Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

Clear communication with air traffic control (ATC) is essential at this stage to receive landing clearance and avoid conflicts with other aircraft. Managing the critical engine, which is the engine closest to the aircrafts wingtip, is key to reducing drag and maintaining control.

Descent 52

Descent Final Approach Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

This can greatly impact landing performance and obstacle clearance. Full flaps are generally used since they lower approach speed and increase drag. The drag allows for a steeper descent, which is particularly helpful when avoiding obstacles. Will you need a crosswind correction? Full flaps, 1.3 V SO (or POH airspeed).

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Off Sodus, I briefly leveled at 2,500 feet to remain visual until I received my instrument clearance from Rochester Approach. Fortunately, the clearance was a simple one that morning because I was absurdly tongue tied while talking to Rochester. With a drag strip next door, at least noise complaints about airplanes seem unlikely.

Runway 89

Runway Approach Knot Drag 89

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

You might ask what happens with crosswind landings when you take away rudder authority. Flight Design rates the F2 with the same 16-knot demonstrated crosswind component as the previous CTs. Given the need to preserve noggin-to-wing-spar clearance, its a smart but necessary solution. In this case, nothing.

Rudder 98

Rudder Airplanes Aileron Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Combining the Gweduck’s advanced hull with its counter-rotating propellers means differential power allows crosswind water taxiing impossible in floatplanes along with higher hull-in-water taxiing speeds. “We Keeping drag corralled was emphasized as the Gweduck mission is foremost long-distance cruising.

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79