight is essential. In Boulder we definitely have enough space available.

Knot 52

Knot Ground Effect Tail Pilot 52

Air Facts

MARCH 26, 2025

2025 Richard Collins Writing Prize Runner-Up: Tailstrikes and Tiedowns Air Facts Journal Editors note: This article was the runner-up entry in the 2025 Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. The airspeed indicator registered 55 knots, close to the Cessna 172s stall speed. Time seemed to freeze as I floated in ground effect.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Tail 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

About 90% of accidents could have been prevented by the pilot. Most can be avoided by diligent pre-flight preparations; by paying attention to what’s happening around us; by staying disciplined and flying within one’s margins; and by avoiding basic piloting mistakes through regular practice.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Crowd Source Information The next best resource for information about runway conditions is other pilots. Calculate your landing and takeoff distances using the pilot’s operating handbook (POH).

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52