Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

A tailless aircraft may still have a fuselage and a vertical tail (fin and rudder). The Weather Vane It mostly comes from the vertical stabilizer (fin) and the sides of the fuselage behind the center of gravity. 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 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

Now, release the brakes and feel yourself pressed into the seat as you discover less right rudder is needed than you expect. It retained the classic, high-lift Clark Y airfoil, but the span of its four-position semi-Fowler flap span was extended. Confirm the gauges reflect full power and feel the airplane quiver in anticipation.

Gross Weight 78

Gross Weight Horizontal Stabilizer Airplanes Rudder 78

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. An elegantly simple rope system inside the fuselage raises and lowers the Gweduck’s water rudder mounted inside the base of the main rudder (right).

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79