Remove Airfoil Remove Density Altitude Remove Drag
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Air pressure and density

Professional Pilot

By Karsten Shein Comm-Inst Climate Scientist QNE, QNH, and QFE describe different altitudes for different phases of flight, but also serve as pressure altitude (QNE) or density altitude (QNH). Every pilot knows that aircraft fly because the forces of lift and thrust balance or exceed the weight and drag countering them.

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The No Longer Invisible Angle of Attack: AOA Indicators

Learn to Fly

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.

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Nothing Small About It

Plane and Pilot

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.