Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

A tailless aircraft may still have a fuselage and a vertical tail (fin and rudder). A tailless airplane is one where everything needed to fly, like lift, control, and stability, is built into the main wing. In level flight, the aircraft is adjusted so that the wingtips dont add lift. As a result, the aircraft rolls to the left.

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Pilot Institute

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The lift and drag imbalance between the left and right ailerons creates adverse yaw. A pilot can prevent adverse yaw by using rudder, and making sure that a turn is coordinated. Adverse yaw is an undesirable side effect of lift production, resulting in an uncoordinated, slipping turn. This movement reduces the AOA and lift.

Aileron 52

Aileron Drag Rudder Lift 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing. Adverse yaw is a side effect of aileron use, countered by rudder input. The aircrafts wing is able to generate lift due to its shape. Why does this increase the lift? If the flow on both sides is symmetrical, the wing wont produce any lift.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

MAY 9, 2024

The higher speed creates extra lift, causing the airplane to bank further into the turn. The aileron on the right wing deflects down, increasing the camber and creating more lift. The left wing’s aileron deflects up, decreasing lift. The lift imbalance causes the roll.

Rudder 52

Rudder Lift Aileron Drag 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Lift is the force that aircraft use to counter gravity. Newton’s Third Law is one of the key laws of physics that explains lift. Lets see what Newtons Third Law is, and why we need it to understand lift. This principle is fundamental in generating lift, thrust, and maneuverability, allowing aircraft to fly.

Lift 52

Lift Torque Thrust Aileron 52