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Stabilized Approaches

Plane and Pilot

Back in the early days of jet airliners, pilots long experienced in more forgiving two- and four-engine, piston-powered prop planes found themselves running out of airspeed, altitude, and ideas on the final approach to landing. Some pilots soar like eagles to a smooth touchdown, and others settle to the runway like wounded turkeys.

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Flight Test Files: The Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket – Chasing Mach 2

Vintage Aviation News

These stories shine a light on the aircraft and test pilots that pushed the limits of aeronautical knowledge, many of them flying out of the legendary Dryden Flight Research Center (now Armstrong Flight Research Center) at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Research pilot John McKay flew it once in this form on September 17, 1956.

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The anatomy of a commercial flight – all you ever wanted to know: Part one  

Aerotime

At this point, the pilots will contact ATC for push and start clearance , allowing the plane to be pushed back from its parking position (if applicable, depending on the airport) and to start its engines in sequence. Once this message is conveyed to the pilots, they disengage the aircraft’s parking brake, hence the ‘ wobble ’.

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Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

Whether you’re aiming for a private pilot license or seeking advanced certifications, Leopard Aviation provides personalized training programs to fit your schedule and goals. Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

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Airspeed and Altitude Control Simplified: Tips for Stable Flying

Pilot Institute

For instance, an aircraft maintaining a steady IAS at 30,000 feet will have a faster TAS than at sea level due to reduced drag from thinner air. Using the VSI and Altimeter for Stability The vertical speed indicator and altimeter are your best tools for maintaining a steady altitude. This means less drag and faster ground speed.

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Today in Aviation History: First flight of the Northrop YB-49 Flying Wing

Vintage Aviation News

The 1948 Incident The second YB-49, piloted by Major Daniel A. Air Force photo) Devil’s in the Details The YB-49 design aimed to create a highly efficient aircraft with low drag by its rare all-wing configuration. The YB-49 design featured four small vertical fins that were added to improve yaw stability.

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Power-off Stall: Recovery Steps Made Easy

Pilot Institute

When the aircraft is in a high-drag configuration, a stall at a low altitude can be quite dangerous. How to Perform a Power-off Stall The FAA’s Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS) outline the procedure for performing a power-off stall. Because showing sound judgment and preparation is part of what makes a good pilot.

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