Approach Ground Effect Knot 
Pilot Institute
MARCH 28, 2025
Vortex size is also affected by proximity to the ground. If youre flying low enough to be in ground effect, the vortex isnt able to fully develop. As the swirling air strikes the ground, the vortex is pushed laterally along the surface. This lateral movement takes place at a speed of about two or three knots.
Pilot's Life Blog
JUNE 18, 2025
With a cruise speed of around 162 knots and a range near 700 nautical miles, the Seminole provides performance without overwhelming complexity. On the other hand, the Piper PA-28 series (like the Cherokee or Archer) offers a low-wing configuration, which means slightly different ground effect and flare behavior.
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Plane and Pilot
JULY 1, 2025
A witness reported that they saw the airplane lift off from the runway and remain in ground effect until it crossed the departure end of the runway. After arriving at the destination airstrip the student entered left downwind for Runway 13, resulting in a right quartering tailwind of about 5 knots.
Flight Training Central
SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
What is ground effect? What is the headwind component for a landing on Runway 18 if the tower reports the wind as 215° at 30 knots? Ground effect is most likely to result in which problem? 187 knots 162 knots 165 knots Correct! It reduces climb performance. a higher-than-normal angle of attack.
Fear of Landing
MAY 3, 2024
The prototype lifted off, hovered and flew at a speed of 40 knots before landing. Once stable in ground effect, the pilot shut down EPU1 (left-side outboard) to simulate the performance in the case of an engine failure. The pilot then increased acceleration with a target of seven knots ground speed.
Air Facts
MARCH 26, 2025
The airspeed indicator registered 55 knots, close to the Cessna 172s stall speed. But as I banked into my final approach, my heart sank. I did the worst thing possible and tried to lose altitude by steepening my approach. Time seemed to freeze as I floated in ground effect.
Pilot Institute
MARCH 26, 2024
As you approach the airport, monitor UNICOM for landing or departing traffic. Another performance factor is the approach speed. The slower the approach, the shorter the landing distance. Many aircraft have specific recommended normal and short-field approach speeds. It will allow you to fine-tune your approach.
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