Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

By far the strongest component of wake turbulence is the swirling air generated at the tips of the aircrafts wings. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence. Wake turbulence can cause severe roll and structural damage to smaller aircraft. How Are Wingtip Vortices Formed?

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Flying Magazine

APRIL 26, 2024

The small aileron “tabs” were not doing a great job in crosswind ability. As is often the case with swept-wing jets, sometimes extra drag is required beyond gear and flaps. Landing was wild, leading to the aircraft’s big wings striking the ground at times in the crosswinds approaching 35 knots. This was in XP12.

Crosswind 105

Crosswind Weather Knot Aileron 105

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 27, 2024

Add in some crosswind and turbulence from preceding aircraft, and these arrivals can get a bit hairy. It reminds us that just as low, dragged-in approaches are bad, a steeper-than-normal approach has equal potential to cause unsafe touchdowns and landings.

Stability 92

Stability Approach Runway Pilot 92

Pilot's Life Blog

JANUARY 5, 2025

Wind shear, turbulence, or gusty winds can create challenges during the landing phase, so knowing how to adjust for these factors is critical. 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

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

Other modifications include flap gap seals that reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency, and a nose wheel pant that encloses the lower nose strut for better aerodynamics. The reliability of the Cessna 172 shines through in various flight conditions, including crosswinds and turbulence.

Knot 98

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 98

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.

Lift 52

Lift Turbulence Drag Pilot 52

Pilot's Life Blog

MAY 6, 2025

Weight and Loading More weight means more drag. More drag means more fuel burn. Heres how we help our students factor that in: Weather Wind, heat, turbulence, and storms all impact how far you can fly. Crosswinds force you off course. Trim and balance : Keeping the plane in proper trim and flying smooth helps reduce drag.

Weather 52

Weather Drag Flight Plan Pilot 52