Crosswind Descent General Aviation 
Pilot Institute
APRIL 12, 2025
High camber generally promotes more airflow deflection, thanks to something called Bernoullis Principle. This is why the typical airfoil shape has a curved top and a flat bottom, especially in slower-speed general aviation aircraft. Whenever aircraft encounter crosswinds, the most noticeable impact is felt in yaw.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
In recent times, composite materials have been introduced for flight controls even in small general aviation aircraft. Fly-by-wire is expensive, so you wont find it on most small general aviation aircraft. The resulting loss of lift leads to a rapid descent by the aircraft. What Materials Are Used in Ailerons?
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Flying Magazine
JULY 17, 2025
Sharp stick-and-rudder work in crosswinds is a must. Sit up straight during descents because it’s easy to get above maneuvering speed or even redline if you’re not paying attention, although speedbrakes help. We’ve done it in a rapid descent—and admit to some tension. Pilots report that the gear makes an effective speedbrake.
Photographic Logbook
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024
Post-Pandemic Pancakes Perhaps second only to hyperbolic "there I was" stories and debates over which type of aircraft wing placement is superior (low, obviously), fly-in pancake breakfasts are deeply ingrained in general aviation pilot culture. This greatly simplified descent planning. This 1956 version was for sale.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 16, 2024
If there is a crosswind at the airport, you should mention this in your brief. Discuss your nominated crosswind technique. Explain what aircraft input you will require to land the aircraft in the crosswind. For example, the crosswind is from left to right. Add a zero, and that gives you a 400ft target rate of descent.
Air Facts
SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
What NTSB Reports Say About Impossible Turns and Angle of Attack—Part 2: Analysis, Questions Raised, and Next Steps The current emphasis in general aviation (GA) safety is on visual angle of attack (AOA) indicators and impossible turns (return to the airport following engine failure). for several general aviation airplanes.
Plane and Pilot
AUGUST 27, 2024
The current record of safe landings is strong in the airlines, but the same can’t be said for us down here in general aviation land. Add in some crosswind and turbulence from preceding aircraft, and these arrivals can get a bit hairy. 1 cause of GA accidents and incidents remains loss of control (LOC), most often on landing.
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