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Alaska Airlines Flight 261: Investigating what caused the tragedy

Aerotime

The trim on the horizontal stabilizer – the rear wing of the aircraft – was not working. Then the tone indicating the movement of the horizontal stabilizer sounded. Los Angeles air traffic control handed the plane over to approach control in preparation for its arrival at LAX. Sadly, though, it was not to be.

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Examining over 100 years of flight automation and the history of the autopilot

Aerotime

The 56 aircraft that participated in the 1914 competition presented a wide range of aviation innovations, ranging from assisted starting mechanisms, automatic carburetors, basic stabilization systems, and many other innovations that purported to benefit aviation safety.

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Approachable Excellence

Plane and Pilot

To some extent this was carried out with the Cherokee, though the key design elementuse of a stabilator in place of a conventional elevator and fixed horizontal stabilizeris likely the influence of John Thorp. Thorp joined the Piper design team during the Cherokees development; his own Sky Scooter used a stabilator. Widell says.

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Mastering Stalls: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Recover Safely

Flight Training Central

Practicing stalls will also help you learn the low airspeed flight characteristics of the airplane, and how to control the airplane at low airspeeds which is what you will encounter while maneuvering in the traffic pattern and approaching to land. At the normal approach speed, lower the nose to the approach pitch attitude.

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10 Must-Read Books for Aviation History Fans

Plane and Pilot

Why its important: This biography rightfully frames the Wrights as systematic inventors who used a disciplined approach to engineering challenges. Langewiesche provides one of the clearest expositions of aerodynamics and flight control, breaking down concepts like angle of attack, lift, stability, and stalls.

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NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Holland Accident

Flying Magazine

According to witness statements given to the NTSB, “the airplane made a normal approach to the runway, and when it was over the end of the runway, it leveled off about 50 [feet] above the runway and flew straight down the runway for several hundred feet. The rudder was intact, although the bottom of the control was crushed.

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Mastering the Crosswind Landing Technique: Tips for Safer Touchdowns

Pilot's Life Blog

Understanding Crosswind Components Mastering the crosswind landing technique starts with understanding what a crosswind is and how it affects your aircraft during approach and landing. Understanding this allows you to plan your approach accordingly and choose the best landing technique.