Plane and Pilot

JULY 2, 2025

This climb speed is determined by minimizing the two sources of drag acting against the airplane. If speed is too low, meaning angle of attack is too high, induced drag builds up, as the wing is working extra hard to make lift. If speed is too fast, parasite drag becomes excessive, created from the increased wind resistance.

Descent

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 12, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Lift is generated by the wings as air flows over them, counteracting weight, which pulls the plane downward due to gravity.

Weather

Pilot's Life Blog

JUNE 18, 2025

This is crucial to optimize your distance and control. Use ailerons and rudder together to maintain coordinated flight. Adjusting Bank Angle and Descent Rate: Control your descent by adjusting your bank angle and pitch. Be mindful of controlled or restricted airspace and coordinate with air traffic control as necessary.

Pilot

WayMan

MAY 25, 2025

They also become familiar with systems like the Flight Management System (FMS) and transponder , which helps air traffic control identify and track aircraft. The rudder helps control yaw (left or right movement of the nose), while the elevator manages pitch (up or down movement of the nose).

Lift

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

Clear communication with air traffic control (ATC) is essential at this stage to receive landing clearance and avoid conflicts with other aircraft. Managing the critical engine, which is the engine closest to the aircrafts wingtip, is key to reducing drag and maintaining control.

Descent

Pilot Institute

MAY 8, 2025

During certain phases of flight, you may retract the landing gear to reduce drag and improve climb performance. Landing gear systems are typically controlled hydraulically, electrically, or through a combination of both. Youre communicating with air traffic control and configuring for landing.

Air Traffic Control

Aerotime

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

This is the result of the flight crew performing a full and free movement check to ensure that all flight control surfaces (ailerons, rudder, elevators) are working correctly and the aircraft is fit to fly before taking to the air.

Cabin Crew