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The Difference Between Category, Class, and Type of Aircraft

Pilot Institute

To fly an aircraft that weighs more than 12,500 pounds or a jet (regardless of weight), pilots require a type rating. Glider This category includes aircraft that are designed to fly without an engine and rely on natural air currents for lift through the reaction between the air and the wing. no control surfaces).

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What Is a Flat Spin?

Pilot Institute

Key Takeaways A flat spin is a dangerous, level-flight spin with reduced control effectiveness. A flat spin happens when the center of gravity shifts too far aft (toward the tail), and the aircraft’s rotation becomes more horizontal. The wing cannot produce enough lift to sustain flight at the critical Angle of Attack (stall).

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There’s Something Essential in the Bank

Flying Magazine

The ability to bank is essential to controlled flight. Otto Lilienthal did it by shifting his weight, but for the much larger Wright Flyer the solution was to make one wing produce more lift than the other by twisting them in opposite directions. But it cannot have been quite so obvious then. The T-38 scores around 0.26.

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What Are Common Part 107 Test Questions?

Flying Magazine

The remote pilot must have prior authorization from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility having jurisdiction over that airspace. The remote pilot must monitor the Air Traffic Control (ATC) frequency from launch to recovery. The remote pilot must contact the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility after launching the unmanned aircraft.

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Everything You Need To Know About Ailerons

Pilot Institute

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing.

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Mastering Short Field Landings (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Pilot Institute

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. This is because there is less airflow over the control surfaces.

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Anatomy of a Freighter

AeroSavvy

Most dedicated cargo aircraft are military transports, e.g., C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hurcules, Antonov’s heavy-lift family. Building a freighter without windows lowers manufacturing cost and reduces the aircraft weight by hundreds of pounds. A small crew can load a 747 main deck in minutes with a control panel and joysticks.