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Are Radiosonde Launches Important to Aviation?

Flying Magazine

Answer: With the recent government staffing cuts throughout the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that includes the National Weather Service (NWS), there has been a need to indefinitely suspend radiosonde launches at three upper-air stations. Are these important to aviation?

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Understanding EFBs: What Student Pilots Need to Know Before They Take Off

Flying Magazine

That environment is not limited to weather and airspace. This includes route selection, weather analysis, TFR checks, fuel calculation, and filing flight plans. With a simple drag-and-drop interface, pilots can insert waypoints and alternate airports, check elevation profiles, and even run simulated flights to preview their trip.

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Tailless Aircraft: How Airplanes Fly Without a Tail

Pilot Institute

The Weather Vane It mostly comes from the vertical stabilizer (fin) and the sides of the fuselage behind the center of gravity. To help you understand this, imagine a weather vane with the CG as the pivot. This setup makes the wing less efficient overall, but it can reduce drag, weight, and cost compared to using a separate tail.

Tail 52
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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

This horizontal component of lift is called Induced Drag. Its called induced drag since it only exists as a consequence of lift. If youre generating lift, youre stuck with induced drag as well. Increased Drag Moving air around is hard work! What Does the Vortex Strength Depend On?

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Flying a Small Plane: Key Insights for Beginners

Pilot's Life Blog

Understanding the Basics of Flight Aerodynamics 101 Flying a small plane revolves around understanding four key forces: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Thrust, produced by the engine, propels the plane forward, overcoming drag, which is the resistance caused by air. These forces must work in harmony to maintain flight stability.

Weather 52
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How High Do Planes Fly?

WayMan

This range, also known as the stratosphere, is ideal for several reasons: Fuel Efficiency : The thinner air at high altitudes reduces drag, helping aircraft consume less fuel. Weather Avoidance : Cruising at these heights keeps planes above turbulent weather patterns and clouds, ensuring smoother flights.

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Top Ten Tips for Managing Risk

AV Web

( This story originally appeared in Aviation Safety Magazine.) “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it. The typical GA pilot is exposed to three broad areas of risk: weather, aircraft suitability, and pilot capability. Weather is a what-you-see-is -what-you-get kind of thing. if it fails.

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