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Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

Flying for extended periods of time at the controls of a basic aircraft was hard physical work, and poor weather or mechanical issues could also add to pilot fatigue on longer flights. Sperrys first autopilot was born from the concept of assisting pilots during longer flights and reducing their workload, both physical and mental.

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What Is a Flat Spin?

Pilot Institute

PARE: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator forward. Rudder: Full opposite input to the spin direction. The problem is that the airflow from the propeller goes over the horizontal stabilizer, which produces a downward force (and causes the nose to pitch up). Ready to become a safer pilot? Let’s get started!

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Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

These forces must work in harmony to maintain flight stability. Primary Flight Controls The primary controls of a small plane are the yoke, rudder pedals, and throttle. Primary Flight Controls The primary controls of a small plane are the yoke, rudder pedals, and throttle. Do small planes have autopilot?

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Top 10 Mistakes Student Pilots Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Inflight Pilot Training

How to Avoid It: Dedicate at least a few hours per week to studying airspace, weather, and flight regulations. Weather delays disrupt planned lessons. If weather delays flights, use a simulator or review ground materials to stay sharp. Why It Happens: Nervousness and lack of trust in the aircrafts stability.

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Flight Test Files: Convair XF-92A Dart

Vintage Aviation News

Besides validating the thin delta wing principle, the XF-92A played a major role in supporting the development of the Convair F-102A interceptor, the Air Forces first attempt at an all-weather, supersonic interceptor. feet high at the tip of the vertical stabilizer. feet long, had a 31.3-foot foot wingspan, and was 17.5

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The Fenestron Factor: Cabri G2 Crash in Gruyéres

Fear of Landing

In the event of an unintentional left yaw, the pilot must immediately apply right rudder, that is, firmly apply pressure on the right rudder pedal. The key is to respond swiftly and with rather more right rudder than might be expected from pilots without experience with Fenestron-equipped helicopters. The weather was clear.

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Voices from Combat: The Consolidated PB2Y Coronado Becomes a Bomber

Vintage Aviation News

A short 18 months later, on August 13, 1937, the XPB2Y-1 took to the skies for the first time, revealing plenty of room for improvement lateral instability was a major problem for the deep-hulled boat, so the single tail fin was augmented by two smaller fins on the horizontal stabilizers. The planes did see combat, however.