Flying Magazine

JULY 22, 2025

We consider that reassuring when the weather becomes turbulent. Over the years we’ve flown a lot of aircraft with “aft-tending” centers of gravity—if you filled the seats, you were outside the aft CG limit, and the rear seats in six-place airplanes were unusable. Once we canceled IFR, we spent some time hand-flying the AX.

Rudder

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. The problem is that the aileron can only be deflected to a point after which the drag becomes significant. This shifts the ailerons Center of Gravity (C.G.)

Aileron

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Increased lift on the raised wing immediately creates more induced drag. What’s induced drag? Induced drag is the resistance that happens as a result of creating lift, caused by swirling air around the wings that slows the airplane down. The higher drag on the raised wing reduces its speed relative to the lower wing.

Stability

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 7, 2025

The aircraft ended up being overloaded by 580 pounds, with its center of gravity positioned too far back. Icing: Ice buildup can reduce lift and increase drag. Turbulence: Rough air can make flying uncomfortable or even hazardous if severe. This mistake limited the pilot’s ability to control the aircrafts pitch.

NOTAMs

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

A sideslip approach creates excess drag and requires more control inputs. However, the obstacles generate mechanical turbulence, making the air less stable. High-wing aircraft are particularly vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity. The crab method is the most comfortable way to fly the approach.

Crosswind

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2025

As Aviat worked to increase the useful load of the Husky, it also extended the center of gravity (CG) range. 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. It is not plain vanilla.

Gross Weight