Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

A tailless aircraft is a fixed-wing airplane without a horizontal stabilizing surface. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. A tailless airplane is one where everything needed to fly, like lift, control, and stability, is built into the main wing.

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

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. The Boeing 707 (1957) proved that big passenger planes could be both profitable and efficient, hence launching the modern airline sector.

Drag 52

Drag Lift Stability Jet 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

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

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. Each rotor blade acts as an airfoil, and as it rotates, it moves air over its surface, generating lift. This pressure difference produces lift, allowing the aircraft to ascend.

Torque 52

Torque Lift Airplanes Stability 52