Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

As seen from the aircrafts tail, the vortex rotates in the anti-clockwise direction on the right wingtip and the clockwise direction on the left wingtip. 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.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Chess In the Air

JULY 24, 2022

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

Knot Ground Effect Tail Pilot 52

Air Facts

MARCH 26, 2025

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. In many ways, I had been lucky.

Knot 52

Knot Runway Pilot Tail 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

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. Simultaneously, increase back pressure to keep the nose wheel off the ground. Make sure not to pull back too hard, or you could cause a tail strike.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

There was no opportunity to recover and it hit the ground hard, thankfully just out of camera view. The Rifle ASOS recorded a gust of 43 mph from the south: a 100-degree shift in direction, putting it right on his tail. This is consistent with Rick’s report, which referenced 9 knots of wind.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

True, a slightly higher aspect ratio wing was desired, which in turn required a larger vertical tail and thus a little extra mass, but the size, approximately 20% larger than a Widgeon, was set. Otherwise the traditional high-wing, twin-engine flying boat layout suggested itself on practical grounds.

Airplanes 78

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 78

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

With as much as 25 knots of tailwind, we made the flight from Sodus to Alton Bay in only two hours. More vintage cred: a V-tailed Beechcraft Bonanza! Unfortunately, this also meant meager ground speeds topping out around 85 knots. Lake Winnisquam with Lake Winnipesaukee in the distance. Oh, because of the purple.

Runway 68

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 68