Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

How does it turn or climb without the usual control surfaces? Despite their lack of horizontal control surfaces, tailless aircraft are designed to be stable. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. Ever wondered how it stays balanced?

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. Have you ever wondered how pilots keep control at high speeds, during stalls, or even when systems fail? Key Takeaways Ailerons control the aircrafts roll by adjusting lift on each wing.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

Aircraft Weight and Limitations An aircraft’s weight affects inertia and stopping distance. The POH lists landing distances for specific gross weights. Smaller aircraft may only have short field landing distances for maximum gross weight. This is because there is less airflow over the control surfaces.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Density Altitude Descent 52

Pilot Institute

JULY 12, 2024

Watch out for some common mistakes, such as over-controlling and reacting incorrectly to visual cues. Approach Path Control Energy Management How to Improve Approach Path Control Using Ground References Your pattern work will improve the more you standardize it. Adjust power to control your descent rate.

Descent 52

Descent Weight-Shift-Control Crosswind Runway 52