Simple Flying

JUNE 14, 2025

Hinged panels at the wing’s trailing and leading edges transform a sleek airfoil into a low-speed lift sail. Increasing camber, flaps propel an airliner to lift off at lower speeds, trading a little drag for a lot of lift. One of the most influential cockpit levers on a jet’s take-off is the flap handle.

Camber 88

Camber Airfoil Lift Drag 88

Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

A tailless airplane is one where everything needed to fly, like lift, control, and stability, is built into the main wing. In level flight, the aircraft is adjusted so that the wingtips dont add lift. Use of Reflex Airfoils Ever notice how many tailless aircraft have wings that curve at the trailing edge?

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 22, 2025

The requirement applies to private, commercial, and airline transport pilots, as well as flight engineers and navigators who fly internationally. You can lift most limitations through the completion of a prescribed training course with an FAA-certified flight instructor. Hold a commercial or an airline transport pilot certificate.

Pilot 86

Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Lift Airplanes 86

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 1, 2025

Studying historical aircraft helps students understand the development of flight and learn from early engineers about problems of lift, propulsion, stability, and material constraints. Often touted as the first successful powered aircraft, the Wright Flyer (1903) clearly shows lift, propulsion, and control.

Drag 52

Drag Lift Stability Jet 52

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Aerodynamic Differences Fixed-Wing Aircraft (Airplanes) Airplanes , or fixed-wing aircraft, generate lift through their stationary wings as they move forward. The wings are designed with an airfoil shape, curved on the top and flatter on the bottom, creating a pressure difference when air flows over them.

Torque 52

Torque Lift Airplanes Stability 52

Fear of Landing

MARCH 22, 2024

This is an exploration of how NASA research has influenced modern airliners through research and technology. The resulting “supercritical airfoil” shape, when integrated with the aircraft wing, significantly improves the aircraft’s cruise efficiency. You can click through for a larger version of the image.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Airfoil Drag Airline 52