Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. On the walkaround, you doubtlessly noted the full-span flaperons (flaps plus ailerons as one unit).

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 98

Pilot Institute

JULY 11, 2025

Since it’s a ratio, it doesn’t matter if you measure speed in knots, miles per hour, or meters per second. At sea level on a standard day (15 °C or 59 °F), sound travels about 661 knots (approximately 761 mph or 1,225 km/h). Here, Mach 1 is roughly 573 knots (about 659 mph). The Mach value stays the same.

Pilot 52

Pilot True Airspeed Indicated Airspeed Lift 52

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

This 172 had a flap extension speed of 85 knots, and my old Cessna 172’s limit was 100 mph, or 87 knots. Repairs included replacing the pitot tube/angle-of-attack sensor and the outside air temperature probe. The newer 172 (46 years old) did and had a 3-G limit with flaps extended.

Pitot Tube 79

Pitot Tube Approach Aileron Instrument Landing System 79

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 10, 2024

In order to be flown by a sport pilot, the resulting airplane must still meet the current regulations—1,320 pounds maximum gross weight, 120 knots max cruise speed, for example—but how it gets there is up to the builder. On the walkaround, you doubtlessly noted the full-span flaperons (flaps plus ailerons as one unit).

Airplanes 96

Airplanes Knot Pitot Tube Gross Weight 96