Aerotime

APRIL 3, 2025

Largely gone are the days when pilots had to manually control their aircraft from engine start-up to shut down by keeping their hands rigidly fixed on the controls at all times. As a result, the first autopilot was developed to introduce an element of control on the trajectory of airplanes. What is an autopilot?

Weight-Shift-Control 301

Weight-Shift-Control Cockpit Pilot Stability 301

Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

How does it turn or climb without the usual control surfaces? Despite their lack of horizontal control surfaces, tailless aircraft are designed to be stable. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. Ever wondered how it stays balanced?

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Plane and Pilot

MAY 3, 2025

Lets go back to that time in postwar GA when the sands shifted quickly. The Ercoupe was designed with only two controls, roll and pitch, so it couldnt be kicked out in a crosswindit had to withstand landing in a crab. There were 23 runway loss of control (RLOC) events. The rich can dream of jets and warbirds. Widell says.

Approach 73

Approach Airplanes Stability Weight-Shift-Control 73

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Weather, field conditions, obstacles, and many other elements greatly affect short field operations. Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. This is because there is less airflow over the control surfaces.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

Key Takeaways A flat spin is a dangerous, level-flight spin with reduced control effectiveness. PARE: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator forward. A flat spin happens when the center of gravity shifts too far aft (toward the tail), and the aircraft’s rotation becomes more horizontal. Ailerons: Neutral.

Center of Gravity 98

Center of Gravity Weight-Shift-Control Aileron Rudder 98