Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

By far the strongest component of wake turbulence is the swirling air generated at the tips of the aircrafts wings. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence. Wake turbulence can cause severe roll and structural damage to smaller aircraft. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 1, 2025

Particularly in battle aerodynamics, drag reduction, and structural durability, early aircraft teach engineers today important insights. Setting the benchmark for modern airliners, the Douglas DC-3 (1935) a classic in commercial aviation brought all-metal construction, retractable landing gear, and more efficient airfoil designs.

Drag 52

Drag Lift Jet Stability 52

Pilot Institute

JUNE 12, 2025

As you reach high speeds, especially near or above the speed of sound, you can then sweep the wings back to reduce drag. They delay the formation of shock waves that cause wave drag. But when you’re doing high-speed dashes, sweeping the wings back will reduce drag. High-Speed Efficiency But the advantages don’t just stop there.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Drag Lift Payload 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. The Garmin glass lived up to its reputation for being easy to program, and the autopilot did as it was programmed, even in turbulence, with appropriate rudder input. In 2005, a new wing became standard.

Gross Weight 78

Gross Weight Horizontal Stabilizer Airplanes Rudder 78