Pilot Institute

MARCH 28, 2025

Pilots avoid vortices by maintaining safe separation and adjusting flight paths. As seen from the aircrafts tail, the vortex rotates in the anti-clockwise direction on the right wingtip and the clockwise direction on the left wingtip. Key Takeaways Wingtip vortices, not engine exhaust, create the strongest wake turbulence.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Lift Drag Runway 97

Plane and Pilot

MAY 3, 2025

Fearsome metal airplanes helped win a global conflict, yet pilots came home to variations on prewar designs of tube-and-fabric construction and modest performance. You can see other Weick influences, such as the oil-damped tricycle landing gearall produced Cherokees are trikeswith a wide track to make crosswind landings more manageable.

Approach 73

Approach Airplanes Stability Weight-Shift-Control 73

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we pushed back, the colors popped on the various tails parked down the row of gates, and we sat in line for takeoff with the low sun angle perfectly lighting a yellow Spirit Airbus against an ominous dark sky, save for the rainbow that arched high across the vista. One of our schedulers had a favor to ask. You’ve checked that box now.”

Runway 70

Runway Approach Knot Crosswind 70

Vintage Aviation News

JUNE 15, 2025

Despite their vastly different performance characteristics, the pilots cleverly coordinated the formation: the SE5a circled in a tight radius near the crowd while the Spitfire flew a wider, slower arc. A touching tribute followed for former Shuttleworth pilot and test pilot Desmond Penrose, who passed away recently at the age of 95.

Crosswind 59

Crosswind Pilot Tail Weather 59

Vintage Aviation News

OCTOBER 18, 2024

However, in cruise flight, the seat is moved as low as possible to get the pilot’s head out of the slipstream as the blasting wind quickly fatigues the pilot. What you do is you sit up high for takeoff and as you add power and the tail comes up almost immediately, very quickly. .” It is a terrible airplane for crosswinds.

Airplanes 124

Airplanes Crosswind Tail Cockpit 124

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

I could turn tail, but things were not much better back further west. Several times I’ve landed smoothly in a strong crosswind, then had trouble keeping the airplane on the runway. I approach using the wing low method in a crosswind. Which brings up a point about gusty crosswinds. What to do? More likely it’s random.

Crosswind 98

Crosswind Knot Rudder Turbulence 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 19, 2024

That is the story of the Bellanca Aries T-250, an efficient, T-tailed travel machine that rivaled the Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper Comanche in speed, load-carrying capacity, and elegant design. Their first design, the Anderson Greenwood AG-14, was a 90 hp, twin-tailed, two-seat pusher. So how does this efficient bird fly?

Tail 98

Tail Airplanes Crosswind Knot 98

Jetwhine

JUNE 2, 2025

Bob decided the way to get the best flying lessons in a Cessna 180 was from an experienced former airline pilot that coincidentally lived near Los Angeles. Somehow the fear is the back of the plane wanting to go first and swap ends or at least that was what Bob and I had been told about those notorious tail wheel airplanes.

Airplanes 52

Airplanes Crosswind Tail Runway 52

Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 25, 2025

The aircraft had to land into a 15-knot crosswind, and the plane landed at a speed of 115 mph, well below the standard landing speed of between 150-175 mph. One of these is a Curtiss JN-4D Jenny displayed inverted with the mannequin of a wing-walker standing between the two wings, while the mannequin of a pilot sits in the rear cockpit.

Cockpit 95

Cockpit Pilot Ceiling Rudder 95

Plane and Pilot

JULY 9, 2024

The unique H-tail reduces the left-turning tendencies during takeoff while also minimizing the weathervaning effect prevalent in crosswinds. The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1946 Erco 415-C Ercoupe appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

Rudder 92

Rudder Airplanes Crosswind Tail 92

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Kentland has a 4,000-foot runway, east/west, with a crosswind straight out of the north. I lamented that there was no tail tie-down until I remembered that I had brought three welded rebar tie-downs and a heavy hammer to drive them in. The post Two Weeks in the RV appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. No complaints.

Weather 79

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 79

Air Facts

JUNE 6, 2025

With its sleek, cantilever wing and raked tail, it seemed like a step up from the more pedestrian Skyhawk. Art, a friend from the nearby airport, told me that John, a local pilot out for a casual flight, had radioed in with a problem. A crosswind would have made things far more difficult. Still nothing.

Runway 52

Runway Torque Groundspeed Airplanes 52

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Sporty’s is much more than a pilot shop. Today, our successful flight school has hundreds of students and is solely responsible for University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program. 3 Books The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes several textbooks that are often considered as required reading for student pilots.

Pilot 52

Pilot Flight Computer Crosswind Cockpit 52

Air

MAY 21, 2025

Aviation Winds Types Explained A Pilots In-Depth Guide For pilots, from their first solo to their thousandth hour, a profound understanding of the different types of wind isn’t just beneficial it’s absolutely fundamental to safety, efficiency, and the art of flying itself. It also allows for a steeper angle of climb.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Wind Shear Groundspeed Flight Computer 52

Flight Training Central

JANUARY 27, 2025

Landing an aircraft is often described as a blend of precision, practice, and intuitionyet even seasoned pilots can fall victim to common landing errors. From misjudging the flare to battling crosswinds, these mistakes can challenge pilots of all experience levels. Porpoising can also be caused by improper airspeed control.

Airplanes 89

Airplanes Runway Accelerated Stall Lift 89

Northstar VFR

JULY 21, 2024

It’s a rite of passage for pilots-in-training to hear these words come from their flight instructor repeatedly. The pilot can control the yawing of the plane by inputs on the rudder pedals. Some new student pilots think the rudder and vertical stabilizer are the same thing. The pilot controls the throttle to create thrust.

Rudder 52

Rudder Airplanes Pilot Stability 52

Photographic Logbook

MAY 19, 2025

He is a high energy, enthusiastic aviator who flies for NetJets to put food on the table and provides aerobatic and upset recovery training under the Tango Whiskey umbrella while instructing aspiring rotary wing pilots with BAC Helicopters owned by my mechanic Ray. Despite the crosswind, take-off was perfunctory. Chop and drop!"

Rudder 60

Rudder Crosswind Airplanes Runway 60

Airspeed Junkie

AUGUST 2, 2024

Pilots and flight schools favor this aircraft for its ease of use and dependable performance. First introduced in 2005, this all-glass cockpit revolutionized the flying experience for pilots by providing a comprehensive and intuitive interface. This article explores the Cessna Skyhawk C172’s features, evolution, and lasting appeal.

Knot 98

Knot Cockpit Pilot Gross Weight 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

As we pushed back, the colors popped on the various tails parked down the row of gates, and we sat in line for takeoff with the low sun angle perfectly lighting a yellow Spirit Airbus against an ominous dark sky, save for the rainbow that arched high across the vista. One of our schedulers had a favor to ask. You’ve checked that box now.”

Runway 52

Runway Approach Knot Crosswind 52

NAFI

MARCH 3, 2024

The one that wasn't too bad was the call on CTAF where a pilot in "November XYZ" was about five miles to the west landing on a particular runway. Right on top of that we received "[Airport], [Tail number] five north, landing." There were two radio calls we received that got my attention while we were flying. This got our attention.

Runway 40

Runway Tail NOTAMs Crosswind 40

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? The pilot is able to control the aircrafts roll by turning the control yoke or sidestick in the cockpit. The hydraulic system works similarly to a cars power steering and greatly reduces the effort needed by the pilots.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

A soft field landing is a technique pilots use when landing on unpaved surfaces. Why Do Pilots Perform Soft Field Landings? Crowd Source Information The next best resource for information about runway conditions is other pilots. Calculate your landing and takeoff distances using the pilot’s operating handbook (POH).

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 29, 2024

Kentland has a 4,000-foot runway, east/west, with a crosswind straight out of the north. I lamented that there was no tail tie-down until I remembered that I had brought three welded rebar tie-downs and a heavy hammer to drive them in. The post Two Weeks in the RV appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. No complaints.

Weather 52

Weather Runway Knot Rudder 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 6, 2024

Our committee encourages club pilots to expand their horizons by venturing beyond the local area. To provide student pilots an opportunity to experience real world general aviation flying outside of the training environment and introduce them to what they can do once they have earned their pilot certificates. after 9/11.

Pilot 52

Pilot Flight Plan Air Traffic Control General Aviation 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

Newton’s Third Law helps pilots and engineers improve flight safety and aircraft performance. If the pilot increases the wings angle of attack too much, the airflow can separate from the wings surface, causing a stall – an abrupt loss of lift. What does Newtons Third law tell pilots about thrust?

Lift 52

Lift Torque Thrust Aileron 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

Landing an airplane is not easy, even for experienced pilots. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to confidently master crosswind landings. Key Takeaways Manage crosswind landing challenges using the crab and sideslip techniques. Plan for crosswind conditions with step-by-step procedures.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Longitudinal Axis Aileron Rudder 52

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

Multiple Cessna 172RGs made me a better pilot Air Facts Journal Experience makes you a better and safer pilot. This is my early experience path to improvement as a pilot and it has made me safer and more confident. I chose runway 14 (the UGN crosswind runway) and the crash and resuce vehicles moved onto the adjacent taxiway.

Pilot 98

Pilot Descent Runway Crosswind 98

Air Facts

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Christmas reading list: 24 books for pilots to read in 2024 Air Facts Journal Back in 2018, I shared a list of 18 good aviation books , in the hopes that Air Facts readers might find a Christmas gift for the pilot on their list (or for themselves). Ive organized my recommendations into six categories.

Pilot 96

Pilot Weather Airplanes Approach 96

Vintage Aviation News

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Unfortunately, during preparations to present the aircraft at Airbus’ CASA centennial, a combination of factors—crosswinds, rotor control issues, and a tail skid—led to an accident, damaging the autogyro. However, the dedicated team didn’t let this setback end their journey. They’ve rebuilt the C.4, When the C.4’s

Lift 124

Lift Crosswind Tail Pilot 124

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Large aircraft use yaw dampers while small aircraft rely on piloting techniques to counter Dutch roll. For example, if a statically stable aircraft gets blown off course by a gust of wind, it tries to return to its original heading without pilot input. That’s because spiral instability is easier for a pilot to detect and correct.

Stability 52

Stability Center of Gravity Aileron Rudder 52

Fear of Landing

JUNE 13, 2025

The weather was hot: the METAR for the crash time (VAAH 120700Z 25006KT 6000 NSC 36/19 Q1001 NOSIG) shows a slight crosswind for runway 23, with good visibility and temperature of 37°C, standard conditions for June in Ahmedabad. The aircraft backtracked to the end of the runway before beginning its take-off roll.

Runway 121

Runway Lift UTC Crosswind 121

Photographic Logbook

JANUARY 25, 2025

Winter's Airport For pilots in the Northeast, one of the most eagerly anticipated events each year is the freezing of Alton Bay, a narrow, southerly oriented limb off the main body of New Hampshire's expansive Lake Winnipesaukee. Thaws, rain, snow, and strong crosswinds can temporarily close the airport. Photo by Ed.

Runway 75

Runway Airplanes Threshold Approach 75

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

I make the calls out of the obligation of being a responsible pilot. As I watch the white dashes flash past beneath the nostrils of the Sonex, the tail comes up. A cruise climb as I make my crosswind turn, then downwind, more radio calls on the way. I make the turn off the runway, another radio call, and I taxi to the pumps.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

JANUARY 7, 2025

For pilots, memorable experiences are a combination of the where and when along with the what and the whom. Plane & Pilot associate editor Cayla McLeod is the youngster who, you might be surprised, isnt all about the latest stuff. Although todays airline pilots might scoff at the DC-3, true aviators could never.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Tail Pilot Jet 98

Flying Magazine

MAY 6, 2025

Adventurous aerobatic pilot Frank Christensen, owner of Christen Industries, which built the Pitts Special series and the Christen Eagle II aerobatic biplane kit, watched as biplane sales fell during the early 1980s. In 1995, businessman, backcountry, and aerobatic pilot Stu Horn bought the company and changed its name to Aviat Aircraft Inc.

Gross Weight 78

Gross Weight Horizontal Stabilizer Airplanes Rudder 78

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

Planespotters note the F2’s separate ailerons and flaps, conventional tail. Out back, theres an entirely new tail. Theres an unusual duck tail between the two elevator halves that provides a measure of anti-stall behavior. You might ask what happens with crosswind landings when you take away rudder authority.

Rudder 98

Rudder Airplanes Aileron Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

When spelled geoduck it represents a grotesque, oversized mollusk, or clam to we pilot simpletons. True, a slightly higher aspect ratio wing was desired, which in turn required a larger vertical tail and thus a little extra mass, but the size, approximately 20% larger than a Widgeon, was set. Sea state matters, too.

Airplanes 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79