Clearance Drag Ground Effect 
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. Probable cause(s): The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after takeoff, during high density altitude weather conditions. He had no further memory of the event.
Flight Training Central
MAY 6, 2024
Those struts and wires create a lot of parasite drag, an anathema for aircraft whose design and mission is speed. On the ground they offer clearance over many fences. Short field landings can be shorter because the drag robbing ground effect is lessened by the greater distance between the wing and ground.
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 3, 2024
Winging It Aside from the aforementioned desire for a greater aspect ratio for reduced drag, the one-piece Gweduck wing was developed for minimal weight, ease of construction and benign handling. Keeping drag corralled was emphasized as the Gweduck mission is foremost long-distance cruising. Maintenance room is generally very good.
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