Crosswind Drag General Aviation 
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 problem is that the aileron can only be deflected to a point after which the drag becomes significant.
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.
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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.
Airspeed Junkie
AUGUST 2, 2024
However, the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 paved the way for its return, and production resumed in 1996. This legislation helped rejuvenate the general aviation market, and the Cessna 172 once again became a staple in flight schools and private ownership.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 12, 2025
Managing the angle of attack matters because it directly influences lift generation and drag in all phases of flight. Proper angle of attack management also maintains safety during slow flight, crosswind landings, and when encountering wake turbulence. Different wings offer a different lift-to-drag ratio.
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.
Pilot Institute
JUNE 26, 2024
Yet, statistics show that go-arounds are among the riskiest maneuvers in general aviation. For instance, if an aircraft is on the crosswind leg, they’ll ask you to extend the upwind If you don’t have the time, that’s okay. The order is aviate, navigate, then communicate. Make sure to communicate as soon as possible.
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