Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

The Weather Vane It mostly comes from the vertical stabilizer (fin) and the sides of the fuselage behind the center of gravity. This setup makes the wing less efficient overall, but it can reduce drag, weight, and cost compared to using a separate tail. On the flipside, a decrease in aspect ratio will result in higher drag.

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Learn to Fly

JULY 11, 2024

This happens regardless of weight, bank angle, temperature, density altitude, or center of gravity. An angle of attack (AOA) indicator can determine the aerodynamic health of the airfoil (wing). An airplane will, however, always stall at the same angle of attack, called the critical angle of attack.

Airfoil 40

Airfoil Center of Gravity Density Altitude Drag 40

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

And ice doesn’t just make things slippery, it messes with the airflow over the wings, cuts down on lift, and ramps up drag. Remember that wings, propeller blades, and tail surfaces are airfoil-shaped. Ice build-up on the airframe changes the airflow pattern around these airfoils.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

They are designed with a special shape called an airfoil, which encourages passing air to turn and deflect downward. This is why the typical airfoil shape has a curved top and a flat bottom, especially in slower-speed general aviation aircraft. The aircraft pivots about its center of gravity. Wings do just that.

Lift 52

Lift Torque Thrust Aileron 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2025

It retained the classic, high-lift Clark Y airfoil, but the span of its four-position semi-Fowler flap span was extended. As Aviat worked to increase the useful load of the Husky, it also extended the center of gravity (CG) range. In 2005, a new wing became standard. It is not plain vanilla.

Gross Weight 78

Gross Weight Horizontal Stabilizer Airplanes Rudder 78

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Winging It Aside from the aforementioned desire for a greater aspect ratio for reduced drag, the one-piece Gweduck wing was developed for minimal weight, ease of construction and benign handling. Keeping drag corralled was emphasized as the Gweduck mission is foremost long-distance cruising.

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79