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. The reflexed shape of the airfoil usually causes a positive (nose-up) pitching moment coefficient at its aerodynamic center. This also means resisting unwanted side-to-side nose movements.

Tail

Vintage Aviation News

JUNE 24, 2025

It featured the original short fuselage design, which was later extended forward of the wing to better align with the aircraft’s center of gravity requirements. Army request for a tactical airlifter capable of transporting troops and cargo into unprepared, rugged terrain—ideally with a payload comparable to that of the CH-47 Chinook.

Center of Gravity

One Mile at a Time

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Well, as SWISS prepares to retrofit its existing planes with the new SWISS Senses cabins, the airline is running into a pretty significant issue. As a SWISS spokesperson explains, “this different weight development is leading to a shift in the center of gravity in aircraft,” and making the plane nose heavy.

Center of Gravity

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Dispatchers are often considered “pilots on the ground” and play an important part in airlines. In an airline environment, pilots have many responsibilities. Once the route and cruising altitude have been decided, the dispatcher will focus on the aircraft’s payload, including the passengers’ weight, luggage, and cargo.

Weather