Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Newton’s Third Law helps pilots and engineers improve flight safety and aircraft performance. They are designed with a special shape called an airfoil, which encourages passing air to turn and deflect downward. So, pilots must find the sweet spot: enough angle to generate strong lift but not so steep that airflow breaks away.

Torque

Vintage Aviation News

JANUARY 22, 2025

In October 1914, Albree and Timson drew up plans for a new monoplane, the Model G Scout, which was first flown by test pilot Clifford Webster on July 15, 1915, at Nahant Beach, just south of the Swampscott garage. The Albree-Timson Model G Scout monoplane, a precursor of the Model SG Pursuit, during a test flight at Nahant Beach, MA. (Old

Tail

Flying Magazine

MAY 1, 2024

Despite the early invention of the aileron, wing warping continued to be used, even on some fighters, as late as 1916. The function of an aileron, or any hinged trailing-edge surface, is commonly explained in ground school by simple analogy to, say, a door opened on a windy day. It affects the entire area ahead of the aileron as well.

Aileron

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

Wing Control: Flaps, slats, and ailerons change the chord line, impacting lift and control. In general, the chord line is used as an easy-to-understand reference when referring to the properties of a wing or airfoil. Basically, the mean camber line is meant to indicate the midpoint between the top and bottom surfaces of the airfoil.

Center of Gravity

Vintage Aviation News

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Although it is sort of heavy on the ailerons,” Storo said. ” On takeoff and landing, the pilot’s seat is adjusted to the upward limit of travel. .” ” On takeoff and landing, the pilot’s seat is adjusted to the upward limit of travel. “The first flight was kind of interesting. 6, 1941).

Crosswind

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Many aspiring pilots wonder whether flying a helicopter is harder than flying a plane. Understanding these differences helps pilots choose the right training path. Whether youre exploring what is an instrument proficiency check or considering advanced training, we ensure every pilot is confident in their journey.

Torque

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Remember that wings, propeller blades, and tail surfaces are airfoil-shaped. Ice build-up on the airframe changes the airflow pattern around these airfoils. It can also cause control surfaces like ailerons and flaps to function improperly, making the aircraft harder to maneuver.

Pitot Tube

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2025

Adventurous aerobatic pilot Frank Christensen, owner of Christen Industries, which built the Pitts Special series and the Christen Eagle II aerobatic biplane kit, watched as biplane sales fell during the early 1980s. In 1995, businessman, backcountry, and aerobatic pilot Stu Horn bought the company and changed its name to Aviat Aircraft Inc.

Gross Weight

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Planespotters note the F2’s separate ailerons and flaps, conventional tail. For one thing, the F2s fuselage hangs from a completely new wing with two distinct airfoil shapes. An obvious discontinuity leads to a thinner airfoil inboard. It seems likely the company will add significantly to the 234 Carbon Cubs already sold.

Rudder

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

When spelled geoduck it represents a grotesque, oversized mollusk, or clam to we pilot simpletons. Much depends on the aircraft’s weight, pilot skill and, surprisingly, “how much abuse you want to experience. Checking the oil is the main attraction to the pilot. The airplane will handle more than you want to.”

Airplanes

Vintage Aviation News

MAY 2, 2025

image via AirCorps Aviation) This is the hydraulic hand pump which the pilot uses (if the engine-powered pump fails) to operate the flaps, radiator scoops, or the landing gear. Forward of these controls are the rudder trim and aileron trim wheels. The wheel on the side adjusts aileron trim.

Rudder